Buprenorphine for Veterinary Use

Veterinary Medicine — Past and Present

Identifying a Top Veterinary Pharmacy

Fluconazole for Veterinary Use

Benefits and Uses of Cyclosporine

Metronidazole: Numerous Uses in Veterinary Medicine

Methimazole for Feline Hyperthyroidism

Benefits and Uses of Diazepam

Potassium Bromide for Veterinary Use

Trilostane

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Buprenorphine for Veterinary Use

Sunday, 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

Sunday, 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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Identifying a Top Veterinary Pharmacy

Thursday, 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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Fluconazole for Veterinary Use

Tuesday, 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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Benefits and Uses of Cyclosporine

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Cyclosporine is a unique immunosuppressive drug that interferes with T helper cell activity. The initial use was for preventing organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Medicine

Cyclosporine has a number of uses in veterinary medicine. The drug is commonly prescribed for dogs as an effective therapy for dry eye, or KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis sicca), which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Additionally, Cyclosporine treats Atopic Dermatitis in dogs, an allergy condition in which the trigger is unknown.

Other conditions in which Cyclosporine is prescribed for use in veterinary medicine include feline asthma, colitis, perineal fistulas, hemolytic anemia and Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA), a disease in which the red blood cells are under attack in the immune system. In some cases, cats

Cyclosporine and Veterinary Compounding

Due to its widespread use in animal health care, Cyclosporine is often altered through veterinary compounding to satisfy the treatment recommendations of the condition and the individual needs of each patient. For example, in the treatment of KCS, veterinary compounding pharmacies usually develop eye-drops to stop the breakdown of tear gland tissue. Cyclosporine can also be compounded orally to treat conditions such as hemolytic anemia and feline asthma.

Cyclosporine — Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

As with all medications, Cyclosporine may cause side effects for some patients of veterinary medicine. Common side effects usually subside after one week of treatment and include digestive issues, such as diarrhea, upset stomach and vomiting. A number of patients may experience a loss of appetite.

Cyclosporine Precautions and Indications

Patients with compromised kidney function, liver disease, blood conditions and gastrointestinal ulcers should not be given Cyclosporine. The drug should also not be administered to pregnant or lactating patients.

In general, the designated veterinary medicine professional will recommend that Cyclosporine be administered to patients on an empty stomach. Treatment should be completed as directed by the animal health care specialist in order to successfully treat the condition at hand.

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Metronidazole: Numerous Uses in Veterinary Medicine

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Metronidazole is an antibiotic, chiefly used to treat a number of bacterial and parasitic infections. As a highly versatile drug in veterinary medicine, Metronidazole treats all kinds of animal species, including dogs, cats and horses. The medication is known for rapid absorption and compatibility with many other antibiotics.

Veterinary Compounding for Metronidazole

Metronidazole has an extremely unpleasant taste, which can prove difficult when the time comes to administer medication. As a result, qualified veterinary compounding pharmacies are pivotal in the development of several different forms, strengths and flavors of the drug, thus easing the process of administering treatment.

Metronidazole for the Feline and Canine Species

Metronidazole is used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of anaerobic bacterial infections and parasitic diseases in dogs and cats, such as Trichomonas, Giardia, Balatidium. It can also be prescribed for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, gum disease, diarrhea, tetanus and symptoms associated with liver disease, among many other conditions.

Horses and Veterinary Medicine

Many professionals in veterinary medicine treat horses with Metronidazole in correlation with other antibiotics. In such cases, Metronidazole attacks the anaerobic bacteria. Examples of such illnesses include Peritonitis and Pleuropneumonia.

Horses most commonly receive oral administration of Metronidazole. However, the drug may be administered rectally for cases concerning weight loss or anorexia.

Metronidazole — Potential Side Effects in Veterinary Medicine

Stomach upset and other gastrointestinal disturbances are a common side effect of Metronidazole therapy. Cats and dogs may also experience vomiting, nausea, salivating and a decrease in appetite, among other reactions. Infrequent reactions may include dark colored urine, liver problems, fatigue and a decrease in white blood cells.

