No -- it's kinda hard on the liver so I'd use milk thistle along with it. You can just get some milk thistle capsules (you can get them at Wally World I think even) -- give a couple twice a day while you give the proin and it will mitigate any damage/problems while you evaluate the drug.
Isn't this *always* while he's sleeping? That would say 'neural' to me.
I honestly don't even know Proin well enough to know 'how' it does what it does so I looked it up in my PIll Book Guide to Medication for your Dog and Cat -- VERY Interesting!!
Yep -- "neural" is only the start -- I'll type it from the book for you (I can't remember -- do you have one?):
" Other names of phenylpropanolamine:
Proin; Dexatrim; Propagest
Alpha-adrenergic agonist and sympathetic nervous system stimulant.
Prescribed for:
Incontinence because of decreased urethral sphincter tone.
General Information: Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is also called norephedrine. It mimics epinephrine (adrenaline), a neurotransmitter of a branch of the central nervous system called the sympathetic or adrenergic branch. Receptors are located in all parts of the body, therefore, PPA has the potential to affect many systems and functions, which accounts for both its desired effects and unwanted side effects.
The primary use of PPA in veterinary medicine is to incrase muscle tone in the urethra and prevent urinary incontinence caused by urine leaking out of the bladder. Urinary incontinence is caused by decreased tone in the sphincter muscle of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder during urination.
PPA is an effective nasal decongestant and appetite supppressant in people, but it is not useful for these purposes in dogs and cats.
PPA may be used illegally to produce methamphetamine. Because of this purchase of large quantities is strictly controlled.
Catuions and Warnings:
USE PPA with caution in animals with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, hyperthyroidism, idabetes melitis, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
(skipping part here -- it's a controlled substance tho)
Possible Side Effects:
Side effects in dogs and cats are uncommon and generally mild when they occur. The most common side effect is restlessness
Rare: Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, vasoconstruction, and loss of appetite.
Drug Interactions:
(skipping part)
PPA should not be given within two weeks of treatment iwth MAOI Inhibitors such as amitraz (See Amitraz) ++
(Callie note: Skipping ssome -- most of what I've skipped has to do with heart reactions -- you will need to be **very** aware of the signs of high blood pressure/hypertension/hyperthyroid - those can all go together but are *rare* pretty much)
++ Amitraz is in other stuff like ProMeris and other tick collar formulas
Special Inforamtion:
Development of urinary incontinence due to decreased sphincter muscle tone is associated with a number of risk factors. It is more likely to occur in dogs than cats, in females than males, and in spayed females than intact ones. Large and giant breeds have a higher risk than smaller breeds. Old English Sheepdogs, rottweilers, doberman pinschers, weimaraners, and Irish setters have a higher incidence and labrador retrievers have a relatively low risk. Obese animals and those with bob or docked tails may also be prone to incontinence. The problem is seen most frequently when an affected animal is tired, relaxed or sleeping."
Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat - Dell Reference (pub. 1998, paperback 2009)
I hope this helps you -- I've just never had to use it. If Bailey can cope with the side effects you should be ok with some milk thistle (that can be really cheap when you get it in bulk as a powder rather than the capsules IF this works for him). But from what it said about tail docking, etc. I'd have to wonder if something got "pinched" or damaged or something when he had that anal gland infection.