Used in humans for over 400 years and most commonly used as the treatment for gout. Used in FMF patients to reduce the frequency and severity of painful fever episodes and prevent the development of amyloidosis. I currently recommend the use of colchicine prophlactictically in any Shar-Pei which I believe to have FSF as soon as I am convinced that this is what the dog has. I do not recommend waiting until evidence of disease due to amyloidosis. is seen. At that point, it is almost too late.
Some dogs are, however, unable to tolerate the drug because of associated diarrhea.
Others seem to tolerate a reduced dosage. In FMF treatment, the drug has been shown to be safe in children as young as three years of age, in pregnant women and when given lifelong. Fatalities associated with massive overdose have been due to bone marrow suppression. I have monitored CBC's in my patients and have not seen evidence of bone marrow suppression but this should always be kept in mind. I recommend once daily treatment for two weeks and if no gastrointestinal problems have occurred, I double the dose to twice daily.