Ursodiol for Dogs and Cats

PetMD’s medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldn’t take the place of advice by your vet.

What Is Ursodiol for Dogs and Cats?

Ursodiol is a prescription medication used to treat certain liver and gallbladder diseases in dogs and cats.

Veterinarians may prescribe ursodiol to manage conditions including:

• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)

• Inflammation of the bile duct, gallbladder, and liver (cholangiohepatitis)

• Inflammation and scarring of the liver (hepatitis)

• Certain types of small gallstones (cholelithiasis)

Ursodiol also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and liver protectant properties.

Ursodiol is FDA-approved for human use as a generic medication, and under the brand names Reltone® and URSO® Forte.

Ursodiol is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication. However, it is widely used in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs for animals under specific circumstances. This practice is known as extra-label or off-label use because it involves using the drug in a manner not described on the label.

In certain circumstances, your veterinarian may recommend a compounded formulation of ursodiol. Compounded medications are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patient’s particular needs. You can learn more about compounded medications here.

Ursodiol Considerations for Dogs and Cats

Ursodiol should be used with caution in pets with complications associated with gallstones, such as an obstructed bile duct or pancreatitis.

Giving ursodiol with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pet’s medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.

How Ursodiol Works in Dogs and Cats

Ursodiol works by helping bile (digestive fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder) flow easier throughout the gallbladder and liver, preventing bile from becoming too thick (gallbladder sludge), turning into stones, or building up to harmful levels.

Ursodiol Directions for Dogs and Cats

Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian. Ursodiol is best absorbed with food. Giving with food may also help mask its bitter taste. Ursodiol is typically given once or twice a day depending on the species and for what purpose the medication has been prescribed.

Missed a Dose?

Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of ursodiol. Generally, they may advise you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. In most cases, do not give extra or double doses.

Possible Side Effects of Ursodiol in Dogs and Cats

There is limited information on side effects in pets, but overall ursodiol appears to be well tolerated. Side effects may include:

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal discomfort

• Nausea

Human Side Effects

Ursodiol is also a prescription medication for humans, frequently with dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a human’s use.

 If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.

Monitoring

Specific monitoring or routine testing while your pet is on this medication may be recommended by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s individual needs, other medications they may be on, and/or the issue that initially caused your pet to be placed on this medication.

Call Your Vet If:

• Severe side effects are seen (see above)

• Your pet’s condition worsens or does not improve with treatment

• You see or suspect an overdose

• You have additional questions or concerns about the use of ursodiol

Ursodiol Overdose Information in Dogs and Cats

Symptoms of an overdose of ursodiol may include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.

Pet Poison Helpline® 855-764-7661

ASPCA® Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

Ursodiol Storage for Dogs and Cats

Generally, most commercially available ursodiol products should be stored at controlled room temperatures between 68–77 F or 22–28 C. Always confirm storage temperatures by reading the label. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture and light.

Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacy’s label.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.