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Streptozocin for Ferret Insulinoma

February 24th, 2010

Streptozocin, under the trade name Zanosar®, is a chemotherapy agent in the nitrosourea class. Due to its high level of toxicity to beta cells, Streptozocin is used in the treatment of cancer, specifically cancer of the pancreas, as well as carcinoid tumors and other related forms of cancer. As an antibiotic, Streptozocin works to block DNA and prevent cancer cell growth, thus shrinking the tumors.

Streptozocin in Veterinary Medicine

Streptozocin has been used in veterinary medicine for cancer treatment in dogs, cats and ferrets. A common condition among the ferret species, insulinoma, can lead to the development of pancreatic tumors.

The pancreatic tumors can produce an excess of insulin, which can result in hypoglycemia. In most cases of insulinoma, pancreatic tumors are malignant. However, medical management involving veterinary drug therapy and / or surgical removal of the tumors can prolong life and reduce the symptoms of the disease.

Common Signs of Insulinoma in Ferrets

Ferrets who develop insulinoma often begin to show signs between the ages of 4 and 6. Depending on the patient, symptoms may develop rather rapidly or progress slowly, which in some cases can be mistaken for the natural signs of aging. Some ferrets with insulinoma exhibit no symptoms of the disease.

Signs of insulinoma mirror that of hypoglycemia and may be intermittent. However, once symptoms appear, even if they do subside, a thorough veterinary examination and early detection is crucial to the management of the disease. Additionally, insulinoma can be linked to ferrets with lymphomas or adrenal disease, among other medical conditions.

Symptoms associated with insulinoma may include sluggishness, depression and weight loss. A ferret with insulinoma may also appear withdrawn and experience increased salivation and loss of hind leg coordination. In some cases, the patient can have seizures or go into a coma.

Streptozocin Indications, Precautions and Potential Side Effects

Since streptozocin is extremely toxic to the tissues, intravenous administration of the veterinary drug is necessary. Streptozocin also has the potential to compromise kidney function. In order to prevent kidney failure, intravenous fluids may be given before and after streptozocin treatment. Liver damage, nausea and vomiting are other possible effects of streptozocin.

Under the guidelines of your specialist in veterinary medicine, Diamondback Drugs can customize the appropriate dosage of streptozocin for your pet.

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Buprenorphine for Veterinary Use

February 21st, 2010

Buprenorphine is among the class of opiate drugs that bind to opiate receptors and prevent the sensation of pain produced by brain chemicals. A synthetic opiate, Buprenorphine is often used for the management of moderate pain.

Buprenorphine is similar to morphine, but without the associated gastrointestinal side effects. Buprenorphine is also 30 times stronger than morphine, the original opiate narcotic that all others are compared to in terms of potency and effectiveness.

Buprenorphine Uses in Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, buprenorphine can be administered to canines and felines. A veterinarian may see fit to prescribe buprenorphine for the management of pain associated with tissue inflammation due to infection or pathological disease, tissue necrosis, tissue spasms, ischemia and trauma resulting from wounds, fractures and joint injuries.

Buprenorphine is only available by prescription from a specialist in veterinary medicine. Additionally, as with many other drug therapies in veterinary medicine, Buprenorphine is only approved by the FDA for use in humans, not animals. However, veterinarians are able to prescribe the drug as an extra label medication under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act.

Buprenorphine — Precautions and Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

Buprenorphine is heavily regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency. As a result, cases of misuse and overdose are extremely rare. Buprenorphine is often administered onsite at the prescribing veterinary clinic or hospital.

In terms of precautions, allergic or hypersensitive patients should not be given buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is also generally not recommended for use in animals with Addison’s disease and kidney disease. Geriatric patients and animals with liver disease, severe head trauma or cardiovascular conditions may require close monitoring throughout treatment.

As with all forms of drug therapy, buprenorphine treatment can include potential side effects. The most common potential side effect is sedation.

Veterinary Compounding of Buprenorphine

As trusted experts in veterinary compounding, Diamondback Drugs can develop the following formulations of buprenorphine: capsules, liquid solutions or ointments, topical solutions or ointments and injectables.

