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Friday, December 19, 2014

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

by Unknown

Overview

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a hormone classified as a synthetic, nonsteroidal estrogen. It is used primarily for treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs. It is thought that DES increases the responsiveness of the smooth muscle of the bladder neck to nerve activity, tightening the muscle and preventing leakage of urine. The hormone also has a stimulating effect on the reproductive system.

Diethylstilbestrol is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: None

Diethylstilbestrol is no longer commercially available in some countries and is no longer a marketed drug in the United States; however, some veterinarians still have supplies of this drug and the drug can be obtained from compounding pharmacies.

Uses of Diethylstilbestrol

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is prescribed for the treatment of hormonal responsive urinary incontinence in the spayed female dog. There are other drugs that also can be used in place of DES. However, DES may be the better choice in those pets that cannot tolerate phenylpropanolamine or ephedrine.

DES also has been used to prevent conception (pregnancy) after mismating (unplanned breeding) in dogs and cats. However, the drug is potentially dangerous for this use.

DES has been used to treat estrogen responsive tumors, hyperplasia of the prostate gland and in perianal gland adenomas. However, neutering (castration) is the initial treatment of choice.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, diethylstilbestrol can cause side effects in some animals.

Diethlystilbestrol should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Diethlystilbestrol may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with DES.

Diethylstilbestrol should never be used in pregnant animals.

Estrogens at excessive doses, or in very susceptible animals, can depress the bone marrow, reducing the number of blood cells. This leads to decreased formation of platelets (needed for clotting), depressed white blood cell count (needed to fight infection), and reduced red blood cells (anemia). These effects can be prolonged or irreversible and fatal.

Symptoms of an adverse effect include lethargy, depression, pale mucous membranes, abnormal vaginal discharge, loss of appetite and bleeding from the gastrointestinal and urinary tract.

Diethylstilbestrol can also increase the risk of uterine infections (pyometra) when given to intact (unspayed) female dogs.

Animals receiving therapy with DES should be monitored monthly by a veterinarian.

Diethylstilbestrol has been involved in cases of immune mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs.

How Diethylstilbestrol Is Supplied

Diethylstilbestrol may be available through compounding pharmacies by prescription from your veterinarian.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

Dosing for prevention of conception after mismating: 0.1 to 1 mg per dog, orally for five days after mating. Some specialists argue that this drug should never be used for this purpose.

Dosing for hormone responsive incontinence is typically 0.1 to 1 mg orally once a day for three to five days, then the dosage is reduced to 1 mg orally once a week.

Periodic complete blood counts and platelet counts should be obtained in dogs receiving DES on a chronic basis.

The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse or prevent the development of resistance.

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Diethylcarbamazine (Filaribits®)

by Unknown

Overview

Please note: Diethylcarbamazine was recently taken off the market by the manufacturer. If your pet has been receiving this drug and you have any questions, please contact your veterinarian.

There are a number of excellent drugs available to prevent the development of thecanine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis. The oldest of this still in use is diethylcarbamazine or DEC.

Diethylcarbamazine belongs to a class of drugs known as parasite control agents. It is thought that diethylcarbamazine affects the nervous system of the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death of the parasite.

DEC differs from other heartworm preventatives in terms of administration and timing of treatment. The drug must be given daily and if more than two days are missed the risk of heartworm infection is significant. In addition, the drug works in a 'contemporary' manner, meaning that it only works for one to two days following administration. For that reason, the drug must be given for 30 to 60 days after the last potential bite from a mosquito harboring heartworm larvae.

Diethylcarbamazine is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans and animals.

Human formulations: Hetrazan® (Lederle)

Veterinary formulations: Filaribits® (SmithKline Beecham), Filaribits Plus® (Pfizer)

Uses of Diethylcarbamazine

Diethylcarbamazine is primarily used to prevent heartworm infections.

It also can be used to treat roundworm infections, but is infrequently employed for that purpose.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, diethylcarbamazine can cause side effects in some animals.

Diethylcarbamazine should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Diethylcarbamazine should not be used in animals with heartworm infections. A negative heartworm test is crucial prior to beginning administration of diethylcarbamazine.

Diethylcarbamazine may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with diethylcarbamazine.

Side effects are unlikely but vomiting and diarrhea has been reported.

Severe adverse effects such as drooling, vomiting, stumbling, lethargy, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, breathing problems and death can occur if DEC is given to dogs with active heartworm infections and circulating microfilaria (the offspring of adult heartworms).

