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Silymarin

Marin, Milk Thistle, Denamarin, Milk Thistle (Silymarin)

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Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Drug Class

Gastrointestinal

Routes

PO

Indications

Hepatoprotectionliver disease support

Mechanism of Action

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid from milk thistle. Stabilizes hepatocyte membranes, stimulates protein synthesis, and scavenges free radicals.

Side effects & warnings

Generally safe. Often combined with SAMe (Denamarin). Evidence for hepatoprotection moderate. GI upset at high doses. May interact with P-glycoprotein substrates.

Species with Silymarin dosing data (6 dose rules)

African Grey ParrotCat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)Rabbit (Domestic)

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 6 dose rules

Moderate×3Weak×1Extrapolated×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 2 published sources

  • · Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
  • · Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 6 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 4 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

SpeciesRouteDoseFrequencyEvidenceSource
Dog (Domestic)PO5–10 mg/kgq24hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Cat (Domestic)PO5–10 mg/kgq24hModeratePlumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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