Buprenorphine tends to absorb quickly when administered intravenously or orally. However, your specialist in veterinary medicine will determine the appropriate dose and formulation for your pet.

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Veterinary Medicine — Past and Present

January 31st, 2010

Veterinary medicine has been around as long as the coexistence and companionship between humans and animals. Documented records of veterinary medicine extend as far back as the Vedic period in India and Egypt’s Papyrus of Kahun. In Ancient Rome, an animal health care specialist was referred to as a “Veterinarius.” It appears that providing the best possible treatment to our animal friends has always been a matter of importance.

Modern Veterinary Medicine

Modern veterinary medicine upholds human health and expands the traditional scientific principles involving the study, diagnosis and proper medical treatment for domestic, wildlife, exotic and livestock animals. Advancements in veterinary medicine have created a number of specialties within the field, including areas of expertise such as internal medicine, ophthalmology, dermatology, anesthesiology, neurology, surgery, radiology and oncology, as well as emergency care.

In fact, animal health care has reached an impressive degree of comparability to human health care. Our treasured members of the animal kingdom can now receive pet health care insurance, dental work and undergo complex surgical procedures to improve their quality of life, such as organ transplants, hip replacement surgery and cataract removal. In essence, advancements in veterinary medicine are helping animals live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Challenges of Veterinary Medicine

One of the obstacles to receiving the best possible care in veterinary medicine involves the limited availability of drug therapies. Veterinary drug shortages are a common occurrence, as medications are frequently discontinued or go on backorder status due to any number of factors, which may include raw material shortages or packaging issues. Consequently, shortages of veterinary drugs are a roadblock to proper treatment and ensuring the health and wellbeing of your animal friend can turn into a critical challenge.

Diamondback Drugs — Veterinary Compounding and Proper Animal Health Care

While shortages of veterinary drugs may be on the rise, Diamondback Drugs offers a vital and highly specialized service to help pet owners, veterinarians and animal health care professionals provide the best possible form of treatment.

As experts in veterinary compounding, Diamondback Drugs is able to circumvent the challenges of veterinary medicine with an extensive selection of flavors, bases and medications, including discontinued and experimental drugs. Our team of veterinary pharmacists and technicians are well trained in veterinary compounding and can customize prescriptions according to the individual needs of each patient.

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Naltrexone Uses in Animal Care

January 30th, 2010

Naltrexone, or Naltrexone hydrochloride (HCL), is an opioid receptor antagonist that has primarily been used in veterinary medicine to block receptors and reverse reactions to opiate agonists such as etorphine and carfentil. Naltrexone HCL is also used for the treatment of recurring, compulsive or self-injurious animal behavior disorders, which may include weaving in horses and over-grooming in dogs, cats and birds.

Overview of Naltrexone

A number of opioid receptor antagonists were developed in the 1960s and 1970s — among them was Naltrexone. Of all the opiate antagonists produced, Naltrexone HCL was the choice medication due to its extended metabolic half-life.

In humans, Naltrexone has chiefly been used as a form of treatment for humans with alcohol and opiate dependence. The drug has been available for use in veterinary medicine since the early 1990s.

Naltrexone — Contraindications and Possible Reactions in Veterinary Medicine

No factors have been identified that may increase the risk of using Naltrexone. Additionally, no significant reactions or side effects have been reported. If opiate treatment is to resume within 24 hours following administration of Naltrexone HCL, effectiveness of the opiate medication may be temporarily reduced.

Naltrexone Dosage and Administration

As with all veterinary drugs, a variety of factors must be carefully considered by a specialist in veterinary medicine in order to arrive at the best possible form of treatment. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the correct dosage, strength and form of Naltrexone.

A reputable veterinary pharmacy can compound prescriptions of Naltrexone according the indications of your animal health care specialist. Diamondback Drugs can formulate the necessary dosage and concentration into capsules, liquid solutions and suspensions or injections.

When used as a reversal agent in the reaction to sedative opiates, it can take approximately 3 to 10 minutes for Naltrexone to take effect. However, the timeframe ultimately depends on the veterinary patient and the dosage and strength of the opiate agonist in question. Some patients may only need a couple of minutes, while others may need longer than 10 minutes. In addition, certain opiate associated side effects, such as huffing and muscle tremors, may take longer to subside.

