Proin for Dogs
An Effective Treatment for Canine Urinary Incontinence
Canine urinary incontinence is caused by the inability of the urethral sphincter to close completely, which results in urine leaking out of the bladder.
Urinary incontinence in dogs can occur in both males and females but it is most common in spayed females, particularly those that were spayed at a young age. Obesity has also been implicated as a contributing factor.
A dog with urinary incontinence can suffer from skin infections, urine scalding and inflammation around the vulvar area. An unpleasant odor is often present because of the constant presence of urine.
Proin - An Effective Treatment for Canine Urinary Incontinence
Proin (also known as phenylpropanolamine, PPA, or Propalin) is part of a class of drugs known as alpha agonists. It has proven to be very effective in controlling the symptoms of urinary incontinence in the dog.
Proin is available in a tablet or liquid formulation. Tablets are known as Proin 25, Proin 50 and Proin 75, indicating the milligram (mg) strength of the tablet. For instance, Proin 50 is Proin 50 mg, containing 50 milligrams of the active ingredient, known as phenylpropanolamine or PPA).
A prescription is required to obtain Proin, so your dog will need to be examined by your veterinarian. Other causes of urinary incontinence, such as kidney or bladder infection, will need to be ruled out before beginning a course of Proin.
What to Expect when Your Dog is Taking Proin
Proin will likely need to be given two to three times daily. All of the formulations - Proin 25 mg, Proin 50 mg, Proin 75 mg and Proin liquid - are flavored to make administration easy and convenient.
It may require several days of Proin before improvement in the symptoms of urinary incontinence begin to be noticed.
Once your dog's condition is stabilized, it may be possible to decrease the dosage of the Proin. The condition is usually controllable with Proin, but it is not usually curable. Proin will likely need to be continued for your dog's lifetime.
Your dog can live a long, normal life with urinary incontinence while receiving Proin, but will need regular examinations by your veterinarian to monitor response to therapy and evaluate your dog's general health and well-being.
If your dog has an incomplete response to Proin, your veterinarian may also recommend concurrent administration of diethylstilbesterol (DES). This is a hormone which can also help control urinary incontinence.
Side Effects Associated with Proin
Side effects associated with Proin can include a rapid heart rate, elevation in blood pressure and restlessness. You may also notice a change in your dog's appetite.
Proin should not be given concurrently with L-Deprenyl (Anipryl). Proin should be used with caution in conjunction with tricyclic antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and amitraz.
Proin should also not be used in patients with heart disease, elevated blood pressure, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus.
Proin should be stored in a light resistant bottle so that it does not lose its potency.
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