Information on the use of Low Dose Naltrexone in the treatment of dogs, cats, horses and other pets. Known by the acronym LDN, this is a "low dose" form of therapy utilizing the FDA approved drug Naltrexone for the "off label" treatment of immune related disorders. The mechanism of action appears to involve an immune modulating or balancing effect of various components of the immune system mediated through an effect on Endorphin levels.

Naltrexone was approved by the FDA in 1984. It is legally available to be prescribed by physicians and veterinarians for any purpose. When given to humans in low doses, Naltrexone increases the body's production of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones, produced by the body, which help maintain and regulate the immune system. There is a growing body of information reporting the effectivness of LDN in the treatment of a wide range of immune related and auto-immune disorders. It has been in use in this manner for over 20 years.

In developing Naltrexone for full dose use toxicity testing in rats, rabbits, dogs and monkeys determined that at therapeutic levels Naltrexone was non-toxic and had very few side effects. However obtaining FDA approval for the Low Dose regimen will require funding that due to the present out of patent or generic status of the drug will be difficult to obtain from any pharmaceutical company. Some privately funded pilot studies have been conducted and show much promise. More extensive studies are needed and funding continues to be sought by advocates of LDN.

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