Veriben for dogs
Veriben is an antiparasitic drug with protozoan activity from a French manufacturer. It is used to treat the dangerous disease piroplasmosis, as well as other diseases caused by protozoan pathogens.
Content
Composition and pharmacological action
The medication is produced as a granulated powder intended for the preparation of a solution for intramuscular injection. It is packaged in 2.36g sachets. Other packaging options are available, but purchasing them for treating dogs is not practical. The powder dissolves readily, forming a light yellow solution.
The main component of the medication is diminazine. Its concentration is 44.5%. The remainder is made up of excipients. The active ingredient is active against the following protozoa:
- babesia;
- theileria;
- trypanosomes.
The drug's mechanism of action is based on disrupting DNA synthesis in harmful microorganisms, leading to their rapid death. A unique feature of the drug is that the active ingredient reaches therapeutic concentrations quickly after administration.
Veriben accumulates in the liver and kidneys, and partially in the brain, so exceeding the dose may negatively impact the functioning of these organs. Diminazine is eliminated from the body in urine. The instructions for use state that Veriben for dogs, at recommended doses, does not cause addiction or irritation.
When is it applied?
The drug is typically prescribed for the treatment of piroplasmosis. It can also be used for trichomoniasis and trypanosomiasis. Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia, is dangerous due to its high risk of death. Treatment should be initiated as soon as the first symptoms appear, but antiparasitic medications should not be used without laboratory testing and a doctor's consultation.
It is strictly forbidden to administer Veriben without a confirmed diagnosis. Due to its toxicity, if used incorrectly, the medication can cause irreversible damage to the body. Do not self-medicate your pet!
Instructions for use
When using the drug, you should do the following:
- The powder should be diluted with sterile saline or distilled water. For a 2.36 g package, use 25 ml of liquid.
- Shake the solution thoroughly until the powder is completely dissolved.
- Measure out the required amount of the drug and inject it deep into the muscle.
For every 10 kg of a dog's weight, 1 ml of the prepared Veriben solution is required. The exact dosage should be determined by a doctor, taking into account the severity of the disease, any chronic conditions, and individual characteristics.
The drug is administered intramuscularly as a single dose. In severe cases of piroplasmosis, a second dose at the same dose should be given 24 hours later. A second injection is given only if symptoms persist, the temperature remains high, and the dog's general condition does not improve. A second injection without a doctor's prescription is strictly prohibited. Exceeding the dosage can lead to serious consequences.
Piroplasmosis is accompanied by severe intoxication. The kidneys, liver, spleen, and heart are heavily stressed. Veriben destroys the causative agent—protozoa—but comprehensive therapy is essential for recovery. It is used in combination with other medications:
- hepatoprotectors;
- kidney medications;
- heart medications;
- immunomodulators;
- vitamin and mineral complexes.
Depending on your pet's condition, IVs may be prescribed. It's also important to follow a diet to reduce the strain on internal organs.
Contraindications
The instructions state that the only contraindication for using Veriben for dogs is an individual intolerance to the ingredients. In such cases, an allergic reaction may develop.
The drug contains a toxic substance, so it should be used with extreme caution for the following categories of animals:
- weakened pets;
- puppies;
- pregnant bitches.
If your pet has chronic liver, kidney, or heart disease, consult a veterinarian. In this case, the dosage will be calculated on an individual basis.
Side effects
The instructions state that the medication does not cause side effects when used in the recommended doses, but in practice, this is not the case. Veriben can cause toxic encephalopathy. The risk of side effects is especially high with repeated administrations or excessive dosage.
Symptoms of toxic encephalopathy begin to appear only on the second or third day. Without prompt medical attention, the pet's death is inevitable. The pathology progresses in the following sequence:
- On the third day after administration, your pet may experience impaired coordination and loss of appetite. The animal may have difficulty moving.
- On the 4th-5th day, overexcitation of the central nervous system occurs, which manifests itself in convulsions, head throwing back, frantic barking and other unpleasant symptoms.
- During this same period, the activity of the salivary glands intensifies, vomiting and involuntary swallowing movements appear.
- On the 5th or 6th day, a pre-comatose or comatose state occurs, caused by cerebral hypoxia. At this stage, the mortality risk is 90-95%.
If you notice any unusual behavior in your dog or symptoms that may indicate toxic encephalopathy, seek immediate medical attention. Remember, delay could cost your pet's life.
Due to the high risk of fatality, many veterinarians and clinics have abandoned the use of Veriben for dogs in favor of gentler and safer medications. Even medications containing the same active ingredient are generally better tolerated by animals and do not cause irreversible damage if misdiagnosed.
Storage rules and precautions
The powdered medication can be stored for 4 years from the date of manufacture, provided simple instructions are followed. Store away from sunlight and out of the reach of children and animals. Store at a temperature between 0 and 20°C.
The prepared solution can be stored for 15 days if:
- it is in a sterile glass container;
- hermetically sealed;
- the temperature does not exceed 15 degrees.
It's best to store the solution in a dark place, away from ultraviolet rays. Shake the solution before use.
Only disposable syringes may be used to administer the medication. Wear rubber gloves when administering the injection, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Drinking, smoking, and eating are strictly prohibited during the procedure.
Price
Veriben's main advantage is its price. One packet typically costs around 50 rubles. Decreased demand for this medication due to its high toxicity has meant it's no longer available in all veterinary pharmacies. Even online, it can be difficult to find.
Owner reviews
Ekaterina, the husky's owner:
"The diagnosis of piroplasmosis was a devastating blow to our family, but it turned out the worst was yet to come. After a Veriben injection, the dog improved significantly, but two days later, her condition worsened sharply. She refused food and water, her gait became unsteady, and on the fourth day, she began having seizures. On the seventh day, our husky died in agony; IVs and symptomatic treatments were ineffective."
Tatyana, owner of a 6-year-old German Shepherd:
"When the dog showed symptoms of piroplasmosis, we immediately went to the veterinary clinic. Without waiting for test results, the doctor gave him a Veriben injection, saying he had piroplasmosis and needed to wait. They sent us home, but the dog wasn't getting any better. He completely refused to eat. He wouldn't get up, and his heart was pounding like crazy. We returned to the hospital in the morning. The doctors started an IV. The dog felt a little better, but an hour later, his body started convulsing, and his heart stopped. That's the negative experience with Veriben."
Mikhail, the owner of the setter:
"After removing three ticks from the dog, we noticed lethargy and a loss of appetite. We immediately went to the hospital. After an examination, he was diagnosed with piroplasmosis. The doctor administered an injection of Veriben. The dog quickly recovered. There were no complications. Additionally, medications were administered for the liver, kidneys, and immune system."
Veterinarian Reviews
Vadim, a veterinarian with 15 years of experience:
"This drug is a very powerful poison. It destroys not only the babesia but also the animal's body. Repeated administration is almost always fatal. Our clinic has completely stopped using it, replacing it with Imidosan. Its high efficacy and safety have also been demonstrated." Forticarb.
Galina Ivanovna, a veterinarian with 13 years of experience:
"Veriben is a toxic drug. I work in a small town. Imidosan and other safer medications aren't always available in pharmacies. In such cases, I prescribe Veriben. It's a one-time administration and always combined with symptomatic treatment. I've had cases of animal deaths due to adverse effects of the medication."
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