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Vet Guide to Entyce & Elura in 2025: Safe Appetite Stimulation for Dogs and Cats 🐾

  • 113 days ago
  • 8 min read

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Vet Guide to Entyce® & Elura® in 2025: Capromorelin Appetite Stimulation for Dogs & Cats 🐾

Vet Guide to Entyce® & Elura® in 2025 🐾

Hello, I’m **Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc**, founder of Ask A Vet. This in-depth 2025 guide helps you understand **Entyce®** (for dogs) and **Elura®** (for cats), both FDA-approved oral solutions that stimulate appetite via **capromorelin**, a ghrelin-receptor agonist. You’ll find everything you need—mechanism, dosing, side-effects, safety advice, and real-world tips. 💊🐶🐱

📘 What Is Capromorelin?

Capromorelin is a **ghrelin-receptor agonist** that mimics the hunger hormone, signaling the brain to increase appetite and promoting growth hormone release :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

✅ Approved Uses

  • Entyce® (dogs): FDA-approved since May 2016 to stimulate appetite in dogs with inappetence :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
  • Elura® (cats): Approved in October 2020 to help manage weight loss in cats with chronic kidney disease :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

📐 Dosing & Administration

  • Entyce® (dogs): 3 mg/kg (1.4 mg/lb) once daily as a flavored 30 mg/mL oral solution, using the provided syringe :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Elura® (cats): Once-daily dose via 20 mg/mL solution, dosing weight-based per vet instructions :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Shake well and administer orally; offer food 30 minutes after for cats :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Missed dose? Give as soon as possible unless it's almost time for next dose—never double dose :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

⏱ Onset & Duration

Pets may begin eating within 1–2 hours, with owners typically noticing significant increase by Day 4 :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

⚠️ Common Side Effects

  • GI upset: vomiting, diarrhea, gassiness, nausea :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
  • Increased thirst and urination, drooling, belly pain, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
  • Cats: appetite loss, behavior changes, anemia, dehydration (Elura®) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
  • Rare: swollen paws, liver enzyme changes—needs monitoring during long-term use in dogs :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🚫 Contraindications & Precautions

  • Avoid in pets with hypersensitivity to capromorelin; cats with acromegaly should not receive Elura® :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
  • Use caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, especially when using Entyce® in dogs :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
  • Not evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating animals :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🔗 Drug Interactions

Watch for interactions with amiodarone, diltiazem, cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, rifampin, phenobarbital, and itraconazole—inform your vet about all medications :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

🩺 Monitoring & Follow‑Up

  • Track daily appetite and body weight changes.
  • Cats: monitor hydration, GI symptoms, energy levels :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
  • Dogs on prolonged treatments: consider periodic lab checks for liver/kidney function :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

🌍 Real‑World Insights

In a 171-dog study, ~70% of Entyce®-treated dogs showed increased appetite by Day 4 vs 45% for controls—well tolerated over 4 consecutive days :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

❓ FAQ

Can my cat take Entyce®?

No—Entyce® is only approved for dogs. Cats should receive Elura® :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

What if my pet vomits after dosing?

If within 15 minutes, re-dose once. Otherwise, continue next scheduled dose :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

How long can I safely use these?

Entyce® studied up to 12 months in healthy dogs; Elura® safe for chronic CKD cases. Vet may recommend periodic lab monitoring :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

Will it cause weight gain without food intake?

No—capromorelin only stimulates appetite; nutrition must be provided via adequate food intake.

📌 Final Takeaways

  • Entyce® (dogs) and Elura® (cats) use capromorelin to safely stimulate appetite.
  • Dosing: daily oral liquid (Entyce® 3 mg/kg; Elura® weight-based), deliciously flavored, with visible results within days.
  • Side-effects are mainly GI and mild; serious reactions uncommon but warrant vet attention.
  • Not for hypersensitive or acromegalic cats, or pregnant/lactating pets; monitor hydration, liver/kidney labs as needed.
  • Ideal for use in chronic conditions, improving nutrition & quality of life in 2025 and beyond.

Considering Entyce® or Elura® for your pet? Download the Ask A Vet app for dosing tracking, reminder alerts, side-effect monitoring, and 24/7 veterinary support—ensuring your pet eats well and thrives in 2025. 🐾❤️

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Quality Tested & Trusted