Composition of the drug
Includes:
- cabergoline (prolactin inhibitor) - 50 mcg;
- purified coconut milk - up to 1 ml.
Galastop for dogs appears transparent, colorless, sometimes the color can vary to pale yellow, which is the norm. The consistency is oily.
The basis of the drug cabergoline is an ergaline derivative of the alkaloid of uterine horns (fungi that grow on certain cereal crops).
Chondroprotectors - salvation for joints?
The nourishment and hydration of cartilage in the joint occurs with the help of synovial fluid, which contains the already mentioned mono- and polysaccharides. With injury, excessive physical activity or systemic disease, the composition of the synovial fluid may be disrupted. Because of this, it becomes less viscous and can no longer provide slip. Once in the synovial fluid, the components of chondroprotectors help restore its consistency and normal activity of cartilage cells. The joints stop hurting and swelling, their mobility improves. In parallel with taking chondroprotectors, other measures are necessary for the active restoration and nutrition of cartilage - physiotherapy, exercise therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs.
Storage conditions
It is recommended to store the drug in its original packaging. When choosing a storage location, give preference to:
- dry;
- protected from light;
- located within the temperature range from 5 ᵒC to 25 ᵒC;
- somewhere where children and animals do not have access;
- away from the storage of food and animal feed.
By complying with all requirements, the manufacturer guarantees that quality will not be lost for 3 years from the date of production. If the bottle has already been opened, it can be given to the animal for no more than 12 days.
If the shelf life has expired, the drug must be disposed of.
Galastop
Description
Galastop bottle 7 ml and 15 ml. A solution for oral use, 1 ml of which contains 50 mcg of cabergoline as an active ingredient.
Indications
Prescribed to bitches for the treatment of false pregnancy and suppression of lactation for clinical indications (for example, early weaning of puppies).
Doses and method of administration
The drug is administered orally with food or forcefully on the tongue at a dose of 0.1 ml (3 drops) per 1 kg of animal weight for 4 to 6 days. If there is no effect or symptoms of false pregnancy appear after stopping the drug, the course can be repeated.
Pharmacological properties
Cabergoline is a derivative of ergoline (ergot alkaloid), has a stimulating effect on dopamine receptors of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which is involved in the secretion of the main hormone of lactogenesis, prolactin, and has an inhibitory effect on its secretion. Apart from its effect on prolactin-dependent processes, cabergoline does not affect other endocrine processes. The use of Galastop prevents lactation, breast enlargement and the development of lactation mastitis. A decrease in prolactin levels contributes to the rapid disappearance of signs of false pregnancy, as well as changes in the animal’s behavior. When used simultaneously with dopamine receptor blockers, the effectiveness of Galastop is reduced.
Side effects
Very rarely, some animals may experience single vomiting, lack of appetite or drowsiness in the first two days of treatment, which does not require discontinuation of the drug.
Contraindications
The use of Galastop during pregnancy is prohibited due to the increased likelihood of abortion. It is not recommended for use in animals with hypotension or simultaneously with antihypertensive drugs, or animals under the influence of anesthetic drugs, as well as after surgery due to the possible enhancement of the hypotensive effect of the drug.
special instructions
In case of overdose, supportive symptomatic therapy is carried out aimed at suppressing vomiting and restoring blood pressure. Metoclopramide is used as an antidote.
Storage conditions
In a dry place protected from the sun at a temperature of 5 – 25 ºС. Shelf life: 3 years. The shelf life after opening the bottle is 28 days.
Manufacturer
Ceva Sante Animale, France
Release forms
The drug is packaged in dark glass bottles. The capacity can be:
- 3 ml;
- 7 ml;
- 15 ml;
- 24 ml.
The bottles are closed with a screw cap. Each bottle is packed in a tight box and accompanied by instructions for use.
The manufacturer took care of animal owners and, in addition to the bottle, packed a graduated measuring pipette. The measuring device is made of glass and is in a protective case. Alternatively, you can use a plastic dosing syringe.
Classification of chondroprotectors
In medical sources, chondroprotectors for joints are divided by generation:
- 1st generation.
Animal and plant extracts and concentrates rich in glucosamine and chondroitin; - 2nd generation.
Preparations that contain purified glucosamine or chondroitin. They are absorbed faster and easier, and are less likely to cause allergies; - 3rd generation
. Combined products that combine glucosamine, chondroitin, sulfur preparations and other components. The composition of new generation chondroprotectors is often supplemented with anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac), fatty acids (improves the elasticity of cartilage and protects its cells from destruction), vitamins (for better absorption of active substances and protection of cell membranes) and microelements (for building stable cartilage tissue).
New generation chondroprotectors make the patient feel better much faster and have fewer side effects.
Chondoprotectors are available in various forms. Choose what suits you.
Pills
Tablets and capsules are prescribed in courses of 3-6 months. They are especially effective for lesions of large joints or systemic diseases that affect 4 or more joints. Capsules are absorbed almost as well as liquid glucosamine, but are stored and dosed much better. The absorption of these chondroprotectors is quite high - 13-25%.
Chondroprotective ointments
Local chondroprotectors (ointments and gels) are used for arthrosis of intervertebral, small and medium-sized joints. External preparations have minimal bioavailability (less than 5%) and have virtually no effect on the structure of cartilage, especially if it lies deep under the skin. But chondroprotective ointments have a beneficial effect on periarticular tissues, relieve pain and swelling, and reduce inflammation. In the absence of an allergic reaction, they can be used continuously.
Powders for the treatment of joints
Powder chondroprotectors are the rarest form of release. Glucosamine powder is well absorbed by the body (bioavailability over 26%), but is not recommended for gastrointestinal diseases. Typically, manufacturers include additional components that improve the metabolism of cartilage tissue.