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Diethylstilbestrol in Veterinary Medicine

January 12th, 2010

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen used in veterinary medicine primarily for the treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. Veterinarians will also administer DES for the management of prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) and for the treatment of certain tumors that react positively to hormonal treatments. A less common use, but one still practiced, is the administration of DES for certain reproductive conditions.

Methods of Diethylstilbestrol Administration

Diethylstilbestrol is available from a veterinary pharmacy in capsule form and given orally. Dosage is usually decreased after the first few days of treatment, but it is essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for administering the medication and the entire cycle of treatment must be completed in order for the medication to be effective.

Possible Side Effects of Diethylstilbestrol

As with all forms of veterinary medicine, there are certain potential side effects to watch for when giving Diethylstilbestrol to a pet. The most common possible side effects of Diethylstilbestrol include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, vaginal discharge, depression, loss of appetite, bleeding from the urinary or gastrointestinal tracts, signs of estrus (going into heat), increased thirst and bone marrow suppression. Diethylstilbestrol use on male dogs needs to be closely monitored, as the medicine can cause feminization.

Side effects are reportedly most common in older dogs.

Diethylstilbestrol Precautions

Diethylstilbestrol should not be administered to a pet that is pregnant or is known to have sensitivity or allergic reactions to the drug.

Excessive estrogen in dogs can result in a reduction of both white and red blood cells (Thrombocytopenia) and as a result, a pet needs to be monitored by a specialist in veterinary medicine while undergoing treatment with Diethylstilbestrol.

Diethylstilbestrol should not be given in unison with phenobarbitol, Rifampin, phenylbutazone or other types of estrogen available to veterinary medicine.

Obtaining Diethylstilbestrol for Your Pets

Pet owners can only purchase Diethylstilbestrol with a prescription from their vet and through a veterinary pharmacy that carries a wide range of veterinary medicines.

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Identifying a Top Veterinary Pharmacy

December 31st, 2009

Excellence in animal health care goes hand in hand with a high quality veterinary pharmacy that can accommodate all of your prescription needs and help make treatment an easy, effective and even enjoyable process. A top veterinary pharmacy offers the highest standard of services that you can count on. Learn the dynamics of a winning veterinary compounding pharmacy and find out why Diamondback Drugs tops the list.

The Challenges of Veterinary Medicine

Unlike health care for humans, veterinary medicine faces a number of challenges that can create distinct obstacles to providing the best possible care. The inability to hold a verbal conversation with the patient is the largest barrier in veterinary medicine. Just as kitty is unable to describe what is ailing her, it’s impossible to verbally convey how a treatment can cure or manage a particular health condition. Consequently, patients in veterinary medicine often prove wholly uncooperative when it comes to administering veterinary drugs.

A top veterinary pharmacy addresses this chief concern by offering tailored treatment options to accommodate the needs of each patient. Diamondback Drugs provides a wide range of effective methods for the easy, safe and even pleasurable dispensing of veterinary drugs.

As a leading veterinary pharmacy, Diamondback Drugs can compound a diverse span of veterinary drugs customized specifically for the individual patient. We provide an extensive range of flavors and bases and can develop veterinary drug preparations in a variety of forms that can reinforce the efficiency of treatment. From capsules and liquids to chewables, drops, creams and transdermal gels, Diamondback Drugs can create the best formulation to meet the unique needs of the individual patient.

Access the Best Treatment Through a Reputable Veterinary Pharmacy

Another serious challenge to the success of veterinary medicine is the availability of veterinary drugs. Oftentimes, medications will go on backorder status, become discontinued or simply unavailable. Such obstacles can make administering the best treatment close to impossible. For this reason, veterinarians depend on reputable veterinary pharmacies to custom compound drug preparations and acquire the most effective form of treatment.

