Effect of long-term administration of ketoconazole in cats

Abstract

SUMMARY Four cats given ketoconazole (30 mg/kg of body weight/day) for 30 days developed dry hair coats and weight loss. Plasma cortisol and serum cholesterol, testosterone, and progesterone did not change significantly ( P > 0.01), and significant alterations in serum albumin, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase ( P < 0.01) did not preclude use of the drug. Serum testosterone concentrations tended to decrease after 7 days of treatment, but in 2 cats returned to near-pretreatment values by day 30 of treatment, despite continued drug administration. These results were in contrast to those reported in the dog at similar and lesser dosages of ketoconazole.