HOT TOPICS

Treatment and Prevention

Products used in the Treatment of Arthritis:

Some common signs of arthritis....

  • Limping
  • Reluctance to climb stairs
  • Falling behind on walks
  • Difficulty getting up in the morning or after a nap
  • Change in personality
EtoGesic (etodolac) Tablets - Fort Dodge

For oral use in dogs only. EtoGesic is recommended for the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The recommended dose of etodolac in dogs is 10 to 15 mg/kg body weight (4.5 to 6.8 mg/lb) administered once a daily for round-the-clock relief.  Approved for all breeds.

Adverse Reactions

EtoGesic, like other drugs of its class (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), is not free from adverse reactions.  Adverse reactions may include decreased vomiting, regurgitation, lethargy, diarrhea/loose stool, hypoproteinemia, urticaria, behavioral changes/urination in the house, inappetence. Owners should discontinue EtoGesic therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed.

Rimadyl (carprofen) Chewable Tablets - Pfizer Animal Health

For oral use in dogs only. Rimadyl is recommended for the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. The recommended dosage for oral administration to dogs is 1 mg/lb of body weight twice daily.

Adverse Reactions

Rimadyl, like other drugs of its class (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), is not free from adverse reactions. Adverse reactions may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea/loose stool, dark or tarry stools, increased water consumption, increase d urination, pale gums due to anemia, yellowing of gums, skin or white of the eye due to jaundice, lethargy, incoordination, seizure, or behavioral changes. Owners should discontinue Rimadyl therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of i ntolerance are observed.

Physical Examination

All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish hematological and serum biochemical baseline data prior to, and periodically during, administration of any NSAID should be considered.

Glyco-Flex Plus Chewable Tablets - Vetri-Science Laboratories of Vermont

For oral use in dogs only. Glyco-Flex Plus has been formulated as a nutritional supplement to support connective tissue and joint functions. As a dietary supplement, give one chewable tablet per 30 lbs. of body weight.

What It Is

Glyco-Flex Plus is a U.S. Patent Pending formula that is a unique and synergistic combination of Perna Canaliculus (New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel), Glucosamine HCL (amino sugars that make up the building block for proteoglycans found in the ti ssues of tendons, ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid, skin, heart, the eye and mucus) and Methyl-sulfonylmethane (a derivative of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and is found in the cells of the body of dogs and humans.

About Safety

All the nutritional factors in Glyco-Flex Plus have been extensively researched and no negative side effects have been reported. The components of Glyco-Flex Plus are extremely safe to use as directed.

Products Used for the Prevention and Control of External Parasites (Labeling Claims):

Advantage (imidacloprid) Topical Solution - Bayer Corporation

Once-a-month topical flea treatment for dogs and cats. For the prevention and treatment of flea infestations. Kills 98-100% of fleas on pets within 12 hours. Re-infesting fleas are killed within two hour. One treatment prevents further infestation for up to four weeks. Kills fleas before they lay eggs. Larval fleas stages in the pet's surroundings are killed following contact with an Advantage treated pet. Advantage is effective even after multiple shampoos.

Frontline (fipronil) Topical Solution - Merial Limited

Frontline provides convenient and effective flea and tick control for dogs and cats. Long lasting - kills fleas up to 3 months. A once monthly use is recommended to kill fleas and all stages of the brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, and deer ticks (the major carrier of human and canine Lyme disease). Frontline is fast acting, prevents re-infestation and kills newly emerged adult fleas before they lay eggs. It is effective even after multiple shampoos or swimming.

Revolution (selamectin) Topic Solution - Pfizer Animal Health

Revolution kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month and is indicated for the prevention and control of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis), prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, and the treatment and control of ear mites (Otodectes cynotis) infestation in dogs and cats. It also is indicated for the treatment and control of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) and for the control of tick (Dermacentor variabilis) infestations in dogs, and t he treatment of intestinal hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) and roundworm (Toxocara cati) infestation in cats.