Top Veterinary Compounding Pharmacies Focus on Animals

An experienced veterinary compounding pharmacy that specializes in pet pharmaceuticals has a developed understanding for the complexities of dispensing treatment to animals. Diamondback Drugs focuses exclusively on the animal kingdom and has the requisite expertise to develop the best possible form, flavor, strength and dosage to efficiently and effectively accommodate the needs of veterinary patients.

Diamondback Drugs offers nationwide services for pet owners, veterinarians and animal health care specialists. We can accommodate treatment needs for both domestic and exotic veterinary patients.

The Best Veterinary Compounding Pharmacies Emphasize Customer Service

The most well regarded veterinary pharmacies offer top-notch customer service, placing the needs of their clients at the forefront of the business objective. At Diamondback Drugs, we are here for you, available by phone, email or fax to answer any questions you may have and help ensure that your veterinary patients receive the best possible treatment. We pride ourselves on offering the most efficient, effective and courteous service.

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Tacrolimus for KCS

December 30th, 2009

Tacrolimus is a calcineuron inhibitor. Its primary use in veterinary medicine is for the treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca in dogs. Tacrolimus can also be used to treat dermatologic problems such as Superficial Keratitis, Miliary Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis.

Tacrolimus may also be a suitable therapy for cats. In some cases, the veterinary drug may be administered to prevent organ rejection following transplant surgery.

Veterinary Medicine — Dogs and KCS

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, also known as KCS or dry eye, is an inflammatory condition. The disease is most common in the canine species. It decreases the production of tears, which can eventually lead to blindness. In some cases, KCS may be the outcome of an immune mediated condition.

Veterinary Drugs — Tacrolimus Eye Drops

Tacrolimus is an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drug, often prescribed in veterinary medicine for the ophthalmic treatment of KCS. The ophthalmic drops work to stimulate the tear glands and prevent further destruction of tissue. Some animals with KCS resulting from abnormal activity of the immune system may need to undergo Tacrolimus therapy throughout life.

Veterinary Drugs — Tacrolimus for Dermatologic Conditions

Tacrolimus may also be prescribed in veterinary medicine as a topical cream or ointment for the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions.

Tacrolimus Precautions and Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

Tacrolimus is generally only recommended for topical use. In terms of side effects, both the eye drops and topical ointment have been among the most well received veterinary drugs.

Side effects are rare, but may include slight irritation of the eyes. Extreme reactions may be the result of an allergic response to the drug. Signs of an allergic reaction may include vomiting, seizures, hives and swelling around the face.

Veterinary Drugs — Tacrolimus Dosage and Administration

Your veterinarian will prescribe the dose and provide directions for administering Tacrolimus. In order to achieve the best possible results from treatment with veterinary drugs, it’s important to carefully follow the corresponding instructions.

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Cisapride Treatment for Delayed Gastric Emptying

December 22nd, 2009

Cisapride is a gastrointestinal prokinetic that is commonly used for the treatment of conditions that compromise stomach motility, prevent the movement of food and create delayed gastric emptying. A motility agent for the stomach, Cisapride normalizes stomach contractions and increases the movement of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cisapride for Veterinary Medicine — Uses in Cats and Dogs

Cisapride is often used to treat cats and dogs for a variety of motility disorders that lead to delayed gastric emptying. Cisapride is commonly prescribed in veterinary medicine for the treatment and management of Megacolon and chronic constipation in cats, as well as Megaesophagus in dogs.

Veterinary Medicine — Cisapride and Horses

Post-operative ileus (POI), a complication that leads to intestinal obstruction and bowel blockage, can occur in horses following abdominal surgery. However, some horses do not respond well to Cisapride treatment for POI, whether due to species differences or other factors. In addition, there are several causes for POI, such as inflammation and distension, which may influence the response of the patient to Cisapride treatment.

Cisapride — Complications and Precautions in Veterinary Medicine

The most common side effects of Cisapride treatment are related to the digestive tract. When the motility effects are too great, patients can experience diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping.

Speak to your veterinarian about other possible side effects and precautions before administering Cisapride. In veterinary medicine, some conditions do not respond well to prokinetic drug therapy. Animals with compromised liver function will likely require a lower dose to prevent complications and pregnant or lactating animals are typically not given Cisapride. Animals with cardiac irregularities may also require periodic monitoring from a specialist in veterinary medicine.

