Product Review: Revolution (Selamectin) Flea & Heartworm Prevention

Pfizer's Revolution is an easy-to-use monthly topical treatment for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. It treats and prevents worms, fleas, ticks and other parasites. One packet of Revolution includes three one-month anti-parasitic treatments. Revolution is available in higher concentrations for dogs and cats over five pounds and in milder concentrations for puppies and kittens up to five pounds. This medication can also be purchased in cartons containing six single-dose applications. The proven effectiveness of the treatement makes Revolution one of the veterinary industry’s most trusted topical flea and heartworm treatments. Vets who are interested in prescribing the product may be interested in the following information:

Monthly Protection For Cats And Kittens

One topical dose of Revolution protects cats and kittens for up to 30 days from the following parasites:

Fleas Ticks Ear mites Heartworms Roundworms Hookworms
Revolution is a highly-effective feline heartworm preventative and flea-control product that can be used to treat all cat breeds. One monthly dose treats and prevents flea infestations, killing adult fleas and keeping flea eggs from hatching. This product also prevents other common infestations.

Monthly Protection For Dogs And Puppies

Similar to Revolution for Cats and Kittens, the monthly dose of Revolution for dogs and puppies kills and prevents the following:

Fleas Ticks Ear mites Heartworms Sarcoptic mange

It’s important to note that if a dog has an existing case of heartworm, Revolution will not be able to help control the symptoms. That’s why proactive, monthly prevention against heartworm is key.

Product Information

Revolution’s active ingredient is Selamectin, a topical parasiticide highly effective in the treatment, control and prevention of parasites. For maximum parasite control and prevention, Revolution should be used every 30 days for the life of the pet.

Revolution is applied to your pet by parting the fur and squeezing the liquid contents of the tube directly onto the skin, where it is absorbed. Application takes about 15 seconds and most pets tolerate the treatment very well. The recommended dosage is 2.7 mg. of selamectin per pound of body weight. It is imperative not to exceed the dosage or frequency of application; in larger doses, this powerful drug can be toxic to pets.
Prior to product use, vets should show pet owners how to apply the medication correctly. Revolution should be applied directly to the skin on the back of the neck, at the base of the neck, just in front of the shoulder blades. Be sure to part the fur enough to expose the skin; this product should not be applied to the fur.

With the tip of the tube directly on the skin, squeeze the tube three or four times so that all of the liquid goes directly onto the skin in one spot. Do not rub the liquid into the skin, and do not apply to broken skin or if your pet has wet fur. Leave the application site alone for two hours after treatment. You may observe a bit of matted fur at the application site, but this is normal and disappears within a few hours.

Help keep pets comfortable and healthy with the proper prescriptoin and dosage of pest control products. Don’t be afraid to ask Medi-Vet if you have any further questions about this powerful preventative topical!

What is Your Dog Trying to Tell You? Decoding Dog Body Language

Many dog owners claim that their dogs talk to them, and in a way this is true. Like humans, dogs have their own ways of communicating without words – and it can become easier to attend to your pooch’s needs if you understand what to look for. Medi-Vet is here to clear up the confusion with a list of the top signs your dog may be trying to express fear, hunger, happiness, and more.

Body Language

It's pretty easy to tell when your dog wants attention. He may approach you and crouch with his wagging or stand and stare at you with his ears up and his face relaxed, waiting for you to lavish him with love. If he suddenly stops when you're playing and pricks his ears up, turning his attention away, chances are he's sensed something that you can't and is more interested in that than in you.


When your dog is scared, you'll see him flatten his ears and either lower or tuck his tail. Some dogs will cower when they're feeling uneasy. These may also be signs of submissiveness to humans or other dogs.
Aggressive dogs hold their tails high and stiff while standing upright. Their ears often prick forward as they stare intently at whatever provoked their response.
 
Facial Expressions

Some dogs are more expressive than others, but they all have certain "looks" they use to convey moods. The next time your dog looks at you, pay attention to his facial features. If his eyes are relaxed and his lips are pulled back slightly in a doggy "smile," you'd better go grab a toy—he's looking to play! However, a tense dog whose lips are pulled up to expose his teeth is feeling aggressive and shouldn't be provoked. Submissive dogs may squint, lower their heads, and show only their top teeth. A closed mouth or excessive yawning indicates that your dog is nervous or upset about something and may need reassurance.

Vocal Communication

Dogs make a variety of sounds to "talk" to other dogs, react to situations, or tell humans that something is up.

• Loud or excessive barking at mid-range is used to defend territory or communicate potential danger. Pauses between rounds of barking may indicate that your dog is unsure about what type of threat he senses.
• Incessant barking that includes howling or has long pauses in between is often a plea for attention.
• Howling is used to locate and communicate with other dogs or to try to call you back when you're leaving. 
  
