Roncoleukin for dogs

Roncoleukin is an effective new-generation immunostimulant. Its main advantage is its broad spectrum of application. In combination with other medications, the drug is used in dogs to treat a variety of conditions, from viral infections to cancer.

Features and operating principle

A drug with immunostimulatory properties was developed by a Russian company. It has become an excellent alternative to foreign analogues. High efficacy, a wide range of applications, and an affordable price are the main advantages of this medication.

The active ingredient in the medication is recombinant human interleukin-2, derived from yeast. This substance is a protein involved in the production of immune cells. The medication stimulates the synthesis of T-lymphocytes, thereby activating the immune system.

When using the medication, immunity is enhanced. Individual pathways of the immune system are activated, increasing the body's ability to resist various factors. The production of natural antibodies prevents the spread of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, and also suppresses the growth of cancer cells.

Roncoleukin is available as an injection solution. It is packaged in ampoules and glass vials. Each ml of liquid may contain varying concentrations of the active ingredient. It is designated as IU (International Units) and indicates the number of units of the active ingredient. The composition also includes other components that have no active effect on the body:

• dithiothreitol;
• water for injection;
• ammonium carbonate;
• sodium dodecyl sulfate;
• D-mannitol.

It is a clear, colorless liquid. A light yellow tint may be present.

Price

The price of one ampoule (1 ml) of Roncoleukin depends on the content of the active substance:

• 50,000 IU – 240-270 rubles;
• 100,000 IU – 300-3300 rubles;
• 250,000 IU – 370-420 rubles;
• 500,000 IU – 670-720 rubles;
• 2,000,000 IU – 1,700-1,800 rubles.

Please note that there are 3 ampoules in a cardboard package, which means the cost will be three times higher.

When is it prescribed?

According to the instructions, Roncoleukin for dogs is used in combination therapy for the following pathologies:

• for viral infections (plague, viral enteritis, leptospirosis);
• in pathologies of bacterial origin (rhinitis, purulent wounds, otitis, bronchitis);
• for fungal diseases (lichen, microsporia);
• at cancerous tumors, localized in different places.

The list of conditions for which Roncoleukin is used in combination with other medications is long. The drug is also prescribed for:

• to improve immunity and prevent the development of viral, fungal and purulent-inflammatory pathologies;
• to eliminate the consequences of stressful situations;
• to accelerate regeneration in case of burns, fractures or other injuries;
• to enhance the effect of the vaccine and avoid possible consequences;
• to prevent postoperative complications and speed up recovery.

The medication is also indicated for older pets whose immune system is severely weakened.

Important! Although the drug is widely used in veterinary medicine due to its high effectiveness, it should not be used without consulting a doctor.

Dosage

The instructions for use state that the Roncoleukin dosage for dogs is calculated based on the animal's weight and the underlying condition. If the drug is used for treatment, the following dosages should be followed:

1. For diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, 10,000-15,000 IU per kg of body weight is required. Depending on the pet's condition, 2-5 injections are administered at intervals of 1-2 days.
2. For cancerous tumors, 5 injections are administered. The dose is calculated at 15,000-20,000 IU per 1 kg of body weight. The courses are repeated monthly.

When used for preventive purposes, adhere to the following regimens:

1. To enhance the vaccine's effectiveness, a subcutaneous injection is administered simultaneously with the vaccination or 24 hours beforehand. 5,000 IU per 1 kg of body weight is required.
2. To stimulate the immune system to prevent fungal or infectious diseases, the dosage is calculated using the same schedule. One or two injections are administered 48 hours apart.
3. To avoid surgical complications, the solution is administered before or immediately after surgery. If necessary, the injection is repeated after 2 days. The dose is 5000 IU/kg.
4. If the medication is used to prevent the effects of stress, which may occur during transportation, participation in an exhibition, or a visit to a clinic, the injection is given 48 hours before at a rate of 5000 IU per kilogram of body weight, 2 days before exposure to the stress factor.
5. To restore immunity in elderly or weakened animals, the dose is calculated based on 10,000 IU per 1 kg of body weight. Two injections are administered, with a 48-hour interval between injections. Repeat injections are administered after 3-6 months.

