Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) Cyanoject®, Rubesol®, Crysti®, and Crystamine® are other names for this medication.
How Is This Medication Useful?
Vitamin B12 is used to treat B12 deficiency in dogs and cats, which can result in chronic diarrhea. Cats with pancreatitis and pets with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency or inflammatory bowel disease and other diffuse intestinal diseases are predisposed to B12 deficiency. Some canine breeds have a genetic deficiency in intrinsic factor, which is necessary for absorption of B12, including giant schnauzers, beagles, border collies, Australian shepherds, and Chinese Sharpeis. This is virtually the only situation in which B12 deficiency causes pernicious anemia in dogs. Symptoms associated with cobalamin deficiency in cats may include poor appetite, weight loss, poor haircoat, vomiting, diarrhea, or low white blood cell counts.
Are There Conditions or Times When Its Use Might Cause More Harm Than Good?
Allergies to B12 have been documented in people, but have not been reported in dogs or cats.
What Side Effects Can Be Seen With Its Use?
B12 supplementation is very safe, and overdose has not been seen. B12 is a water soluble vitamin, so B12 in excess in what is needed by the body is eliminated in the urine. Studies documenting safety during pregnancy have apparently not been done in humans or animals, but it is likely safe to use. Vitamin B12 deficiency states are thought to cause teratogenic effects. While vitamin B12 can be excreted into milk, it is safe for use while nursing.
How Should It Be Given?
For many years, veterinarians assumed that B12 had to be given by injection in order to be effective. But a study in 2015 showed that daily B12 supplementation is effective. When given by injection, B12 is usually given once a week in the beginning, then weaned down to the lowest effective dose, which is often as seldom as once a month. B12 blood levels can be tested to adjust the B12 dose. A nasally administered product and an oral sublingual tablet are marketed, but there is no information on their use in dogs or cats. Some dogs and cats need B12 supplementation for life. It may take several weeks for improvement in symptoms to become apparent. It is recommended to begin with a 4 week course of supplementation. The successful outcome of your animal’s treatment with this medication depends upon your commitment and ability to administer it exactly as the veterinarian has prescribed. Please do not skip doses or stop giving the medication. If you have difficulty giving doses consult your veterinarian or pharmacist who can offer administration techniques or change the dosage form to a type of medication that may be more acceptable to you and your animal. If you miss a dose of this medication you should give it as soon as you remember it, but if it is within a few hours of the regularly scheduled dose, wait and give it at the regular time. Do not double a dose. No significant drug interactions have been identified when cyanocobalamin is administered by injection.
What Other Information Is Important About This Medication?
B12 should be stored in a tight, light resistant, childproof container away from all children and other household pets. It should be kept in a cool place, but protected from freezing. Use syringes and needles only once, and be sure to dispose of needles in a medical waste “sharps” container.
References: Plumb Veterinary Drug Handbook, 2017