What is Denamarin?
Let’s know first, What is Denamarin? Denamarin® is a liver support drug supplement recommended by veterinarians typically prescribed for dogs and cats alike. The liver is objectively a significant part of not only human physiology, but of all living things. It is responsible for detoxifying and balancing out chemicals in the blood. Failure of the organ can manifest in ways such as nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eye (jaundice), and a general feeling of being unwell (malaise). Without prompt treatment, its repercussions have detrimental effects; these can range from infections, bleeding, deficiency of electrolytes in the body, and of course, death.
Denamarin contains a combination of Silybin and S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) which catalyzes glutathione production; moreover, the said glutathione production aids liver health and SAMe inhibits death in liver cells. Administering the drug while in the presence of food may decrease the effectiveness of the body’s absorption of SAMe.
Knowing this, animals—domesticated pets in particular—call for prompt attending. Along with the medications given by your vet, pay attention to the do’s and don’ts of drugs prescribed. Contempt to such may not only worsen your pet’s condition but may also result in its death so be careful. Now, we all know the answer to the question- What is Denamarin?
Brief Liver Physiology
The liver, in humans, is considered the largest internal organ. In animals—domesticated pets such as cats and dogs—the liver is also located near the colon; in the abdomen near the lungs.
It aids in detoxification of the blood, production of bile—a fluid produced by the liver that is then released into the digestive tract for digestion, metabolic processes, synthesizing lipids, etc. Apart from its versatility, it comes with its known ability to regenerate.
The liver also receives and stores excess glucose which can then be used during exercise and fasting. (TeachMe Physiology, n.d.)
Causes of Liver Disease in Pets
One of the critical points to consider regarding the prevention of diseases is to determine their causes. This way, we can formulate different strategies and help fight off the spur of liver disease in domesticated animals.
Here are different factors that put your pets in susceptible spots making them exposed to risks of liver disease. Take a lookout for:
- Age. Like any other living being, age tears down your immunity walls and exposes you to more infections.
- Breed. Certain breeds have been found to have more risks than other breeds. These breeds include Siamese in cats, and in dogs are Dobermans, Cocker spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, Rottweilers and more are more likely to get liver disease. (Hill’s, 2020)
- Environment. Objectively, the biggest factors in most diseases are lifestyle and environment. Your pets are occasionally resistant to environmental microbes, but this is not the case all the time. Contempt to their surroundings during walks and playtime may lead to various invaders touching your pet. Environmental risks such as
- Dirt
- Contaminated water
- Bacteria found in some crops
- Poisonous substances that your pet may have ingested
increases your pet’s risk of getting liver disease, so be mindful of your pet’s environment.
Symptoms of Liver Disease in Pets
Below are the symptoms that accompany the ailment. It is important to monitor your pet’s health; moreover, if you suspect your pet presenting these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for a proper evaluation and observation. Do not wait for it to worsen! Simply take a lookout for the following:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and/or skin)
- Lack of energy
- Increased thirst
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Behavioral changes
- Excessive urination
- Seizures
- Balance problems
And more…
Above are the known presenting manifestations associated with liver disease in your pets. As mentioned before, stay vigilant and consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect liver disease in your companion.
Side Effects of Denamarin®
Drugs and the body of living organisms are complex. Certain medications have distinct levels of side effects while others present themselves in a milder tone. To expand on that, chemotherapy drugs do cure cancer; however, in some cases, the body of the patient may not be able to handle the side effects. Simply put, drugs do not always come without their reactions in the body.
Denamarin® Dosage and Proper Administration
Your dosage may vary depending on your pet’s weight, shown in the table below is an array of weight—mostly for dogs—and the corresponding dosage. Your vet may prescribe more or less than presented below so it’s better if you consult your vet for additional queries.
| Weight (in lbs.) | Number of tablets per day |
| <6 | ¼ |
| 7 to 15 | ½ |
| 16 to 30 | 1 |
| 31 to 45 | 1 ½ |
| 46 to 60 | 2 |
| 61 to 75 | 2 ½ |
| 76 to 90 | 3 |
| 91 to 105 | 3 ½ |
| >105 | 4 |
Source: Drugs.com
For Feline Specific Dosage
| Weight (in lbs.) | Number of tablets per day |
| <12 | 1 |
| >12 | 1 b.i.d. (twice daily) |
Source: Denamarin.com
Administration
To give your pets their medication, there are a couple of things that you—as an owner—need to keep in mind. Note that your vet provides you the best method of administration as it varies from case to case. If you have more questions or queries regarding administration, contact your veterinarian. Apart from that, here is how you administer the medication.
For Dogs
Your dog should have an empty stomach. Like mentioned before, food disrupts your dog’s body’s absorption of the drug and will then instigate ineffective medication. Apart from making sure, your dog has not eaten before the administration, you are to ensure that you give your dog the medicine approximately 1 hour before the meal.
For Cats
According to Denamarin.com, studies have claimed that administering tablets as dry swallow seems to not only be ineffective but could also be dangerous for your cat as the tablets may be lodged into the esophagus. It is then advised that after the introduction of the drug cats should be given about 3-6 cubic centimeters of water to let the tablet speed through the passageways.
Conclusion
Denamarin® offers beneficial effects to both cats and dogs. It supplies them with proper nutrients essential for liver and general health. The administration should always be queried to your physician in case you’re still in doubt about drug effectiveness and your pet’s safety. However, to avoid liver diseases from developing in your pet(s), ensure a safe playground for them. Health is always important and should objectively be accessible for everyone, even your pets.