Overdoses rarely result in toxicity. Vomiting or diarrhea may occur.

DEC plus oxibendazole (Filarabits Plus®) has been associated with liver injury. This is considered a rare side effect.

There is a rare potential for DEC to reduce sperm count in breeding dogs.

How Diethylcarbamazine Is Supplied

Diethylcarbamazine is available in 50 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg tablets. Some combination products include oxibendazole as a preventative against gastrointestinal parasites (worms).

Diethylcarbamazine is also available in a 60mg/ml syrup.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

A dose of 3 mg per pound once daily is recommended for heartworm prevention.

To treat roundworms, a dose of 25 to 50 mg per pound is recommended.

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Diclofenac (Volteran Ophthalmic®)

by Unknown

Overview

Diclofenac sodium is a topical drug used to treat certain kinds of inflammation within the eye.

Diclofenac inhibits the production of prostaglandins. Inhibiting prostaglandin helps decrease the inflammatory response in the eye.

Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs).

Diclofenac is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: Volteran Ophthalmic® 0.1% (CIBA Vision)

Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Diclofenac

Diclofenac is used in the treatment of certain types of anterior uveitis and iritis.

The drug may be particularly useful in the control of chronic uveitis where long-term usage of topical corticosteroids may produce undesirable side effects. Examples include chronic anterior uveitis in cats, lens-induced uveitis in dogs, and any chronic uveitis in animals with diabetes mellitus.

Diclofenac may also be used as a preoperative and postoperative anti-inflammatory agent, especially to combat uveitis associated with eye surgery.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, diclofenac can cause side effects in some animals.

Diclofenac should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug, or to any of the topical or systemic NSAIDs.

With any NSAID, there is the potential for increased bleeding due to their affect on platelet aggregation.

The drug should not be used in the presence of an eye hemorrhage or systemic clotting abnormalities. It may potentially increase bleeding tendencies during eye surgery when used preoperatively.

Diclofenac delays wound healing and should be avoided if corneal ulceration is present. It should be used cautiously during the active wound-healing phase following eye surgery.

It should not be used in cases of glaucoma, and careful monitoring of pressure within the eye is indicated during administration.

Diclofenac may interact with other medications. Consult your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is taking could interact with diclofenac. Such drugs may include corticosteroids.

How Diclofenac Is Supplied

Diclofenac is available as a 0.1% solution in 2.5 ml and 5 ml bottles.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

Diclofenac is usually administered 2 to 3 times daily for the treatment of active uveitis and 1 to 2 times daily for the control of chronic uveitis.

As an adjunctive therapy to intraocular surgery, diclofenac may be administered 2 to 3 times daily in the two days prior to surgery, or for 2 to 3 doses just prior to surgery. It may then be continued for several days after surgery.

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Diazepam (Valium®)

by Unknown

Overview

Diazepam is a sedative and depresses the brain. Exactly how diazepam works is uncertain but it is thought to reduce serotonin levels and reduce acetylcholine levels.

Diazepam is a controlled substance Accordingly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States (and similar regulatory agencies in other countries) strictly control these drugs. Controlled drugs are classified into categories ("schedules") based on abuse potential. These drugs require prescription by a veterinarian with an appropriate DEA license, and any refills are tightly controlled and regulated. and can only be prescribed by a veterinarian.

Diazepam is classified as a benzodiazepine class drug. Related drugs include midazolam, clonazepam, clorazepate and alprazolam.

Diazepam is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: Valium® (Roche) and other generic names.

Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Diazepam

In animals, diazepam is given as a sedative, to treat convulsions, to manage excitement or as a muscle relaxant.

Diazepam is often used with other drugs to ease an animal in and out of anesthesia.

In some animals, particularly cats, diazepam in small doses has been used to increase appetite and treat behavior problems such as urine spraying or aggression.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, diazepam can cause side effects in some animals.

Diazepam should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Diazepam may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with diazepam. Such drugs include cimetidine, propranolol, narcotics, barbiturates, digoxin and certain antibiotics.

Diazepam can cause sedation and disorientation in animals; they may become uncoordinated and weak.

In some animals, however, diazepam causes the paradoxical drug reaction of excitement.

Although rare, diazepam can cause a severe liver problem in cats that can be fatal. This adverse effect should be carefully considered before administering diazepam to cats, especially on a long-term or recurrent basis. If a cat taking diazepam becomes excessively depressed, vomits, stops eating or becomes jaundiced (yellow) while receiving diazepam, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.