Sentinel and Sentinel Flavor Tabs (milbemycin oxime/lufenuron) - Novartis

Sentinel and Sentinel Flavor Tabs are indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis, for the prevention and control of flea populations, the control of adult Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm), and the removal and control of adult Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine (roundworm) and Trichuris vulpis (whipworm) infections in dogs.

Ask your veterinarian about which of these products is best for use in your pet for the control and prevention fleas and ticks.

Products Used in the Treatment of Separation Anxiety:

People used to think that dogs destroying the furniture or barking or urinating while alone were acting out of anger or spite. Now, veterinarians recognize that these behaviors are often signs of a common disorder known as separation anxiety.

Some common signs of separation anxiety....

  • Destruction (chewing, digging)
  • Soiling (urination, defecation)
  • Vocalization (barking, whining)
A dog with this disorder may follow you from room to room, become visibly upset when you get ready to leave, and greet you over-enthusiastically when you return. While separation anxiety is a common disorder, some medical problems can cause similar sig ns; therefore, please consult your veterinarian if you think your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.

CLOMICALM (clomipramine hydrochloride) Tablets - Navartis

Clomicalm Tablets are to be used as part of a comprehensive behavioral management program to treat separation anxiety in dogs great than 6 months of age. Inappropriate barking or destruc tive behavior, as well as inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation) may be alleviated by the use of CLOMICALM Tablets in conjunction with behavior modification.

Adverse Reactions

In clinical studies the most common adverse reactions were vomiting, diarrhea/loose stool, increased thirst, decreased appetite, aggression and seizure. These reactions, excluding increased thirst and seizure, were also observed in the placebo-d osed animals. Owners should contact their veterinarian if signs of intolerance are observed.

Products Used in the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS):

Clinical signs of associated with CDS....

  • Disorientation/confusion- Wanders aimlessly; appears lost or confused; doesn't recognize familiar people.
  • Decreased or altered responsiveness to family members- No longer greets owners; solicits attention less; no longer stands or lies for petting.
  • Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle and activity- Sleeps more during day, less at night; increase in aimless activity such as wandering or pacing.
  • Deterioration in housetraining- Signals less to go outside; urinates or defecates indoors, can occur soon after being outside.
  • Decreased activity level
As a result of advancements in veterinary medical care, dogs are living longer. According to a report prepared by Pfizer Animal Health, 13.6 million pet dogs in the United States are 8 years old or older, which means a substantial number of senior cani nes are at risk for developing age-related behavior and medical disorders.

ANIPRYL (selegiline hydrochloride, L-deprenyl hydrochloride) Tablets - Pfizer Animal Health

Anipryl tablets are indicated for the control of clinical signs associated with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) and control of clinical sign s associated with uncomplicated canine pituitary dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH).

Adverse Reactions

In clinical studies, 404 dogs were treated with Anipryl, of this number eighteen (4%) experienced one or more of the following adverse reactions- restlessness/agitation, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea/loose stool, diminished hearing, anorexi a, anemia, stiffness and polydipsia. Owners should contact their veterinarian if signs of intolerance are observed.

Research

A new vaccine PROTEX -Bb, was recently introduced by Intervet, Inc. It is the first and only vaccine available to protect cats against disease caused by Feline Bordetella bronchiseptica (FeBb). Until recently, feline calicivirus (FCV), felin e herpesvirus (FHV) and Chlamydia psittaci were considered to be the primary agents responsible for upper respiratory infection (URI) in the feline. Today, research definitely proves FeBb is also a primary pathogen responsible for URI in cats.

PROTEX-Bb is a low-dose (0.2 ml) vaccine that is administered intranasally. It is USDA-approved for safely and effectively protecting kittens as young as four weeks of age with just one dose. It has even been shown to be safe for pregnant queens.

Ask your veterinarian to see if he or she recommends PROTEX-Bb, for inclusion in your cat's routine vaccination program.