Given the versatility of Metronidazole, the designated animal health care provider will need to customize the form, dosage and frequency of treatment for the individual needs of each patient. Metronidazole is not typically prescribed for kittens and puppies, as well as for animals in early pregnancy and those with compromised liver or kidney function.

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Methimazole for Feline Hyperthyroidism

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Methimazole is used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, which occurs as a result of an over active thyroid gland. Common symptoms of the condition include weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss and vomiting. Many patients also experience an increase in appetite, heart rate and urination.

Methimazole and Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, Methimazole is commonly used to treat cats. Due to its comparatively low occurrence of unpleasant side effects, Methimazole has become the preferred form of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism.

Since there is no known cure for hyperthyroidism, Methimazole can be used for lifelong management to reduce elevated thyroid levels or as a pre-operative measure for decreasing blood thyroid levels below normal in the removal of one of the thyroid glands.

Veterinary Compounding — Methimazole and Dosage Forms

Due to the challenges associated with drug administration in the feline species, the form of Methimazole can be altered through veterinary compounding to ease the process of dispensation. In veterinary compounding, the typical dosage form for cats is a transthermal gel, which simplifies administration and increases the effectiveness of the drug.

Veterinary Medicine — Methimazole and Early Stages of Treatment

Patients should be closely evaluated for the first few months of Methimazole therapy. During the three-month introductory period, specialists in veterinary medicine may wish to schedule frequent check-ups with the patient in order to monitor liver function, test for ANA and check T4 levels. Following introductory treatment, subsequent T4 level testing may be necessary every few months.

Methimazole and Potential Side Effects

Patients may experience the following side effects, which are usually detected within the three-month trial period: depression, appetite loss, leucopenia, vomiting, anorexia and lymphocytosis. Felines who develop a positive ANA will likely need to have the dosage adjusted.

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Benefits and Uses of Diazepam

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

A benzodiazepine tranquilizer, diazepam is used in veterinary medicine to sedate, reduce anxiety, promote behavioral changes or induce muscle relaxation. Diazepam is also an anticonvulsant and can be administered to some species to stimulate appetite.

Diazepam and Veterinary Compounding

In veterinary medicine, diazepam is commonly prescribed for dogs, cats, reptiles, sheep, cattle, horses, goats and swine. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, veterinary compounding can alter the form of the drug for oral, intravenous, rectal or intramuscular administration.

Veterinary Medicine — Diazepam Uses for Dogs and Cats

Diazepam is commonly administered as a sedative, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant or anti-anxiety medication for dogs and cats. It may be given alone or combined in veterinary compounding in order to pointedly address individual dosage needs.

Diazepam is also used in the treatment of behavioral problems, such as aggression, excessive grooming, territorial spraying and terror caused by loud noises. When treating dogs for aggression, it is possible that diazepam can produce a reverse outcome, causing amplification rather than suppression of aggressive behaviors.

As an anticonvulsant, diazepam may be used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of seizures, whether due to toxic shock or status epilepticus. However, since dogs develop a tolerance rather quickly, diazepam is not typically selected for the continued management of seizures.

Veterinary Medicine — Diazepam and Horses

While not an analgesic, diazepam is commonly administered to sedate horses prior to surgical procedures. In adult horses, diazepam is often paired with another medication in to produce the necessary level of sedation.

Diazepam can also be administered to horses as an anticonvulsant, whether alone or as part of an amalgamation of other medications. It can also assist with breeding behaviors, particularly for withdrawn stallions.

Diazepam and Potential Side Effects

Common side effects may include impaired coordination and lethargy. Aggression, excitement or marked behavioral changes are unusual side effects. In addition, while a rarity, hepatic toxicity has also been reported in some cats.

Be sure to thoroughly discuss drug interactions and additional precautions with a specialist in veterinary medicine before using diazepam for treatment.

