Veterinary Compounding

                Veterinary compounding is a specialized niche within pharmacy practice today. 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. There are a variety of ways in which veterinary compounding provides exceptional services for animal lovers.

                Medications can be delivered to animals via transdermal creams and gels. Administering medicine in the form of a cream to be applied to the back of a cat or dog’s ear avoids the many obstacles when trying to give medication by mouth. The advantages offered by the transdermal administration of medications include dosing while the animal is nauseated, smaller amount of drug needed resulting in decreased systemic side effects, and the lower incidence of drug interactions in an  animal taking many medications. Lee Davis Pharmacy provides transdermal medications in easy to use pre-measured syringes to aid in accurate dose administration.

                If the animal requires medication by mouth, veterinary compounding allows for the customization of flavors to suite the species. Cats don’t like pills, but they like do like tuna. Dogs don’t appreciate a traditional solution of medication being squirted into their mouth, but they will gladly take it when it’s part of a tasty treat. Birds cannot take large volumes of liquid medication, but they will accept a small dose of a tasty, concentrated, fruit-flavored solution. Another new way in which medications can be delivered is through “Paw Pastes.” Veterinary Compounding of a flavored paste composed of medication that is applied to an animal’s paw or fur. Since animals hate having anything stick to them, they will lick the paste right off, and ingest the medication.

Some medications for animals are available only in one tablet size, making it difficult to swallow. Veterinary Compounding can create dosage forms that are just the right size for the animal. Lee Davis Pharmacy can compound the medication into the smaller increment needed, or concentrate a medication for larger animals. Veterinary Compounding can also formulate multiple medications within one pill, cream, or solution for pets that have many medical problems.

                Lee Davis Pharmacy can compound medications for your pet that are commercially unavailable. From time to time, a manufacturer may discontinue a veterinary medication. When that medication has worked well for animals, a compounding pharmacist can prepare a prescription for the discontinued product and tailor the strength, dosage form, and flavor to that pet’s specific needs.

                A caring veterinarian working closely with a compounding pharmacist can result in the improved health and happiness of pets, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist about veterinary compounding ideas today.