Anipryl and Senilife

[peggy0]

Has anyone used either of these drugs? I've read that Anipryl is used for cushings disease in dogs. My abby is showing the beggining signs of dimentia. I would really prefer using the Senilife which is natural. Advise please if anyone knows of these. the Anipryl scares me.

[Patty]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

I found these links on it:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dise...rylseniors.htm
"Anipryl® is the veterinary trade name for a drug called selegiline hydrochloride, also known as L-deprenyl. It is used in humans for treatment of Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, and Cushing's Disease. The drug is approved by the FDA for use in dogs for treatment of Pituitary Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) also known as Cushing's Disease and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
This is still a relatively new drug, and results of treatment for both canine conditions, while encouraging, will still need to prove the test of time. For cognitive dysfunction, some owners have reported near-miraculous changes in their geriatric dog's behavior after starting Anipryl®, others have not seen such dramatic changes.
Possible side effects of this drug include (but aren't limited to): vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactive/restless, anorexia, staggering, seizure, lethargy. For complete product information from the manufacturer (Pfizer Animal Health) click here for a printable PDF document.
New evidence, similar to findings in humans, suggests that antioxidants in the diet may promote cognitive health and slow the process of decline."

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Con...C=31&A=556&S=0
"There is an important caveat in the use of L-Deprenyl for the treatment of Cushing’s disease. While 85% of dogs with Cushing’s disease have pituitary tumors, only about 20% of them have tumors in the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland, which is where ACTH is dependent on dopamine. This means that if a dog with pituitary Cushing’s disease is not one of this 20%, the only effect L-Deprenyl will have will be a general stimulatory effect from its metabolites (see below)."

"An additional effect of L-Deprenyl stems from an interaction with brain enzymes that destroy free radicals. By helping to rid the brain of destructive free radicals, L-Deprenyl has proven useful in treating Parkinson’s disease in humans as well as canine cognitive dysfunction (senility) in dogs. L-Deprenyl was approved in the dog first for the treatment of Cushing’s disease but has since been approved for the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction."

"Cognitive dysfunction is associated with depletion of dopamine, the neurotransmitter mentioned above. As described above, L-Deprenyl also helps prolong dopamine activity, which may account for part of its efficacy in treating cognitive dysfunction. Further, dopamine breakdown results in harmful biochemicals known as free radicals. The use of L-Deprenyl also helps reduce amounts of free radicals in the brain."

Dosing:
"A lower dose of L-Deprenyl is used in the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction. Of the 69 dogs mentioned above, approximately 76% showed improvement on L-deprenyl after one month of therapy. Some dogs improve in the first few days or weeks, some dogs do not show improvement until the second month. Often dogs would continue to improve during the first three months. If no improvement is seen after the first month, the dose is doubled for an additional one month before re-evaluating the patient for an underlying medical problem that could be causing the behavior problems."

Read through the Side Effects and Drugs Interactions on this page. You won't want to give med for incontinence or Demerol if she ever needs it with this drug. I'd also draw blood after a month to see how her liver is doing. Or maybe even add a liver support with this.

It looks like it works by increasing dopamine and reducing free radicals. If you're worried about starting it and her symptoms are mild, you could add some vitamin B, C, and E for antioxidant support. Honestly, that Oclu-glo product might be a good, hassle-free way to do this. That's essentially what it is IMO.

Let us know what you decide
Patty

[peggy0]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

Thanks patty, I was thinking the same thing about the Oclu-glo. The Senilife looks to be similiar to the oclu-glo as well. I'm going to have a complete physical before I do anything to make sure there is nothing wonky going on other than her age.

