Acetohydroxamic Acid
Also known as: Lithostat, Uronefrex
**Acetohydroxamic acid** is used to help dissolve stubborn bladder stones and treat specific urinary tract infections in dogs. * **Give exactly as prescribed** and do not give to pregnant animals or cats. * > **Important**: This medication has a high risk of side effects. * **Watch for and report immediately**: Persistent or severe vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in urine color (dark or bloody), yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice), or extreme tiredness/decreased energy.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Adjunctive therapy of persistent struvite uroliths and persistent urease-producing bacteria after treating with antibiotics and calculolytic diets
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Mouth and esophageal ulcers
- Hemolytic anemia
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Bilirubinuria
- CNS disturbances (anxiety, depression, tremulousness)
- Reticulocytosis
- Bone marrow depression
- Phlebitis
- Skin rashes and alopecia
Cautions & contraindications
- Cats (highly toxic)
- Patients with poor renal function (e.g., serum creatinine >2.5 mg/dL)
- Pregnancy (FDA Category X - severe teratogenic effects)
- > **WARNING**: Do NOT use in cats; AHA is highly toxic to felines. * **Renal Impairment**: Contraindicated in patients with poor renal function (serum creatinine > 2.5 mg/dL). * **Pregnancy**: Contraindicated during pregnancy (FDA Category X). In pregnant beagles, doses of 25 mg/kg/day caused cardiac, coccygeal, and abdominal wall abnormalities in puppies. Higher doses caused leg deformities and significant encephalopathologies. * **Adverse Effects**: High incidence of adverse effects limits its clinical usefulness. Close monitoring is required.
Drug interactions
- Iron salts: AHA may chelate iron salts in the gut if given concomitantly, reducing absorption.
- Methenamine: AHA may have a synergistic effect with methenamine in inhibiting urine pH increases caused by urease-producing Proteus spp., and may potentiate antibacterial effects.
- Alcohol: In humans, concurrent use of AHA with alcohol has resulted in skin rashes.
Frequently asked questions
What is Acetohydroxamic Acid used for in pets?
**Acetohydroxamic acid** is used to help dissolve stubborn bladder stones and treat specific urinary tract infections in dogs. * **Give exactly as prescribed** and do not give to pregnant animals or cats. * > **Important**: This medication has a high risk of side effects. * **Watch for and report immediately**: Persistent or severe vomiting, loss of appetite, changes in urine color (dark or bloody), yellowing of the whites of the eyes (jaundice), or extreme tiredness/decreased energy.
Is Acetohydroxamic Acid safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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