Cisapride is not typically administered with a number of other drug treatments, including IV miconazole, clarithromycin. fluconazole, ketoconazole, troleandomycin, itraconazole and erythromycin. Cisapride may also increase the effect of anticoagulants and impinge on the absorption of other medications.

Cisapride Indications for Veterinary Use

In veterinary medicine, drug administration is typically recommended 15 minutes before eating. Cisapride is usually taken orally, but is also available as a transdermal gel and liquid solution or suspension.

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Fluconazole for Veterinary Use

November 24th, 2009

Fluconazole is an antifungal antibiotic that veterinarians use to treat several species of animals that might develop ringworm, central nervous system infections and some yeast infections of the skin. Veterinarians often use Fluconazole to treat dogs with Valley Fever, which can cause rashes and flu-like symptoms. It is also sold under the trademarked names Diflucan and Trican.

Fluconazole in Veterinary Medicine

Although Fluconazole is also used to treat humans, it is a popular veterinary drug. Your veterinarian will decide which dosage will help your pet most. Taking large dosages of veterinary drugs can cause problems in animals just as in humans, so be sure to follow your vet’s directions carefully.

Methods of Ingesting Fluconazole

Fluconazole prescribed to animals is most commonly distributed in pill form, which can be obtained through a veterinary pharmacy. A powder version of the drug is also available but is not as commonly sold for veterinary uses. Pet owners who have difficulty getting their dogs, cats or other animals to take the pill form of Fluconazole should contact their veterinarian or veterinary pharmacy for more information.

Possible Side Effects of Fluconazole

As with all medications, animals being treated with Fluconazole can develop side effects of various severities. Pet owners giving their animals Fluconazole or any other veterinary drugs should pay close attention to signs of worsening skin rashes; anemia, which is evidenced by pale mucus membranes and gums; digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite; jaundice, which is evidenced by yellow skin, gums or whites of the eyes; lethargy and depression.

Some animals are more susceptible to these side effects than others. Some might also experience allergic reactions to this and similar veterinary drugs. Owners should therefore keep a close eye on their pets and contact their veterinarians immediately if their animals display any of these symptoms.

Obtaining Fluconazole for Your Pets

Pet owners can easily purchase Fluconazole by prescription from any veterinary pharmacy that carries a wide range of veterinary drugs.

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Ciprofloxacin in Veterinary Medicine

November 9th, 2009

Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic that prevents infection by killing off a number of susceptible bacteria.

In veterinary medicine, the use of Ciprofloxacin is widespread. The drug can be administered to a variety of animal species and is used to treat a range of infections. Most commonly, Ciprofloxacin is used to treat cats and dogs for lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections.

Ciprofloxacin — Precautions and Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

As with all veterinary drugs, it is extremely important to follow the Ciprofloxacin prescription as indicated by the designated animal care specialist. Stopping treatment early, unless advised by the veterinarian, may result in a recurrence or worsening of the infection.

Generally, it is not advisable to administer Ciprofloxacin to patients with hypersensitivity. Some medications may interact with Ciprofloxacin, such as antacids, cyclosporine, theophylline and a number of antibiotics. Be sure to inform your animal care specialist of any veterinary drugs or supplements your pet is taking before giving Ciprofloxacin.

In veterinary medicine, Ciprofloxacin may interfere with the bone and cartilage development of some young animals, especially puppies under 28 weeks old. In cases of young and developing patients, regular veterinary supervision may be required during treatment.

Ciprofloxacin — Potential Side Effects

The most common reactions to Ciprofloxacin are diarrhea and loose stool. Potentially serious side effects may include seizures, nausea, appetite loss, yellowing of the eyes or skin and fever, among other reactions. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for more information about potential side effects before beginning treatment.

Ciprofloxacin — Compounding Pharmacy Formulations

A qualified compounding pharmacy can develop different Ciprofloxacin formulations to satisfy the dosage needs of each patient. Common Ciprofloxacin formulations include capsules and ointments. Ophthalmic solutions may be available for the treatment of ocular infections, as well as formulations for ear infections.

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