Veterinary Compounding

THE COMPOUNDING SOLUTION

Why should you consider compounding as a solution for your pet's medical problems? That can be answered with another question: How hard is it to get your cat to swallow a pill?

As any pet owner is well aware, animals may be extremely difficult to treat with medications. Cats are notorious for refusing to swallow a pill, and will usually eat right around one disguised in food. And dosages can be very tricky with dogs - a medication that works for an 80-pound Golden Retriever is far too much for a six-pound Yorkie to handle.

Humans and their animals often have variations of the same diseases, including skin rashes, heart conditions, eye and ear infections, cancer and diabetes. Pet medications, though, present unique problems that are often best dealt with through compounding.

FLAVORED MEDICINE

The pet who refuses to take medication because of the taste is often a prime opportunity for compounding. Cats don't like pills, but they do like tuna. Dogs don't appreciate a traditional solution of medication being squirted into their mouth, but they'll gladly take it when it's part of a tasty biscuit or treat.

By working closely with your veterinarian, a compounding pharmacist can prepare medicines into easy-to-give flavored dosage forms that animals devour, whether your pet is a cat, dog, ferret, bird or snake.

COMMERCIALLY UNAVAILABLE MEDICINE

From time to time, a manufacturer will discontinue a medication used in veterinary applications. When that medication has worked well for animals, a compounding pharmacist can prepare a prescription for the discontinued product - at a dosage strength and dose form appropriate for that pet's specific needs.