Vitamin E (Alpha tocopheryl acetate)

Vitamin E (Alpha tocopheryl acetate) In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Lipid-soluble antioxidant also regulates gene expression and is involved in the cellular metabolism of sulphur compounds.

Uses of Vitamin E (Alpha tocopheryl acetate)

• Patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and other severe malabsorptive diseases may be at risk of developing deficiency.
• Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant in dogs with liver disease, especially in patients with copper storage disease and copper-associated hepatopathy.
• Its use has been suggested for numerous conditions, including discoid lupus, demodicosis and hepatic diseases including fibrosis.

Dose of Vitamin E (Alpha tocopheryl acetate) in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 1.6–8.3 mg/kg p.o. q24h for the first 30 days, then as needed.
• An alternative dose is 100–400 IU/dog.

Cats:

• 1.6–8.3 mg/kg p.o. for the first 30 days, then as needed.
• An alternative dose is 30 IU/cat.

Side Effects of Vitamin E (Alpha tocopheryl acetate) in Dogs and Cats

• Thrombosis.
• Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported.

Contraindications of Vitamin E (Alpha tocopheryl acetate) in Dogs and Cats

• Do not use in patients at high risk for thrombosis.
• Do not use it in neonates.

Some Notes:

• Vitamin E may enhance vitamin A absorption, utilization and storage.
• Vitamin E may alter cyclosporin pharmacokinetics and, if used concurrently, ciclosporin therapy should be monitored by checking levels.
• Vitamin E supplementation is very rarely required in small animals.
• Avoid using Formulations: of vitamins A, D3 and E that are authorized for farm animals as they are too concentrated for small animal use.