VETPROFEN (CARPROFEN) CAPLETS

Are you a veterinarian who’s thinking about Vetprofen/Carprofen for dogs? Here’s what you should know:
Vetprofen is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of pain and swelling in dogs following surgeries and geriatric osteoarthritis complications. Like many NSAIDs, it falls under the same propionic acid class as ibuprofen and ketoprofen.

Is Vetprofen Safe?

Vetprofen lacks the narcotic properties observed with the administration of some other painkillers. According to clinical lab studies performed with canines that had not received anesthesia, the drug is typically well-tolerated following the consumption of a standard oral dosage. Daily dosages are generally around 4.4 mg/kg of body weight.

The U.S. FDA has approved carprofen prescriptions for dogs, but felines should not be given this drug. According to some studies, the analgesic and antipyretic activity of carprofen has been observed to be roughly on par with that of indomethacin.

Can Any Dog Take Vetprofen?

Some canines exhibit adverse reactions to carprofen, like hypersensitivity. Dogs that have already demonstrated such symptoms in the past should not be given this drug. The majority of adverse reactions are classified as gastrointestinal disturbances; although renal, dermatologic, neurologic, hematologic and hepatic effects are reported, these are less common.

Dogs that have prior histories of bleeding disorders, like Von Willebrand's disease, should not be given carprofen. Canines should also be older than six weeks old, non-pregnant, non-lactating and non-breeding, as these classes haven't been confirmed to metabolize the drug safely.

As with all NSAIDs, it's important that practitioners attempt to avoid simultaneously administering corticosteroids and other NSAIDs unless the canine can be observed diligently. Most adverse reactions can be reversed by ceasing vetprofen treatment during the early stages.

Why Should a Vet Prescribe Vetprofen?

Carprofen's effective use as an anti-inflammatory treatment for osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia is well-established. Due to the fact that it has specifically been studied and approved for use in canines, toxicity dangers typical of NSAIDs formulated for humans may be less likely.

Vetprofen is currently only approved for use in canines, although it was formerly administered in humans for about a decade. It has been tested in dosages specifically formulated for canines, and potential adverse reactions are well-studied.

How Should Vets Advise Dog Owners about Vetprofen?

Veterinarians may wish to discuss side effects and reactions to watch out for. Observing such symptoms may prove critical in an owner's ability to call attention to a problem in a sufficiently timely fashion to prevent fatalities or serious health complications. Potential symptoms include the following:

• Abnormal water retention, including increased thirst or increased urination
• Gastrointestinal issues, such as diminished appetite, vomiting or diarrhea
• Low energy, fatigue or general lethargy

Some dogs exhibit more serious symptoms, including seizures, compromised coordination, bloody vomit, jaundice or black, sticky stools. Skin irritation and serious behavioral changes, such as aggression, are also possible. Therapy should be stopped at the first sign of any abnormal symptoms, as long-term administration may increase the risk of adverse reactions. Periodic followups are advisable with any NSAID therapy.
If you have any other questions about this powerful anti-inflammatory option, contact us today.

Resources:

Drugs.com. "Vetprofen." Available from http://www.drugs.com/pro/vetprofen.html.
The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products. "Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products: Carprofen." Available from http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Maximum_Residue_Limits_-_Report/2009/11/WC500011412.pdf.

Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs

To a dog owner, our furry friends are more than just pets, they are members of the family. Dogs give so much love to their owners, and in return it is our responsibility to ensure they stay happy and healthy. Food, exercise, and treats are only part of this responsibility; we also have to keep them free from disease. Some of the most prevalent diseases affecting dogs are heart worms and parasites.

Heart worm is spread by fleas and can be passed from one dog to another. This, unfortunately, makes heart worm disease common;  and also a potentially fatal disease. The good news is that it is easily preventable. Dog owners can take preventative measures giving their dogs heartworm medication to protect their beloved pets.

Heartgard and Heargard Plus

One such product that helps prevent heart worm and other parasite infestations such as roundworm and hookworm is Heartgard. Heartgard is the #1 heart worm medication prescribed by veterinarians. It comes in several different forms, each product is tailored to fit your dogs size, age, and breed. Heartgard is a once a month tablet that also comes in chewable form. It is much easier to give your dog a pill once a month then to deal with the emotional and financial cost of treating heart worm disease. It's also easy to get your dog to take Heartgard because it is made with real beef, most dogs just think it's a treat! Heartgard is so safe for dogs that it has been approved for use with puppies as young as six weeks and even pregnant and nursing dogs.

Difference between Heartgard and Heartgard Plus

There are two version of Heartgard available: Heartgard and Heartgard Plus. Both are oral heartworm preventive medication taken on a monthly basis and with the biggest difference between them being that the Heartgard Plus can also eliminate certain intestinal worms. The Heartgard contains Ivermectin that is for preventing heartworm disease and the Heartgard Plus also contains Pyrantel that helps treat and control ascarids and hookworms.

