Levocrine Canine Thyroid Chewable Tablets

Levothyroxine Sodium

Dechra Levocrine Chewable Tablets provides thyroid replacement therapy for all conditions of inadequate production of thyroid hormones in dogs.

Levothyroxine sodium acts, as does endogenous thyroxine, to stimulate metabolism, growth, development and differentiation of tissues. It increases the rate of energy exchange and increases the maturation rate of the epiphyses. Levothyroxine sodium is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Following absorption, the compound becomes bound to the serum alpha globulin fraction.

Levocrine Chewable Tablets make it easier to administer the daily dose to dogs. Administer tablets free choice to the dog or crumble over the dog's food.

• Effective therapy with consistent clinical results
• An affordable alternative to conventional tablets for managing canine hypothyroidism
• Very palatable, small chewable, scored tablets
• Hydrolyzed soy based flavoring for dogs with food sensitivities or intolerances - Safe for Food Allergy Dogs
• Color-coded bottle labels in nine strengths for convenient dispensing and dosing flexibility

Hypothyroidism is the generalized metabolic disease resulting from deficiency of the thyroid hormones levothyroxine (T 4) and liothyronine (T3). Each tablet, Pala-Tech Canine Thyroid Chewable Tablets (Levothyroxine Sodium, USP), will provide levothyroxine (T 4) as a substrate for the physiologic deiodination to liothyronine (T 3). Administration of levothyroxine sodium alone will result in complete physiologic thyroid replacement.

Canine hypothyroidism is usually primary, i.e. due to the atrophy of the thyroid gland. In the majority of cases the atrophy is associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis and in the remainder it is non-inflammatory and as of yet unknown etiology. Less than 10 percent of cases of hypothyroidism are secondary, i.e. due to deficiency of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH deficiency may occur as a component of congenital hypopituitarism or as an acquired disorder in adult dogs, in which case it is invariably due to the growth of a pituitary tumor.

Canine Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism usually occurs in middle-aged and older dogs although the condition will sometimes be seen in younger dogs of the larger breeds. Neutered animals of either sex are also frequently affected, regardless of age. The following are clinical signs of hypothyroidism in dogs:

• Systemic:
  • Lethargy, lack of endurance, increased sleeping
  • Reduced interest, alertness and excitability
  • Slow Heart rate, weak apex heartbeat and pulse, low voltage on ECG
  • Preference for warmth, low body temperature, cool skin
  • Increased body weight
• Musculoskeletal:
  • Still and slow movements, dragging of the front feet
  • Head tilt, disturbed balance, unilateral facial paralysis
• Dermatological:
  • Atrophy of the epidermis, thickening of the dermis
  • Surface and follicular hyperkeratosis, pigmentation (skin discolorization)
  • Puffy face, blepharoptosis, tragic expression
  • Dry, coarse, sparse haircoat, slow regrowth after clipping, brittle haircoat
  • Retarded turnover of hair (carpet coat of boxers)
  • Dry, flaky skin
  • Excessive shedding; bald spots
  • Infections, particularly of the skin and ears
  • Excessive grooming
• Reproductive:
  Shortening of absence of estrus, lack of libido
• Gastrointestinal:
  Dry feces; occasional diarrhea
• Clinical Pathological:
  • Hypercholesterolemia
  • Normochromic, normocytic anemia
  • Elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase

Dosage: The usual dose in dogs is 0.1mg/10 pounds of body weight. Levocrine Chewable Tablets may be administered orally in placed in food. The dose is maintained by periodic blood tests to determine the T4 level. Animals with hypothyroidism are usually treated with Levothyroxine for life.

If given at the proper dose as determined by blood tests there should be no side effects. Overdose will result in the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis which may include increased thirst, urination and hunger, hyperactivity, personality change, and reduced heat tolerance.

Precautions:
This medication should not be used in animals allergic to it. Do not use in animals with untreated adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), use with caution in animals with high blood pressure. Use with caution when given with warfarin, theophylline, digoxin, phenytoin and barbiturates. Give 1 hour before or 4 hours after vitamin/mineral combinations containing iron or calcium. Always tell your veterinarian and pharmacist what other medications your pet is taking. There can be differences in the action of Levothyroxine when changing brands. As a result, it may be necessary to retest T4 levels when switching brands.

Contraindications:
Levothyroxine is contraindicated in thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction and uncorrected adrenal insufficiency. Use in pregnant bitches has not been evaluated.

In the event of an overdose:
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room. Symptoms of overdose (thyrotoxicosis) may include increased thirst, urination and hunger, hyperactivity, personality change, and reduced heat tolerance.

Storage:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed. Store tablets at room temperature, away from excess heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian

Keep out of reach of children and pets. Packaged with childproof safety cap on bottle.

How Supplied: Dosage strengths 0.1 mg to 1.0 mg. Package sizes 180 and 1000 chewable tablets. Packaged with childproof safety cap on bottle.
Dechra Veterinary Products

Rx Medication Sold Only To Licensed Veterinarians & Pharmacies. Current License Must Be On File Prior To Shipping.