Veterinary Medicines

Veterinary medicine presents some interesting challenges not seen with the human patient.   Sometimes it is just a matter of finding a particular flavour that will be acceptable, other times it is preparing a product that is not available commercially.   Just like humans though, the challenges of finding a solution to a therapeutic problem in animals becomes a real opportunity for the compounding pharmacist to work with the veterinarian, the animal owner, and the animal patient.   Solutions that we have been involved include the creation of a product that could be applied to a cat's ear to deliver some needed medicine.   The medication once delivered to the blood stream in that manner allowed the veterinarian to examine the cat without the normal need for physical restraint.   Several drugs can be delivered transdermally and often it is a drug that helps to relax the animal that is best put in a dosage form that can just be gently rubbed on the animal's ear, where fur is very short and blood supply is close to the skin surface.  

Seizures are suffered by many breeds of dogs and although there are several medicines used to treat this condition, Potassium Bromide has become the agent of choice for many veterinarians.   It offers excellent seizure control, can be used with any breed and does not seem to lose its effectiveness over time.  It has been prepared in both liquid and capsule dosage forms depending on the need for rapid dosage titration.   

These are just two examples of ways that we can help.  There doesn't seem to be a limit on what can be done and each problem often brings its own unique solution.  Call us or have your veterinarian contact us for more information.

Flavouring

While not all veterinary medicines are oral, those that are in liquid form in particular, need some additional attention to the flavouring details.  As we learn to provide therapeutic solutions for each animal species, we discover new flavours and new ways to flavour medications for these patients.  Our selection of flavours continues to increase and our approach to flavouring improves.   Medication for a feline patient may be best flavoured using our triple fish flavouring, or fruit flavouring for a bird, or beef and liver for a dog who happens to have a very discriminating palate.  These are the things we do to satisfy the needs of these very important patients.

Dosage Forms

There are times when no amount of efforts related to flavouring can satisfy the needs of a particular animal.   That's when we have to change direction and look at alternative dosing forms, to deliver the medication(s) that may not lend itself to an oral, liquid dosage form.   Now the fun begins.   And we mean that sincerely, because it brings a smile to the face of the pharmacist who is called on to use what he/she knows about compounding to create a novel dosage form.  We will always try the traditional avenues first, which may include a solid dosage form such as a capsule, or a suppository when warranted.   However, when the therapeutic problem requires something really innovative - that's when you see dosage forms such as dog or cat treats, transdermal gels or a nasal spray.   All in the interests of delivering the active agent to the internal workings of dog, cat, bird, lizard, etc. 

Commercially Unavailable or Discontinued Medications

We sometimes assume that all medicines of importance are available from one pharmaceutical manufacturer or another.  That isn't always the case as we have discovered.   Compounding gives us the ability to make those "if they just made this product", a reality.   As long as the pure, pharmaceutical grade active principles are available, usually in powder or liquid forms, then the finished product that is desired can be created.  

Sometimes the product in question was available at one time or may be available in other countries but not here in Canada, so we find ourselves creating these products based on those formulations when not protected by patent in Canada.  At times, this duplication may be allowed when the supply of product becomes compromised for a sustained length of time.   So as to maintain therapy without interruption, we are called on by the veterinarian to compound a particular product until it is again available from the manufacturer. 

Ingredient Sensitivities

Just as humans, many animals are sensitive if not allergic to certain ingredients in certain dosage forms.   It may be the binder and filler of a particular tablet or capsule, or the preservative in an ophthalmic product that creates adverse reactions or profound allergic reactions.   To work around this, we are asked to formulate dosage forms that use alternative ingredients or that are preservative free, therefore allowing therapy with the active ingredient.  

For additional information about the products and services available to veterinarians and their patients, please contact us at (403) 320-6500 or out of town call 1-800-320-1260.    Ask to speak with a pharmacist or pharmacist technician. 

Additional Note: The compounding of the products mentioned are done respecting the existing patents and copyrights.  If a product is commercially available, we will NOT duplicate the product except in the circumstances described above.  It is illegal to duplicate a product which has been given patent protection or copyright.