Based on the weight of the dog, Heartgard and Heartgard Plus are available in following options:

• Upto 25 lb (Heartgard Plus Blue Pack)
• 26-50 lbs (Heartgard Plus Green Pack)
• 51-100 lbs (Heartgard Plus Brown Pack)

Your dog is a precious member of your family and it is very important to make sure he stays happy and healthy and lives a long and full life. Heartgard products are an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Ensure that you and your dog will have many years of fun and adventure together by treating him with Heartgard once a month based on your doctor’s recommendation.

Vetmedin Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Vetmedin (Boehringer Ingelheim) is a safe and effective prescription treatment for canine congestive heart failure. It helps the heart to pump blood efficiently and that is important when your dog is suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy or atrioventicular valvular insufficiency. These chewable tablets are easy to administer, beef-flavored, and is tolerated well by most dogs. It helps relieves the symptoms of congestive heart diseases and can prolong the life of your pet.

How does it work?

As an inodiolator, Vetmedin or its generic option Pimobendan, opens up the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart as well as the ones that return blood back to the heart. This relieves stress on the heart and allows for easier expansion and contraction of the muscle. It also increases the strength of the heartbeat, allowing for more blood flow with less cardiac effort.

Recommended Dosage*

• The recommended total daily dose is .23 mg/lb of canine body weight
• Available by prescription only with 1.25mg and 5mg options

How it is administered?

• Vetamin is administered orally twice daily
• Doses should be spaced 12 hours apart
• Should be taken approximately one hour before food
• The tablets can be administered whole or split in half to adhere to your veterinarian’s instructions
• Recommended only for dogs older than 6 months

Possible Side Effects:

Vetmedin is safe for most dogs, however adverse side effects are possible. When you dog experience one or more of the following allergic reactions, discontinue use and seek immediate emergency veterinary care.

• Swelling of the tongue, throat, mouth, or face
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Labored breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Weakness, fainting, or lack of coordination

Vetmedin should not be administered to animals that are allergic, pregnant, or lactating. It should not be administered if the animal has other heart conditions such as aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and other heart conditions that would be exacerbated by higher cardiac output.

Medi-Vet offers two options for Vetmedin tablets: 1.25mg and 5mg. Both are available as a pack of 50 chewable tablets. We sell this prescription medication only to licensed veterinarians and pharmacies. As a dog owner, you can ask your vet or pharmacy to fulfill your prescription with us.

*Disclaimer: Please consult with your Veterinarian for your dog’s needs

Novartis Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Heartworm & Flea Prevention for Dogs Review

Providing the best possible care to family dog(s) is the common goal for you and your veterinarian. The main goal is to keep your dog healthy and active so they can enjoy many years of fun, love, and adventure. The prevention and treatment of heartworm disease is a very high priority when it comes to a dog’s health and that is why Novartis created Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Heartworm & Flea Prevention.

Sentinel Flavor Tabs are once-a-month tablets that can prevent and treat heartworm disease and flea populations in dogs and puppies. Indicated use suggests use in puppies that are four weeks of age or older, and two pounds of body weight or greater. Sentinel Flavor Tabs are orally administered and extremely palatable to dogs, which makes treating them that much easier. Dogs love the taste so much, they will think you are giving them a treat! Before giving Sentinel to you dog, please talk to your veterinarian.



Sentinel Flavor Tabs for Dogs indicated uses are:

• Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria Immitis
• Prevention and control of flea populations
• Control of adult hookworm Ancylostoma caninum
• Removal and control of adult roundworm Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine
• Removal and control of whipworm Trichuris vulpis

Sentinel Flavor Tabs work to immediately break the flea life cycle by inhibiting egg development. To ensure adequate absorption, it is recommended that tabs are administered to dogs immediately after or in conjunction with a meal.  It is also recommended that the tablets be administered monthly, preferably on the same date each month, as a preventative health measure.

Novartis Sentinel Flavor Tabs are available in four tablet sizes with varying dosage formulated according to weight:

• 2 to 10 lbs… 2.3 mg
• 11 to 25 lbs… 5.75 mg
• 26 to 50 lbs… 11.5 mg
• 51 to 100 lbs… 23.0 mg

Each tablet size arrives in color-coded packages of either six or tablets each, which are packaged 10 par display carton.  You can purchase the full line of Novartis Sentinel Flavor Tabs at www.medi-vet.com and save money compared to other online stores. Medi-Vet offers name brand pet products to pet owners, veterinarians, and pharmacies at discount prices.  Be sure to check out Medi-Vet’s wide selection of dog supplies including supplements, toys, grooming tools and more.