Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA)

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Ursodeoxycholic acid is a hydrophilic bile acid known for its cytoprotective effects in the biliary system.
• It works by inhibiting the ileal absorption of hydrophobic bile acids, thereby decreasing their concentration in the body pool.
• Hydrophobic bile acids can be toxic to hepatobiliary cell membranes and may worsen cholestasis.
• Ursodeoxycholic acid also possesses immunomodulatory properties and may influence the apoptosis of hepatocytes.

Uses of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)

• Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) serves as adjunctive therapy for patients with liver disease, especially those with cholestasis.
• In normal healthy dogs, the administration of UDCA does not affect the bile acid stimulation test.
• However, in healthy cats, both pre-and postprandial bile acids show a slight but significant increase after UDCA administration.

Dose of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 10–15 mg/kg p.o. q24h or divided daily.

Side Effects of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in Dogs and Cats

• Ursofalk suspension contains xylitol as an excipient, so caution is advised when administering it to dogs and cats.
• While safety hasn’t been confirmed in dogs or cats, adverse effects seem to be uncommon.
• In human patients, diarrhoea is the most commonly reported side effect.
• Some human patients cannot sulfate lithocholic acid, a natural metabolite of UDCA, which is a known hepatotoxin. However, the veterinary implications of this are uncertain.

Contraindications of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in Dogs and Cats

• Occlusion of the biliary tract.

Some Notes:

• Aluminium-containing antacids may bind to UDCA, thereby reducing its efficacy.
• UDCA can increase the absorption of ciclosporin leading to raised serum levels.