Elura, with its active ingredient capromorelin, is a prescription medication specifically designed to manage weight loss in cats diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This oral solution functions as an appetite stimulant, effectively encouraging cats to eat and regain lost weight. Understanding how Elura works, its benefits, and important considerations can help cat owners and veterinarians make informed decisions about its use.
How Elura Works to Stimulate Appetite in Cats
Elura operates by mimicking ghrelin, a naturally occurring hormone in the body known for its appetite-stimulating effects. Capromorelin, the active component of Elura, is a ghrelin receptor agonist. This means it binds to and activates ghrelin receptors in the brain, particularly in areas that control hunger and appetite. By stimulating these receptors, Elura effectively increases the feeling of hunger in cats, motivating them to eat more. Beyond appetite stimulation, ghrelin is also known to influence other bodily systems, and while Elura primarily targets appetite, these broader effects are something to be aware of.
Why Veterinarians Prescribe Elura for Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease is a common ailment in older cats and often leads to a decrease in appetite and subsequent weight loss. This weight loss can significantly impact a cat’s strength, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Veterinarians prescribe Elura to counteract this issue by:
- Increasing Hunger: Elura directly addresses the reduced appetite often associated with CKD, making cats feel hungry and more inclined to eat.
- Promoting Weight Gain: By stimulating appetite and encouraging food intake, Elura helps cats regain weight lost due to CKD, contributing to improved health and vitality.
Elura is therefore a valuable tool in managing CKD in cats, specifically targeting the debilitating effect of weight loss.
Key Benefits of Using Elura for Cats
The primary benefit of Elura for cats is its ability to stimulate appetite and promote weight gain in cats suffering from CKD. This can translate to several positive outcomes for feline patients:
- Improved Nutritional Status: Increased food intake leads to better nutrient absorption, which is crucial for maintaining bodily functions and overall health, especially in cats with compromised kidney function.
- Increased Energy Levels: Weight gain and improved nutrition can combat lethargy and weakness, resulting in cats that are more active and engaged.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: By addressing weight loss and appetite, Elura can significantly improve the overall well-being and quality of life for cats with chronic kidney disease, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable and active life.
Important Considerations and Potential Side Effects of Elura
While Elura is beneficial for many cats, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions:
- Monitoring for Changes: Owners should closely monitor their cats for any changes after starting Elura, including increased thirst or water intake, lethargy, weakness, digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or any changes in behavior.
- Contraindications: Elura is contraindicated in cats with hypersensitivity to capromorelin and should not be used in cats with hypersomatotropism (acromegaly).
- Cautionary Use: Use Elura with caution in cats that may have pre-existing cardiac disease or are severely dehydrated.
- Age Restrictions: The safety of Elura has not been fully evaluated in cats younger than 5 months old.
It’s crucial to discuss your cat’s complete health history with your veterinarian before starting Elura to ensure it is a safe and appropriate medication for your pet.
How to Administer Elura to Your Cat
Administering Elura correctly is essential for its effectiveness. Follow these guidelines:
- Veterinarian’s Directions: Always give Elura exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. Dosage and administration frequency will be tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
- Oral Administration: Elura is an oral solution, typically administered using a syringe.
- Syringe Cleaning: After each use, rinse the syringe and plunger thoroughly with water and allow them to air dry completely before the next use.
- Feeding Schedule: If your cat has a regular feeding schedule, offer food approximately 30 minutes after administering Elura.
- Re-dosing in Case of Vomiting: If your cat vomits within 15 minutes of receiving Elura or only receives a partial dose, you may re-administer the dose. Consult your veterinarian for specific guidance on re-dosing.
Understanding the Composition of Elura
The key ingredient in Elura is capromorelin. As mentioned earlier, capromorelin is a ghrelin-receptor agonist. It works by stimulating the release of growth hormone (GH) and, more importantly for appetite stimulation, it increases hunger signals in the brain, encouraging cats to eat. Elura oral solution itself is a clear liquid, ranging in color from colorless to yellow or orange. It should be stored at or below 86°F (30°C) to maintain its efficacy.
By understanding what Elura is, how it works, and how to use it correctly, you can work with your veterinarian to provide the best possible care for your cat suffering from weight loss associated with chronic kidney disease. Always consult with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options for your cat.
