Nandrolone Decanoate
Also known as: Deca-Durabolin
- **Controlled Substance:** Because of the potential for abuse of anabolic steroids by humans, this agent is a **controlled (C-III) drug**. It must be kept in a secure area and strictly out of the reach of children. - **Behavioral Changes:** Watch your pet for any signs of increased aggression or other behavioral changes, which can be a side effect of steroid hormones. - **Physical Monitoring:** Monitor your pet for signs of fluid retention (swelling) or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/gums), which could indicate liver stress. - **Follow-up:** Regular veterinary visits and blood tests are required to monitor your pet's red blood cell count and liver function while on this medication.
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
- FeLV-induced anemia or as a general bone marrow stimulant
- Chronic anemia secondary to feline cardiomyopathy
- Adjunctive treatment of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis
- Disuse muscle atrophy secondary to immobilization
- Treatment of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure
- Treatment of anemia in patients with chronic renal failure
- Treatment of metabolic and endocrine anemias
- Aplastic anemia
- Appetite stimulant
- To reduce protein catabolism in renal disease of lizard species
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sodium, calcium, potassium, water, chloride, and phosphate retention
- Hepatotoxicity
- Behavioral changes (androgenic effects, e.g., increased aggression)
- Reproductive abnormalities (oligospermia, estrus suppression)
- Masculinization of female fetuses (teratogenic)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Hypercalcemia
- History of myocardial infarction
- Pituitary insufficiency
- Prostate carcinoma
- Mammary carcinoma
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
- Nephrotic stage of nephritis
- Pregnancy (FDA Category X - known teratogen)
- > **Pregnancy Warning:** FDA Category X. Anabolic steroids can cause masculinization of the fetus. The risk of use in pregnant animals clearly outweighs any possible benefit. * **Nursing Mothers:** It is unknown if anabolic steroids are excreted in maternal milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing offspring, a decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug. * **Laboratory Alterations:** Can decrease protein-bound iodine (PBI), thyroxine-binding globulin, and total T4 concentrations while increasing resin uptake of T3 and T4 (free thyroid hormones remain unaltered). Can decrease creatinine and creatine excretion, increase 17-ketosteroid excretion, alter blood glucose, suppress clotting factors (II, V, VII, X), and elevate liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin).
Drug interactions
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Anabolic agents may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants; monitoring of INR and dosage adjustment of the anticoagulant are recommended.
- Corticosteroids, ACTH: Anabolics may enhance the edema that can be associated with ACTH or adrenal steroid therapy.
- Insulin: Anabolics may decrease blood glucose and decrease insulin requirements; diabetic patients may need dosage adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nandrolone Decanoate used for in pets?
- **Controlled Substance:** Because of the potential for abuse of anabolic steroids by humans, this agent is a **controlled (C-III) drug**. It must be kept in a secure area and strictly out of the reach of children. - **Behavioral Changes:** Watch your pet for any signs of increased aggression or other behavioral changes, which can be a side effect of steroid hormones. - **Physical Monitoring:** Monitor your pet for signs of fluid retention (swelling) or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes/gums), which could indicate liver stress. - **Follow-up:** Regular veterinary visits and blood tests are required to monitor your pet's red blood cell count and liver function while on this medication.
Is Nandrolone Decanoate 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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