Azathioprine is a purine antagonist drug that competes with the production of nucleic acids, particularly purines. Azathioprine is better known as a chemotherapeutic agent, but has also shown benefit in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Azathioprine is commonly used in cases where NSAIDs or aspirin has not adequately controlled the patient’s [...]
As our country’s perception shifts regarding cannabis, more research is slowly appearing with the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in veterinary practice. According to a recent survey 61.5% of veterinarians felt comfortable discussing CBD with colleagues, but only 45.5% felt comfortable discussing with clients (Kogan, 2019). There is confusion currently around the legal status of cannabis [...]
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common problems encountered in veterinary medicine. When all gastrointestinal illnesses are eliminated, chronic GI disorders need to be considered including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is characterized by increase in number of inflammatory cells found in lining of stomach or intestinal tract. Any animal with unexplained vomiting or diarrhea, especially chronic [...]
PDH is caused by a benign tumor on the pituitary gland, causing overstimulation of the adrenal gland. This overstimulation leads to excessive cortisol or Cushing’s disease. Roughly 85% of dogs with Cushing’s syndrome developed this due to PDH. Often seen in veterinary practices as Vetoryl, trilostane is a synthetic enzyme inhibiting drugs used to lower [...]
New official prescription forms have started being issued as of September 1, 2018. These new forms are for all practitioners that are authorized to prescribe schedule II controlled substances. The new forms include advanced security features to address fraudulent forms being made. The new security features include a watermark pressed into the sheet that [...]
Chlorambucil is an alkylating antineoplastic medication that is used to treat many immune response disease states in animals. This medication can be very useful in treating both irritable bowel syndrome (IBD) and certain cancers like lymphosarcoma. Both conditions will present with similar clinical symptoms but a biopsy will confirm the suspicion of cancer. Investigators have [...]
What is USP 800? USP 800 has many healthcare professionals on edge as to how it relates to their field and practice scope. This federal standard was implemented with the intention of protecting the environment as well as any and all health care personnel that are exposed to hazardous drugs in the workspace. With the [...]
Cyclosporine: This medication is an immune modulating agent that can be used to increase tear production primarily by minimizing inflammation in the eye. It is mainly only administered in dogs to treat dry eye and will need to be given indefinitely in dogs that are responsive to treatment. Its benefit has been shown and well [...]
Enrofloxacin: This is in the drug class fluoroquinolones and is a broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotic. It can be administered to both cats and dogs to treat ear infections. Enrofloxacin is effective against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria, particularly E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibri, Staphylococci and Brucella. Enrofloxacin is a beneficial choice for difficult to treat [...]
PIROXICAM: This is in the drug class of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDís) used to treat arthritis. Piroxicam can be given to both cats and dogs to relieve pain, inflammation and to a lesser degree high temperature. NSAIDís action is to block cyclooxygenase enzymes 1 and 2, which lower prostaglandin levels that are higher in times [...]
