Veterinary Compounding

The practise of pharmacy compounding is becoming a popular solution to veterinary problems compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its resurgence in recent years provides valuable benefits to today's pet owners.

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 tablet?

As any pet owner is well aware animals may be extremely difficult to treat with medications. Cats are notorious for refusing to swallow a tablet, and will usually eat right around one disguised in food. In some cases, a transdermal or topical gel can be applied to the cat's ear to transport the medication.

Dosages also can be very tricky with dogs - a medication that works for a 40 kilogram Golden Retriever is far too much for a 3 kilogram 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 medicines though, present unique problems that are often best dealt with through compounding.

Flavoured Medicine

The pet who refuses to take medication because of the taste is often a prime candidate for compounding. Cats don't like tablets, 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 flavoured dosage forms that animals devour, whether your pet is a cat, dog, ferret, bird or snake.

Solving Dosage Problems

Just like their owners animals are individual and unique. That's why you love them. They come in different shapes and sizes, and as a result, not all commercially available medicines are appropriate for your pet. Commercial medicine often comes in large tablets or capsules. But a small kitten may need a dose of only 15mg. That's where compounding is especially helpful. In this situation your veterinarian can prescribe a tuna flavoured suspension with an amount that is exactly right for your pet's size and condition.

Commercially Unavailable Medicine

From time to time, a manufacturer will discontinue a medicine 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 form appropriate for that pet's specific needs. A caring veterinarian working closely with a compounding pharmacist can result in the improved health and happiness of your pet.