Chondroprotectors in injections
Injections of chondroprotectors are most effective in comparison with other forms of glucosamine and chondroitin. They are placed intramuscularly and intraarticularly. Injectable medications are a good alternative to oral medications if the patient has gastrointestinal diseases.
An intramuscular injection of a chondroprotector can be done independently or with the help of loved ones, but injection into the joint should only be carried out by an experienced medical professional.
Intra-articular administration of CP (usually with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs) is considered the most effective. Chondroprotectors in injections help with synthesis disorders - when cartilage tissue stops producing substances necessary for the growth and hydration of cartilage.
Indications for use
The drug belongs to dopaminomimetics. As a derivative of ergoline, the active principle works as an antagonist of dopamine receptors. In turn, the blockade leads to inhibition of prolactin by the pituitary gland. The hormone stops being synthesized and lactation decreases, and then stops altogether. Signs of false pregnancy also disappear.
The drug has a prolonged effect. Its peak occurs 6-8 hours from the moment of administration and continues for several days.
The active base is removed from the body through fecal matter. A small part leaves the body in the urine.
Purpose
A false pregnancy is a psychophysical deviation in the female’s hormonal system and in her body as a whole. The first signs appear 1-1.5 months after estrus, when the dog’s body begins to actively produce certain hormones, as in true pregnancy. False puerility is manifested by the following signs:
- toxicosis, vomiting in the morning;
- decreased appetite;
- apathy;
- nervousness;
- loss of interest in games, walks;
- abdominal enlargement;
- swelling of the mammary glands;
- release of colostrum from them;
- “nesting” – searching for a place to give birth to puppies.
The state of imaginary pregnancy is not dangerous for the animal, but its consequences can be fatal. Imaginary pregnancy is dangerous:
- irreversible nervous disorders;
- purulent mastitis – inflammation of the mammary glands;
- endometritis – inflammation of the uterine mucosa;
- pyometritis - purulent inflammation in the uterus, which often leads to the death of the animal;
- oncology of the mammary glands, reproductive organs.
These dangerous consequences can be prevented by using Galastop, which helps reduce prolactin levels in the body.
Important! The medicine has a hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure).
Side effects
An overdose of the drug will be indicated by vomiting and low blood pressure. With such symptoms, drugs are prescribed that reduce absorption and restore blood pressure.
There are cases when the reception causes:
- one-time vomiting;
- drowsiness;
- muscle tremors;
- decreased appetite.
Such symptoms go away on their own; discontinuation of the drug and the use of therapeutic agents are not required. With minor symptoms, the body recovers quickly after completing the course.
If the drops cause violent, uncontrollable vomiting at the correct dosage, the drug is discontinued.
If the next dose is missed, the drug is administered as soon as possible, and the dose and administration schedule are not adjusted.
Very rarely, but there have been cases where the drug can lead to allergic reactions and cause:
• itching; • swelling; • urticaria; • dermatic pathologies.
If the symptoms are mild, then they do not require the use of therapeutic agents and disappear after the end of the course. In more severe cases, antihistamines can be used.
Galastop cannot be used simultaneously with:
- antihypertensive drugs;
- having an anesthetic effect.
The drug is classified as a moderately hazardous substance (hazard class - 3). Exceeding the dose when administering the drug causes vomiting and low blood pressure.
Restrictions
The medicine has a natural composition, but still has prohibitions on use. You can't use it:
- with hypersensitivity to the medication;
- hypotension (low blood pressure);
- pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
- during pregnancy.
The simultaneous use of Galastop with certain medications is limited, so it cannot be used for self-medication. The medicine may have side effects:
- in the first days of use, nausea and vomiting are possible;
- refusal to eat;
- drowsiness, apathy.
More dangerous are:
- muscle tremors;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- anorexia;
- lethargy.
If side effects are detected, the veterinarian stops the medication and prescribes symptomatic therapy.
Contraindications
Galastop is contraindicated for use in:
- individual intolerance;
- pregnant bitches up to 40 days;
- lactating animals during the feeding period;
- renal failure;
- liver failure;
- hypotension.
Reviews
Sergey Kolyvanov, owner of the Druzhok nursery : “The drug is effective and gives the expected result in 100% of cases. Subject to strict adherence to the dosage, Galastop completely eliminates all signs of painful false pregnancy in just a week, helps to stop lactation, thereby preventing the occurrence of mastitis.”
Natalia Petrova, veterinarian : “I recommend the drug also for older dogs, because with age they become more and more difficult to tolerate this condition and recover more slowly from it. Thanks to the drops, the false pregnancy first becomes mild and then disappears without a trace, the animal’s behavior returns to normal.”
Analogs
When considering drugs that contain the same active and additional components, one should o. The product was developed in Moscow, Russia. This is a complete analogue of Galastop. Among medical products, the following drugs can be used as analogues:
- Bergolak (tablets);
- Agalates (tablets);
- Dostinex (tablets).
The disadvantage of these medications is that their dose is too high. Breaking off 1/15, for example, of a tablet is extremely inconvenient.
The use of the drug should only be as directed and under the supervision of a physician after a comprehensive examination of the animal.
What are chondroprotectors?
Chondroprotectors for joints (powders for the treatment of joints) are slow-acting preparations that contain proteins necessary for the construction of articular cartilage, bones and other functional tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Chondroprotective drugs are used in complex therapy of diseases of the musculoskeletal system together with anti-inflammatory and other drugs. However, their main task is the prevention of degenerative changes in joints. Therefore, they are effective before the onset of the disease, as well as in its early stages.