• High-pitched barking usually indicates excitement. A short bark at high pitch may mean that your dog is confused. 
• Low-pitched barking, snarling and growling are all signs of aggression. 
• Short low-pitched barks mean "stop doing that!" 
• Dogs that grunt, mutter or "ruff" are looking for attention or want to play. 
•  A dog that is frustrated or annoyed may whine to indicate his feelings. 
• Whimpering and yelping may be signs that your dog is in pain or is afraid.

Learning to interpret Fido's body language and barking gives you a better sense of his needs. When you understand the signals he's sending you, you'll be able to respond appropriately and build a stronger relationship with your furry friend. You’ll both be happier for it!

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.

Rescue Clinics We Admire – Part 2

As we researched the nation’s many rescue clinics for part one of our blog post titled “Five Pet Rescue Clinics We Admire,” we decided that it wasn’t enough to highlight just five, so here are five more organizations that take rescue pet care to the next level.

1. Best Friends Animal Society - In the 1980s, the Best Friends Animal Society started taking sicker and older animals to a safe facility where they could heal and regain their strength. Since then, the organization has been able to save thousands of animals through its original and inventive programs. The Best Friends Animal Society also supports shelters and other rescue groups around the nation. During 2011, the association began working to make more of the country’s cities “no-kill” areas. To date, the organization has been able to make shelters in Los Angeles “no-kill” as well as cities across Utah.


2. Hearts United for Animals - Hearts United for Animals is an organization that intends to eliminate suffering for the nation’s animals. It is a no-kill sanctuary, and the group saves dogs from around the country if other shelters need more space. They pride themselves on warm, compassionate rescue dog care. Today, Hearts United specializes in arranging long distance adoptions.


3. Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Incorporated - The Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge shelter is a safe haven for cats and dogs. To extend its goal of helping animals, the association provides animal-related training courses to local schools and clubs. Also, the shelter’s staff members go the extra mile and guide adoptees through the process of taking home their new furry friend.


4. Pets Incorporated - Pets Incorporated is the most productive animal rescue organization in Midland, SC. The state’s Angel Charities Group has even recognized the association for its efforts. Pets Incorporated provides a home for about 200 homeless animals on a consistent basis, and each year, the organization finds permanent homes for approximately 3,000 animals.


5. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation - In 1996, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation was formed to turn rescued dogs into rescue dogs. The group’s staff members find and recruit rescued dogs and train them to help firefighters as well as other first responders such as those who look for survivors in wreckage areas. The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation does not charge fire departments for its training services, and the organization guarantees that every dog it accepts into the program will have a home for life. 

Pet rescue clinics provide a service that we can all appreciate. We dog lovers and cat lovers at Medi-Vet will always do our best to highlight and support these great organizations!

Five Pet Rescue Clinics We Admire – Part I

Medi-Vet is proud to help promote the health and happiness of pets everywhere, but we like to spread the love and recognition for all the rescue clinics and pet advocate agencies around the globe that are doing their part to keep pets healthy and in good homes. As the first part of a series of blogs, here are five pet rescue clinics we admire.

1.    Petfinder – Petfinder has become an incredibly detailed, organized national archive for various adoption groups around the country. With an expansive archive of pets available for adoption from agencies big and small as well as great knowledge base articles, Petfinder is the perfect go-to resource for all things pet adoption.

2.    Austin Pets Alive! – APA! has become one of the leading no-kill shelters in all of the United States thanks to their analytical approach of basing their operations off the successes and failures of programs in other cities. Pulling animals directly off the euthanasia list, APA! gives animals the second chance they deserve, and boasts an incredible adoption rate thanks to plenty of adoption drives, promotional events specialized recovery programs.

3.    PetSmart Charities – The folks over at PetSmart Charities have found a simple and effective way to leverage their existing stores as a means of pet adoption hubs for local, partnering shelters and clinics. Regular on-site adoption days where dogs and cats from local shelters can get more exposure to potential adopters are just one of the many ways PetSmart is using their reputation to find loving homes for animals. They also have plenty of online resources for interested parties that need more information on shelters and clinics in their area. They even take in animals from time to time when local shelters are overcrowded.

4.    Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation – ARF was started back in 1990 with then manager of the Oakland A’s, Tony La Russa, spotted a stray cat that wandered onto the baseball field. The Hall of Fame manager personally secured the cat and found a loving home for it. Today, ARF is a nationally recognized no-kill organization that has expanded its outreach and animal health programs dramatically since its 1991 founding.

5.    Animal Rescue League of Boston – ARLBoston covers not only the programs and services you would expect from a pet advocacy group, they also focus on the lifelong health and happiness of the animals they take in. Training classes and pet owner education initiatives make sure pets are being placed in loving homes with well-educated and considerate owners. ARLBoston even helps to rescue and rehabilitate wild animals!

