By Dogs Tutor 
Have you experienced the heartbreak of losing your dog shortly after they get Cerenia? But how does Cerenia kill a dog. Cerenia used to treat nausea and vomiting in dogs, but could it have dangerous side effects?
This comprehensive guide by Dogs Tutor will explore what veterinary research has uncovered so far about how does Cerenia kill a dog. We’ll look at potential side effects, known risk factors, reported fatal incidents, and what steps are being taken to better understand this troubling issue.
What is Cerenia?
Cerenia is commonly used by veterinarians in dogs for treating and preventing motion sickness during car rides, as well as managing vomiting due to other causes like gastric inflammation or after surgery.
Cerenia take effect within an hour of being given as a tablet and liquid formulation. This quick onset of action makes it effective for managing acute situations that can lead to vomiting like travel sickness.
How does Cerenia work for Dog
By blocking the vomiting impulse, Cerenia allows stomach and intestines time to rest and heal. It is frequently prescribed when dogs are experiencing cyclic vomiting from conditions like gastrointestinal inflammation.
Stopping the vomiting enables veterinary treatments for the underlying cause to take full effect. Cerenia is also given preemptively to prevent postoperative nausea in dogs recovering from surgery. This helps their comfort level and allows smooth recovery without disruptions from nausea and having to vomit.
The antinausea effects of Cerenia typically last for 8 hours, providing coverage for long car rides or full days at the clinic. As an easy oral medication, it offers convenience for owners and their dogs facing nausea-inducing situations. Its safety profile has made it a go-to treatment option prescribed by veterinarians in many veterinary practices.
How is Cerenia given to dogs and what is this dosage?
Cerenia comes in both tablet and liquid suspension formulations for dogs. Tablets are scored to allow for accurate breaking into smaller sizes as needed. Owners give tablets whole or crushed by hiding them in food or placing towards the back of the mouth.
Liquid can be squirted directly into the mouth or you can mixed with dog food. Your Veterinarian will tell you the appropriate dosage based on the individual dog weight. it Usually ranging from 0.5mg for dogs under 10 pounds, 1mg for 10-25 pound dogs, 2mg for 26-60 pound dogs, and 4mg for dogs over 60 pounds.
Cerenia is typically given 30-60 minutes before potential triggers. For cyclic vomiting issues, it may be administered after meals. Most dogs only require a single dose, as the antinausea effects last around 8 hours in most cases. However, some dogs with severe nausea may need multiple doses spaced 6-8 hours apart over 1-2 days, according to their veterinarian’s guidance.
Proper handling and storage of Cerenia tablets is also important. Owners should keep bottles at room temperature away from excess heat, moisture or sunlight. Any unused portion remaining following the dose instructions should be discarded after 2 weeks.
Dosage should never be altered without first consulting with the veterinary care team. Careful administration as prescribed can help ensure Cerenia is both safe and effective for dogs.
How does cerenia kill a dog
Cerenia is very safe when used as directed, there have been occasional reports of dogs suffering serious side effects or even sudden death after administration.
The exact mechanism is still unclear, but it appears some dogs may have an unknown underlying sensitivity or condition that interacts dangerously with Cerenia’s pharmacological effects.
Some potential issues reported include abnormal heart rhythms, changes in blood pressure, and reduced gastrointestinal motility. When these occur together in vulnerable dogs, it could lead to circulatory collapse and tragic consequences. Due to this risk, dogs with pre-existing heart or gastrointestinal conditions may not be ideal candidates for Cerenia.
Another theory is that Cerenia could potentially interact adversely with other medications a dog may be taking. When mixed with certain heart, blood pressure, or gastrointestinal drugs, it may cause an synergistic toxicity that severely compromises a dog’s system.
For this reason, owners should always ensure their veterinarians are aware of all medications, supplements or condition when Cerenia is being considered. Not every individual sensitivity or interaction can be anticipated without thorough disclosure on both sides.
Side effects of Cerenia in dogs
Like all medications, Cerenia does carry a small risk of side effects occurring in some dogs. While the majority only experience mild, temporary issues if any at all, it is important for pet owners to be aware of both the common and serious potential adverse reactions.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions to Cerenia involve an abnormal immune response and occur rarely. Signs develop quickly and can range from mild (hives) to severe (anaphylaxis). In severe cases, there may be swelling of the face/neck/mouth that compromises breathing.
Immediate epinephrine and emergency veterinary care are needed. The underlying mechanism is unknown. Risk is highest in dogs with environmental or food allergies.
Liver Toxicity
The liver enzyme changes associated with Cerenia are typically mild and reversible. They involve modest, temporary elevations of ALT and AST. However, at high overdose levels in trials, more significant hepatocellular damage was seen in some dogs. Owners should watch for jaundice (yellowing), vomiting, fatigue or abdominal pain and see their vet if these occur. liver function tests can help monitor dogs on long-term treatment.
Drug Interactions
By inhibiting CYP3A, Cerenia may cause dangerous accumulation of other drugs broken down this way. Phenobarbital, some seizure medications, oral anticoagulants and certain antibiotics are of particular concern. Always discuss all current medications with the vet before using Cerenia. They can advise about potential interactions and alternative antinausea options.
Sedation
A small number of dogs report drowsiness or lethargy after being given Cerenia. This effect seems to be more common in younger or smaller breed dogs. Signs include sleepiness, lack of energy and slow response.
Agitation
Rarely, some dogs experience over-stimulation or anxiety instead of sedation. They may become restless, hyperactive or uncharacteristically nervous. This reaction seems to correlate with individual dog temperament.
Low Blood Pressure
These serious cardiac issues thankfully remain rare. However, dogs with pre-existing heart disease/thin pedigrees may warrant alternative therapies given risk of lethal complications if intolerance occurs. Screening prior to use in vulnerable patients is invaluable for preventing adverse events.
Arrhythmias
By blocking serotonin receptors near the heart, Cerenia has potential to disrupt heartbeat rhythm in dogs with pre-existing heart conditions. Symptoms include fainting, collapsing or blueish gums/tongue. Immediate veterinary care is essential.