Veterinary Compounding
As challenging as it can sometimes be to determine appropriate forms of medicines that assure compliance by humans, doing so for veterinary pa- tients is even more challenging. Most human patients can communicate their preferences and tolerances; for example, those with swallowing problems can report their difficulties with oral dosage forms, and most children react unmistakably to unpalatable flavors or the prospect of an injection. Animal patients, however, must communicate by way of their behavioral reactions to a dosage form, as their verbalization capabilities are limited to their species. Dosing veterinary patients requires imagination and ingenuity from a compounding pharmacist.
One of the most interesting challenges of veterinary compounding is finding a dosage form and a vehicle suitable for a specific animal.
Flavouring for animals can be tricky, and successful administration depends on the presentation of the drug. Many pharmacists have found that oral dosage forms with fish or cheese flavors work well for cats, while many dogs prefer beef, liver, and peanut butter flavors. Sweet, fruity flavors often work best for birds, and vegetable bases are best for rabbits.
Choosing a flavor is only part of the challenge. Selecting an appropriate delivery system to ensure maximum benefit and compliance can be difficult and requires the pharmacist to think “outside the box.” Typical dosage forms such as capsules and suspensions aren’t appropriate in every situation.
Compounders are often called upon to cater to the needs of zoological park residents and exotic species.
These are only a few examples of one of the most interesting and challenging aspects of pharmaceutical compounding. Working with veterinary patients is very satisfying for the pharmacist, particularly because not only the animal is being helped, but its devoted owner as well.
Our compounding pharmacy offers a veterinary compounding service to all vets. Pets have unique therapeutic needs. Our lab can formulate special dosage forms, customised doses in flavours that are palatable to fussy pets. We offer solutions to problems by compounding specialised medications which meet the needs of each animal including pets, exotics, horses, or zoo animals.
We can also help veterinarians solve medication problems related to their patients, particularly ones with special requirements
Our laboratory can formulate an array of medications such as:
- Flavoured oral pastes e.g tuna for cats, liver for dogs, banana or tutti fruitti for exotics
- Pet treats which can be formulated into appealing shapes and flavours
- Transdermal gels which can be applied to the inner ear for direct absorption into the blood stream
- Eye drops, capsules, mixtures
Our lab can also formulate
- Customized medication dosages
- Medications no longer available
- Drug combinations to reduce multiple dosing
Let us know how we can help you and the animals in your care. Preparation of these specialised medications requires chemicals and equipment that are not available in most pharmacies. Our pharmacists have received extensive additional training in compounding techniques and have a support network that generates a constant exchange of ideas and innovations.
Veterinarians are welcome to contact us for a complete list of our compounded veterinary products.
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