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Potassium Bromide for Veterinary Use

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Potassium bromide is a water-soluble ionic salt compound. Potassium bromide, or KBr, is usually produced via a reaction of a bromide of iron with potassium carbonate. The brand name for KBr is Dibro-Be mono.

In 1857, Sir Charles Locock discovered the anticonvulsant and sedative traits of potassium bromide and began treating his patients. From that point, potassium bromide became a choice treatment for humans with epileptic seizures and nervous disorders until the 1912 discovery of Phenobarbital.

The introduction of Phenobarbital considerably decreased the popularity of potassium bromide in treating humans with epileptic seizures. As a result, potassium bromide is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Potassium Bromide and Veterinary Medicine

Potassium bromide is often prescribed in veterinary medicine for the effective treatment of epileptic seizures in dogs. Depending on the needs of the individual patient, potassium bromide may be the sole form of treatment or used in correlation with Phenobarbital.

Potassium bromide therapy is a rarity among the feline species, as treatment may substantially increase the risk of lung inflammation. Alternative therapies are often explored for cats, such as Diazepam or Phenobarbital, before introducing potassium bromide.

In veterinary medicine, potassium bromide typically comes in a liquid of capsule form. Since it can take three to four months to reach a steady bromide blood level, patients often receive a high dosage at the onset of treatment.

Veterinary Medicine — Potassium Bromide and Potential Side Effects

Many experts in veterinary medicine consider potassium bromide to be equally, if not more effective than Phenobarbital in treating dogs for seizures. However, as with virtually all medications, the possibility of side effects does exist.

Among other potential side effects, patients taking potassium bromide may experience appetite loss, nausea, frequent urination, thirst and drowsiness, especially when treatment is initiated with a high dosage. Coughing is another possible side effect. In such cases, potassium bromide treatment may be halted.

Potassium bromide should be administered with food. Be sure to consult with a licensed specialist in veterinary medicine to arrive at the best possible treatment.

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Trilostane

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

Trilostane is an enzyme inhibiting medication. Its principal use is in the treatment of canine Cushing’s disease. In some cases, trilostane may also be an appropriate treatment for horses, cats and other conditions.

Veterinary Medicine — Dogs and Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is most common in smaller dogs. Signs of Cushing’s syndrome may include increased appetite, thirst and urination, hair loss, bald patches and an enlarged abdomen. Without treatment, dogs can develop weak and calcified skin patches, hepatopathy and frail abdominal muscles.

Canine Cushing’s disease is caused by excess secretion of the adrenocorticotropic hormone, which elevates cortisol levels. Most dogs that develop Cushing’s disease have pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Those who do not have Cushing’s because of PDH have an adrenocortical tumor, which may be benign or malignant. Whether the result of an adrenal or pituitary tumor, Cushing’s disease interferes with biological mechanisms that normally function to regulate cortisol blood levels.

As of 2008, Trilostane is an FDA approved treatment for dogs with Cushing’s disease. Administering Trilostane can inhibit with the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands, adjusting the adreno-cortico hormone levels and preventing disease symptoms.

Trilostane can be administered in once-daily doses, or in smaller, more frequent doses to reduce the occurrence of side effects. It may take approximately four weeks for the drug to take effect and to notice a reduction of symptoms.

Trilostane — Other Uses in Veterinary Medicine

In addition to treatment for pituitary dependant hyperadrenocorticism, adrenocortical tumors and Cushing’s disease, Trilostane may be used to treat dogs with Alopecia X. Advancements in veterinary medicine have also led to substantial groundwork in the use of trilostane for treating horses with Cushing’s.

Additionally, while PDH in felines is rare, trilostane may be a chosen form of therapy. However, trilostane has revealed to be a less successful form of treatment for cats.

Trilostane — Drug Interactions and Potential Side Effects

Potential side effects include vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and tiredness. Rare instances of death have been reported. As each patient reacts differently to trilostane, arriving at the appropriate dosage is crucial in preventing instances of overdose and achieving the best possible outcome.

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