08/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2024 13:21
Key takeaways:
In dogs, clopidogrel (Plavix) is a medication used to treat conditions that can lead to blood clots. It is also used to help prevent the formation of blood clots.
Side effects of clopidogrel in dogs can include stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea. More serious side effects associated with bleeding can occur.
Clopidogrel is a once-daily medication in dogs. It commonly comes in tablet form, but it can be compounded into many forms for ease of administration.
Conditions like heart disease can make dogs more likely to get blood clots, which can lead to serious issues such as lung injury, paralysis, and stroke. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a medication that helps treat or prevent blood clots in dogs.
If your dog is prescribed this medication to manage their risk for blood clots, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about clopidogrel.
Common name |
Clopidogrel (Plavix) |
What it treats |
Blood clots |
How it comes (forms) |
Tablet and a variety of compounded forms |
Common side effects |
Vomiting, bleeding |
Average cost |
In dogs, clopidogrel is used to treat or prevent blood clots.
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication in the thienopyridine class, known by the brand name Plavix. It treats blood clots in dogs by preventing platelets, blood cells involved in blood clotting, from sticking together.
Clopidogrel is commonly used in dogs who have diseases that cause excessive blood clotting. These diseases can include:
Heart disease
Immune-mediated anemia
Protein-losing enteropathy
The standard dose of clopidogrel for dogs is 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight. The dose varies based on several factors, including the condition being treated, other medications, and the health of your dog.
Clopidogrel is available as 75 mg tablets. But it can be compounded into several forms, including:
Flavored oil suspension liquid
Chew treats
Oral paste
Oral powder
Capsule
Transdermal gel
Tiny tablets
Sometimes dogs are started on a higher-dose clopidogrel and then changed to a long-term, lower maintenance dose to ensure the medication works well for your dog.
A veterinarian will prescribe the correct dosage for your dog. It is very important to follow their prescribing instructions. Overdosing this medication can lead to bleeding disorders, and underdosing will not treat the problem.
Clopidogrel typically starts working 1 to 2 hours after administration. But to make sure the medication is working well for your dog, some veterinarians will run regular tests.
In general, clopidogrel is well tolerated by most dogs and is considered very safe. The most common side effects associated with clopidogrel for dogs are:
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Soft stool
Clopidogrel is bitter, and some animals may drool after being given a tablet. You can avoid the bitter taste by having the medication compounded into a form specifically for dogs. You can also get plain gel caps and place the clopidogrel tablet inside before giving it to your dog.
Clopidogrel for dogs can be given with or without food. But if your dog experiences digestive upset when the medication is given on an empty stomach, try giving it with food.
Clopidogrel prevents blood clotting in dogs, so the most serious risk is a bleeding disorder. Signs of a bleeding disorder include:
Excessive bruising of skin or gums
Blood in stool
Vomiting blood
Black or tarry stool
Swollen abdomen
Weakness
Difficulty breathing
Nose bleeds
If you notice any of these signs while your dog is taking clopidogrel, call a veterinarian or the emergency clinic immediately for advice. This medication should not be used in dogs who are actively bleeding. Bleeding complications associated with clopidogrel should resolve in 5 to 7 days after stopping medication.
Clopidogrel should be used with caution in dogs who are pregnant or nursing. If your pet is scheduled for surgery, a veterinarian may ask you to stop giving clopidogrel 7 days before surgery.
Clopidogrel inhibits blood clotting. It should be used with caution and under direct veterinary supervision in dogs taking other medications that prevent blood clotting. This includes aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as:
Carprofen (Rimadyl)
Heparin
Warfarin
Clopidogrel should be given with caution in dogs who are receiving steroids such as prednisone. It also should not be given to a dog who is already receiving phenytoin or torsemide.
In addition, clopidogrel may interact with the following medications and should be used with caution in dogs who take:
Cimetidine
Azole antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole
Chloramphenicol
Cyclosporine
Opioids
SSRI antidepressants
Calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine or diltiazem
Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole
Rivaroxaban
Before your dog is prescribed clopidogrel, make sure you inform a veterinarian of any other medications or supplement that your dog is receiving.
If you forget to give your dog a dose of clopidogrel, then give the medication when you remember. But if it is close to the time for their next dose, then skip the missed dose and give the medication at the next regularly scheduled time.
Never give two doses at the same time or give extra doses of clopidogrel to your dog to catch up.
Clopidogrel is a medication that is commonly prescribed to dogs to treat or prevent blood clotting disorders. It works by inhibiting blood cells called platelets. It is generally well tolerated by most dogs. Clopidogrel is available in tablet form, but it can be compounded into chews or flavored liquid. It can have negative interactions with other medications, and it should always be given under veterinary supervision. Incorrect usage of clopidogrel in dogs can cause serious bleeding and other negative side effects.
Brooks, W. (2023). Clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix). Veterinary Partner.
Johnson, K., et al. (2017). Blackwell's five-minute veterinary consult: Canine and feline, 6th edition. The Canadian Veterinary Journal.
Royal Veterinary College. (n.d.). Small animal bleeding disorders. University of London.
Scansen, B. A. (2016). Clopidogrel. Plumb's Therapeutics Brief.
Thomason, J., et al. (2020). Effects of clopidogrel and prednisone on platelet function in healthy dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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