Although the instructions contain precise instructions on how to calculate the dose, this should be done by a doctor.

Methods of application

One of the advantages of Roncoleukin is that it can be given to dogs in a variety of ways:

• Subcutaneous injections. Add 1.5-2 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution to the medication in the vial or ampoule. Water for injection can be used instead of sodium chloride. The injection should be administered in the neck area.
• Intravenous administration. As with the previous method, the medication is diluted with sodium chloride solution and then administered through an IV. This method is usually used for severely ill and weakened animals.
• Oral route. The liquid from the ampoule or vial is diluted with 10 ml of sodium chloride and then administered to the animal.

Less commonly, the medication is used externally. It is applied to purulent wounds and areas of inflammation. It can also be administered as nasal drops or inserted into the bladder through a catheter for cystitis and other bladder conditions. In each of these cases, the medicinal solution is diluted with sodium chloride.

Do not shake the ampoule vigorously, as this will cause the medication to foam. The immunostimulant can be used in combination with antibiotics, vitamin complexes, antivirals, and other medications. The only exception is corticosteroids. These should only be used in combination with Roncoleukin under a physician's supervision.

Please note! It is not recommended to administer this medication together with glucose, as it significantly reduces its effectiveness.

Contraindications and side effects

The use of Roncoleukin for dogs is impossible in the following cases:

• in case of intolerance to the components of the drug;
• in case of heart failure and heart rhythm disturbances;
• during pregnancy.

In case of chronic kidney and liver diseases, the use of the medication is possible only after consultation with a veterinarian.

Overdosage may cause side effects, including fever, chills, and irregular heartbeat. Depending on the pet's condition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analeptics may be used to relieve symptoms.

At the injection site, the following may sometimes occur:

• seals;
• redness;
• soreness.

Usually the body's reaction goes away on its own within 1-2 days and does not require special treatment.

Important points

The medication should be stored at a temperature no higher than 10 degrees Celsius. A refrigerator is ideal. It can be transported at a higher temperature of up to 25 degrees Celsius, but for no more than 10 days. After opening, the medication can be used within 2 days.

Roncoleukin should never be used to treat dogs in the following cases:

• if turbidity, sediment or foreign impurities appear in the solution;
• after the expiration date;
• in the absence of information on the packaging about expiration dates, composition, manufacturer;
• if the bottle's seal is broken.

When using an immunostimulant, there is no need to take any special precautions.

Owner reviews

Karina, owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

"We gave our dog Roncoleukin injections for cancer. It temporarily stopped the tumor from growing, and then the veterinarian prescribed other medications that have been helping to keep our pet alive for two years now. The dog tolerated the immunostimulant injections well, although the vet warned that local reactions and fever might occur."

Nikolai, owner of a German Shepherd:

"The dog was diagnosed with osteomalacia of the upper jaw due to a chipped tooth. After the surgery, she was prescribed a number of medications, including Roncoleukin. I believe it helped Irma recover quickly and prevented possible complications after the surgery. There were no side effects as a result of the treatment."

Veterinarian Reviews

Irina, a veterinarian with 12 years of experience:

"I consider Roncoleukin a useless drug, like other immunostimulants. It's just another way for pharmaceutical companies to profit from pet owners. When a disease occurs, the underlying cause should be addressed, not the immune system boosted. It's especially not worth using it for prevention."

Ulyana, a veterinarian with 5 years of experience:

"Roncoleukin is an effective medication. I've used it successfully in my practice on numerous occasions to treat piroplasmosis and other viral infections, after surgeries, and for those with weakened immune systems. I don't recommend using it without a doctor's prescription, as uncontrolled or excessive use can have a counterproductive effect and further weaken the immune system. It won't be able to function properly without the support of this medication."

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• Immunofan for dogs
• Glycopin for dogs
• Hemobalance for dogs