Cat & Dog - Choline

What is choline?

Choline is a supplement that is available in several forms, including phosphatidylcholine (PC).

Choline is naturally made in the body, and it is a major component of cell membranes and therefore occurs in all foods, so that dietary deficiency is unknown.

PC is also known as lecithin, and preparations of mixed phospholipids rich in PC are generally called lecithin too. When PC is ingested, it is broken down into choline rather than being carried directly to the cell membranes. Choline acts like another commonly used supplement, SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), to provide the methyl groups used by the body in a number of chemical reactions, including the detoxification pathways of the liver.

Choline is also used to make acetylcholine and dopamine, nerve chemicals essential for normal brain function. Choline may also aid in brain and liver function by assisting with the absorption of carnitine from the digestive tract. Carnitine is essential for mitochondrial (the power house of individual cells) function, ensuring the liver and brain have an adequate supply of energy.

Why recommend administration of choline to my pet?

Choline is indicated as part of the therapy for dogs and cats with seizures or epilepsy. Choline appears to be effective in treating small animal cognitive dysfunction which manifests as senile (memory loss, confusion) behaviour. Although research studies suggest it is only moderately effective, clinical experience suggests that when used in older pets, it may actually prevent clinical signs of confusion.

Choline may help some pets with urinary incontinence, especially if the incontinence is part of the senility syndrome.

How much experience is there with the use of choline in pets?

Choline supplementation has been shown effective for treating senility and seizures in both humans and laboratory animals. This is supported by recent work in dogs and cats.

What species of animals are being treated regularly with choline?

Dogs and cats are treated with choline.

How much research has been conducted on this supplement?

Choline is one of the better researched supplements for the treatment of disease in dogs and cats. As mentioned, it has been shown effective in recent studies.

How can my pet benefit from choline?

Pets with mild epilepsy treated with choline may not require anti-epileptic medications. Pets with epilepsy that require medications to control their seizures are often able to have their dosages of medications reduced when also treated with choline.

Dogs and cats with senile disorders respond favourably to treatment with choline. In recent studies, approximately 75% of dogs and cats with senile disorders of varying degrees of severity showed improvement when treated with choline. Choline supplementation is safer than conventional drug therapy for seizures and senile disorders. There are no approved medications to treat cats with senile disorders.

How safe is choline?

Choline is very safe. Rare side effects include agitation and hyperactivity. These signs usually disappear when choline supplementation is stopped and then restarted at a lower dose.

Where do I obtain choline and do I need a prescription?

A prescription is not required for choline. However, please talk to one of the vets if you would like to discuss the use of choline in the treatment of your animal.