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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. 🐾❤️