[Patty]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

I got a chance to look at the Senilife this afternoon:

http://www.senilife.com/Senilife/Senilife-R-Overview

http://www.petstruly.com/3818.html
"Properties
Neuroprotective nutraceutical for a successful brain aging. Thanks to its natural active constituents, the product is particularly suitable for optimizing pathophysiological brain aging, and for helping the recovery of the adaptive capacity in older subjects with behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders associated with aging.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an orthomolecule (ie. a substance naturally present in the body) with a phospholipid nature which constitutes one of the main "building blocks" of the cell membranes. PS not only facilitates the neuronal activities that depend on the cell membrane (i.e. release of secretory vesicles) but can also restore the correct levels of the neurotransmitters (e.g. acetylcholine and dopamine), normalize the density of neuronal receptors (e.g. muscarinic receptors and NGF receptors) and in macroscopic terms act on the typical signs of cognitive deficit, improving memory, orientation, learning and social behaviour.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) has been reported to be a coenzyme for the synthesis of different neurotransmitters (i.e. serotonin), thereby supporting PS in normalizing neurotransmitters levels and synaptic transmission.
The active components of Ginkgo biloba extract (flavonols, ginkgolides and bilobalides) protect brain cells (neurones and astrocytes) by exerting antioxidant and cerebrovascular effects. They are further involved in maintaining brain metabolism and glucose uptake.
Resveratrol - a polyphenolic compound found in grapes - has been shown to protect neurons against toxicity of free radicals and beta-amyloid peptides. In an animal model of neurodegeneration it was able to prevent spatial memory deficits. Recent evidence suggests resveratrol to be a therapeutic candidate in the management of age-related dementia.
Vitamin E, which is contained in its natural form (d-alpha-tocopherol), strengthens the antioxidant effects of Ginkgo biloba.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) -------------------> Modulating neurone membrane fluidity and restoring neurotransmission
Resveratrol -------------------> Neuronal antioxidant protection
Ginkgo biloba -------------------> Neuronal antioxidant protection
Natural vitamin E -------------------> Neuronal, cerebrovascular and antioxidant protection
Pyridoxine (Vit. B6) -------------------> Regulating neurotransmission"

I think the complete physical is a good idea. The Senilife looks worth trying. I did come across one review in Amazon.com that says you're only supposed to give it for 1 month? But the petstruly website talks about a minimum of 3 months.

"I wish the product gave more details on the use as I didn't know until I received it and read the container that you only give it for a month."
http://www.amazon.com/Ceva-Senilife-...DateDescending

Either way, I don't think I'd start with the full dose per body weight. I think I'd start slow and work up to it.
Patty

[BestBuddy]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

My Phoebe was on Anipryl for CCD. She had age related problems (no diabetes or cushings) of which her kidneys were the biggest issue.

She was 17yo at the time we started and I was beginning to seriously look at her quality of life. She was still eating, drinking and toileting on her own and seemed to be pain free but I felt I was loosing connection with her.

It may sound silly but I wasn't sure if she was happy. Anipryl was our last chance and I believe it helped. Phoebe only lived another 6 months but that time was a bonus. She seemed to be more aware of her surroundings and me and it was then only her poor little body gave up. She made it to 18yo and thst extra time was a gift.

Jenny

[peggy0]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

Thanks Patty, We have an appointment on Monday. I appreciate your help.

[peggy0]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

Thanks jenny. Abby is my sweet heart. She has always been a happy romping springer. I can tell she's confused. She has her normal moments, but she's going down hill. It just kills me. I want to help her all I can. I appreciate the info. Were there any side effects?

[BestBuddy]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

Phoebe had no side effects. She was also a happy little girl until the last few years when I noticed she was more confused and seemed to be just going through the motions without joy. I'm sure it helped give her life back some meaning and it certainly gave me my Phoebe back even if it was only for a short time. I don't know about the extended use because we only had about 6 months.

In the same situation I would use it again.

Jenny

[peggy0]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

Update on Abby. She was diagnosed with low thyroid and started meds for it. My vet was in favor using the natural senilife to see how she does on it. He said the only difference between it and the anipryl is that the FDA approved Anipry. Interesting. We'll see how she does. I've never had a dog with thyroid issues. He doesn't believe she will have any issue with the meds at all.

[Patty]

Re: Anipryl and Senilife

Oh wow Peggy. Hoping she settles into a therapeutic dose easily