Every pet rescue group and clinic is doing a world of good for pets. While these are but five groups, they’ve certainly made an impact on agencies around them and in their field. What are some agencies or clinics that you admire? Let us know in the comments!

The Pros and Cons of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance has been popular in parts of Europe, Scandinavia and Great Britain for decades. Today, health care policies for pets are gaining traction in the United States. While this trend has given dog and cat owners plenty of options, the number of choices can be overwhelming for those who are shopping for a policy that offers broad coverage, limited exclusions and affordable premiums. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of pet insurance and what you should look for when insuring your furry friends.

How it Works
Pet health insurance isn't quite like coverage for people. Technically, it's more like a travel insurance policy where the policyholder submits a claim for reimbursement after paying for the treatment. Just like other insurance options, buyers should shop around, review policy details and understand what's covered and what's not. Use these tips to find the best coverage for your pet:

• Verify the carrier's qualifications with your state's insurance board
• Shop around to find the best policy and premiums
• Check to see if your employer offers optional pet coverage
• Read policies thoroughly and ask questions
• Inquire about multi-pet discounts
• Consider the benefits of establishing a savings account instead

Coverage
For pet owners, coverage is the most important concern. Unfortunately, there isn't one standard. Pet insurance is designed primarily for emergencies and catastrophic events. However, more providers cover routine veterinary care and preventive or elective treatments, such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, heartworm medications, tick and flea prescriptions and dental care. Some policies even cover acupuncture, physical therapy and holistic treatments.

Cost
The cost of pet insurance varies as much as the coverage. Typically, a good policy will cover up to 90 percent of approved vet bills after the deductible is satisfied. You can also anticipate that your policy will have an annual cap on benefits. Depending on the provider, you might pay more to insure an older pet or a specific breed. Premiums will increase if you live in an area where veterinary costs are higher than average. Insurance companies also have different ways of handling renewals. Some companies increase premiums based on the pet's age while others offer constant rates that never increase as long as premiums are paid.

Exclusions
Ironically, some of the most common and expensive veterinary procedures aren't covered by the average pet insurance policy. Exclusions generally apply to pre-existing problems and chronic medical issues. A few providers cover hereditary conditions, such as hip dysplasia.

What You Need to Know
Veterinary costs are on the rise, and the number of treatments and diagnostic tools has expanded dramatically. In 2009, nearly 30 percent of pet-related expenditures went toward some $12 billion in veterinary care. Dogs are twice as likely to require emergency care as cats are, and puppies develop serious medical issues more often than adult dogs.

Pet insurance isn't cheap, but it's a good option if you're the type of person who would spend any amount to restore your pet's health. With pet insurance, you might pay more over the life of your pet, but the policy can prevent you from going into debt. You could also consider putting the money you would spend on premiums into a savings account. Weigh these pros and cons to find the best option for protecting your beloved pets.

A Review of Putney Cefpodoxime Tablets

Putney tablets (cefpodoxime proxetil) are a proven, safe way to handle skin infections in dogs. Simple application and the ability to combat several bacterial strains make Putney tablets a common drug for infections in vet offices. The sale of Putney cefpodoxime tablets is, however, restricted to licensed veterinarians and pharmacies, and Medi-Vet must have a current license on file prior to shipping your order. Let’s review some of the features of Putney cefpodoxime products that make them so popular for skin infections and wound treatments.

Cefpodoxime proxetil can be given with or without food, making it easy to take the drug at convenient times as opposed to only with meals. Offered in 100mg and 200mg tablet varieties, cefpodoxime proxetil tablets from Putney are suitable for dogs big and small. This antimicrobial medication is incredibly fast-acting. In many cases, noticeable change can be seen within 5-7 days with a maximum use of 28 days. However, be sure to cease treatment after 3-4 days if there are no noticeable signs of improvement. Make sure that all tablets are stored at a comfortable room temperature of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Cefpodoxime proxetil can be used to treat the following strains of bacteria:

• Staphylococcus intermedius
• Staphylococcus aureus 
• Streptococcus canis (group G, B hemolytic) 
• Escherichia coli 
• Pasteurella multocida
• Proteus mirabilis

While cefpodoxime tablets can be administered to many dogs, it does have some limitations. Dogs that are being bred, are currently pregnant, or are lactating should not be given these tablets as clinical proof of safety with this drug has not been found.

Medi-Vet offered Putney cefpodoxime proxetil at the competitive price of just over $72 for 100 tablets or $130 for 200, making them a great deal compared to Simplicef by Pfizer. With a dosage of one tablet or less a day, that’s an unbeatable bargain! Stock your vet practice with Putney cefpodoxime and give your patients and their owners peace of mind with fast-acting, reliable medication for skin infections.