Description

• Anipryl is a prescription veterinary medication that was originally used for cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs. It has been found to also be effective in Cushing's disease. Anipryl is in the class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) due to its active ingredient, selegiline hydrochloride.
  
  

Anipryl Description

• Anipryl works on brain chemicals instead of directly affecting the adrenal glands. The Kate Konnick library website reports that clinical trials of Anipryl were indicative of very successful responses in dogs with Cushing's disease. Even so, since it is newer, less known and expensive, many vets still do not consider this a viable treatment. It also takes from one to three months to see the results of this medication.
  
  

Benefits

• DogPro.com reports that the flip side of the negative aspects of Anipryl is that it is safe and does not cause Addison's disease (a common problem with other Cushing's disease medications). It has very few side effects compared to the other medications, since it is not a chemotherapeutic drug. It is also fully approved in the United States for treating Cushing's disease in dogs. Due to this profile, it is a good place to start when treating an animal diagnosed with this illness.
  
  

Side Effects

• Though the side effects are few with Anipryl, occasionally some have been reported. These include increased thirst or urination, lack of appetite, agitation and gastrointestinal distress. If these persist past the beginning dosing phase, contact your veterinarian.
  
  

Dosage

• According to PetCareRx.com, it is best to give a dog the oral dose (in tablet form) in the morning. The normal dosage will be 1.0 mg/kg. Remember that treatment response will be gradual and slow. If there is no significant change after two months on Anipryl, the veterinarian will probably increase the prescribed dose.