Bethanechol

• Bethanechol is a synthetic cholinergic, or hormone mimic, that affects cholinergic receptors. When taken orally, the primary effect of bethanechol addresses muscular contractions of the dog's urinary bladder and gastrointestinal tract. It increases the tone and contract-ability of the detrusor muscle of the bladder and decreases the strength of the esophageal sphincter. Bethanechol also induces accelerated gastric and pancreatic discharge.
  
  

Use

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not registered bethanechol among the approved drugs for animals, but veterinarians have been using it with success since the late 1990s. Veterinarians use bethanechol on dogs that are having difficulty urinating. Once your veterinarian rules out common ailments, such as kidney or bladder stones and a urinary tract infection, he may use bethanechol to stimulate your dog's normal urinary function.
  
  

Precautions

• Bethanechol should not be used on dogs with hypersensitivity. Your dog should be tested prior to taking bethanechol to eliminate the potential for adverse effects or an inherent allergy to the medicine. Your veterinarian should test your dog for bladder outflow obstruction because this drug should not be used in such cases. You also should not use bethanechol on a dog that has recently had bladder or intestinal surgery.
  
  Bethanechol should be avoided in dogs with hyperthyroidism or any related intestinal disorders. In addition, you should not use this drug on dogs with gastric ulcers, inflamed intestines or stomach disorders. Bethanechol should be used with caution in dogs with epilepsy, asthma or low blood pressure.
  
  

Side Effects

• Bethanechol can cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upset and loss of appetite. If these symptoms are excessive or last for more than 24 hours, you should inform your veterinarian. An abundance of drooling or tearing, not common for your dog, is a potential negative side effect and your veterinarian should be contacted.
  
  You should also be sure to tell your veterinarian what other medications your dog is on to avoid possible drug interactions. Once your dog improves, you typically will need to continue to administer the prescribed dose to prevent potential relapse.