Help! Need info on "Ammonil"

[Kyoko]

I am looking for any info, that anyone may have...

My Old Chow ( Just turned 16) had UTI over 2 weeks ago, and was put on anitbiotics. Since then, his attitude, appetite, everything had improved, he was much happier and active, eating well.

I took the urine sample back to the vet on Thursday, and the vet was happy to see his improvement but he decided to keep him on the antibiotic for a little longer. Also he added the medication called "Ammonil" to acidify his urine so that he will not form crystal(?) in his urine.

I added this Ammonil, Thursday night, Friday morning, and he was totally fine, good appetite and activities. Well, when I came home from work yesterday, after he had gone outside, I noticed that he was not as active. Then, He did not eat his dinner at all, and laid down all night really sick looking.

Same as this morning. He does not seem to be able to get up. His hind legs give. Really sick looking.

I assisted him and went outside, he seems to enjoy that a little, but could not stand for a long time.

I hand fed his food and he ate that. But again, he is just laying there......

I don't know what happened. He was doing soooo well!!

Only thing I can think of is adding this "Ammonil".

 

We have an apponitment in about 2 hours with different vet, ( Our vet is closed for the weekend) but any information that anyone has in regard to this Ammonil, will be appreciated.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Sorry, I have no insight, but I think you're doing the right thing getting him to the Vet this morning.  Here's hoping it's maybe just a little side effect from the new med...please let us know.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Im so sorry to hear about Butter's not feeling well. I do not know anything specific about Ammonil but I have had older dogs in the past that had problems taking certain drugs. They would get very weak and fall down, etc. I think maybe their livers or kidneys are too weak to process the drugs out of their systems efficiently.  If it were me I would discontinue the Ammonil and discuss it with the vet which is what it sounds like you are planning to do. With my dogs, once we stopped giving them the drug they returned to normal. I hope this is the case for Butter too. Please keep us posted on his situation!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Kyoko, here is a link I found for the drug label for Ammonil.  I hope it helps

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Rx_Info_Sheets/rx_methionine.pdf

[Kyoko]

Thank you, Nina.

This side effects and over dose description fits his condition. Even thought the vet said she has not seen that, But gut feeling tells me this is the cause!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I did look up Ammonil. There are cautions against using it in dogs with liver or kidney problems. It also can cause acidosis , which can be very serious. Taking Butter to the vet is absolutley a good idea.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's the amino acid methionine. As F said, it should not be used in animals with any history of renal failure, or pancreatic or liver disease. I hope the vet can give you an answer and help Butter feel better. Will be keeping paws & fingers crossed and watching for an update.

[Ellen aka BeauBeau's Mom]

isn't there a 24 hour veterinary hospital in your area?  If this were my pet, I would be seeking medical attention IMMEDIATELY.  Doesn't your vet at least have someone answering the phone while they are closed?  Please don't wait til Monday!

[Kyoko]

Hello all....

I just got back from the vet. They did the blood work on him again, which I don't know the result of as of yet.

They also gave him a prednisone shot and oral med, thinking that may be his arthritis since he is limping and now cannot get up to walk suddenly. She said that she never had any dogs with bad side effects on Ammonil, but since Butter is so old, is it possible. She also said that Chow Chows are very stubborn and would not let anyone know if there are something bothering him or painful to him, so it is difficult to detect things.

We were there from 10:30 am, til just now, 2 pm, mostly waiting in the exam room. During the wait, he picked his head up and looked around, also got up and tried to walk out, growled at two labs that were in the waiting area, etc... So, I was a little happy to see his spirit up. ( Now that growling is good, but you know what I mean.) He drank some water, there, too.

 

So, at the end, I still don't know what is wrong with him. But, once in a car to go home, he climbed up to the seat.( Ususally, it is hard for him to do, so he normally lays at the feet of the back seat.) And walked from my driveway all the way to the house. And ate some turkey I had. So, my unprofessional conclusion is that, He had severe side effects on that "Ammonil", and by now, it has been over 19 hours since the last dose was given, and it's side effects is wearing out.

I will find out about the result of the blood work this afternoon, so, that will be good in case if there are anything else going on. But, I am discontinuing the Ammonil and speak with his regular vet on Monday....

I really appriciate all of your responce... I am so glad that I have DK and all of you that I can come to... You all are great support to me. I cried driving to the vet, thinking about the possiblity of him not making through....

 

 I will let you know  of the out come of the blood work.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for the update! Wow! You had a long morning at the vets!! I am so glad that Butter is home and that you are seeing some improvement in his condition. Please continue to update us as you get news!! Paws and fingers crossed that it is all GOOD!!

[Kyoko]

Thank you, Ricki..... I truly appriciate your support.... He is much responsive now, where he really wasn't last night and this morning... I am so haapy to see him eat and pick his head up with some spirit in his eyes when I call him....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm hoping this is good news, and that discontinuing the Ammonil is going to alleviate the problem.  Keep us posted....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Ditto to what Jane said. Feel better, Butter!