Diazepam should not be administered to animals long-term without discussing the potential for side effects with your veterinarian. Long-term treatment also can lead to dependence that could bring undesirable behavior changes once the drug is discontinued.

Diazepam is a controlled drug because it has high abuse potential in people. This drug, if prescribed for animals, should be carefully monitored and kept in a secure location.

How Diazepam Is Supplied

Diazepam tablets are available in 2 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg tablets. An oral solution is available in 1 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml concentrations. There also is a 5 mg/ml solution for injection.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

The typical dose administered to dogs is 0.25 to 1 mg per pound (0.5 to 2 mg/kg) and 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1 mg/kg) in cats, intravenous as needed or as often as every six hours.

Diazepam has been administered as a liquid solution by the rectum in dogs having convulsions (because other routes of administration are difficult to use in this instance). The dose is higher, 0.5 mg per pound (1 mg/kg).

Diazepam has been administered to cats at a dose of 1 to 4 mg per cat orally every 12 to 24 hours.

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Dextromethorphan (Robitussin-DM®)

by Unknown

Overview

Respiratory conditions in dogs are associated with severe or chronic coughing. These include tracheobronchitis (kennel cough), chronic bronchitis, tracheal (windpipe) collapse and bronchial compression. In many instances, the only effective therapy for these major airway irritations is a cough suppressant or anti-tussive drug.

Dextromethorphan temporarily suppresses coughs due to mild airway irritation. It is at best a mild cough suppressant in dogs.

It also helps to loosen and dislodge mucus, especially when combined with guaiphenesin.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Dextromethorphan is available over the counter but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: Robitussin-DM® (AH Robins) and various generic preparations

Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is used to suppress coughing in cases of tracheal or bronchial irritation.

It is a temporary measure to alleviate coughing and is less effective than opiate (morphine-related) drugs, such as hydrocodone and butorphanol.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, dextromethorphan can cause side effects in some animals.

Dextromethorphan should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity orallergy to the drug.

Dextromethorphan should not be used to treat chronic or persistent coughs. It is only effective in mild and temporary coughs.

Dextromethorphan should not be taken if an animal is diagnosed with pneumonia or other lung disease.

Dextromethorphan should be avoided in animals if the coughing is associated with heart disease.

Dextromethorphan may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with dextromethorphan. Such drugs include sedatives, tranquilizers and barbiturates.

Adverse effects are limited and are primarily associated with sedation.

Dextromethorphan is often combined with other cold remedies. Some of these drugs can cause excitement or other adverse effects in pets. Consult your veterinarian before administering any over-the-counter cough remedy.

How Dextromethorphan Is Supplied

There are a variety of concentrations of dextromethorphan, depending on the brand and any other drugs used in combination with dextromethorphan.

Dextromethorphan is available in tablet and liquid form.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

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Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Dexamethasone

by Unknown

Overview

The immune and inflammation systems of pets and people constitute essential safeguards against infections and disease.

However, in some situations, inflammation is dangerous and can lead to severe damage in tissues and organs.

Similarly, the immune system, often for no apparent reason, can attack the body, causing great damage or even death. The resulting medical conditions are calledautoimmune diseases.

There are a number of drugs available to control inflammation and suppress the immune system. Among the most prominent of these are steroid hormones resembling cortisone.

Dexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid, a hormone that is related to cortisone (which is normally produced by the adrenal gland).

The effects of glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone, can be observed in every organ system and these drugs should only be used when necessary.

An important effect of dexamethasone is the suppression of the immune system, when given at specific doses.

Dexamethasone also reduces inflammation throughout the body, though the effects on the nervous system are limited.

Dexamethasone is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in animals and humans.

Human formulations: Dexamethasone is supplied by numerous drug companies with a variety of trade names and various generic preparations

Veterinary formulations: Azium® (Schering), Pet-Derm® (Pfizer), Dexameth-a-Vet® (Anthony), Dex-a-Vet® (Anthony) and various generic preparations

Uses of Dexamethasone

Since dexamethasone exhibits effects on nearly every body system, the uses of this drug are wide and varied.

Dexamethasone often is used in the treatment of shock related to infection or the release of endotoxins (toxic chemicals produced by some bacteria).

Dexamethasone is used to help diagnose and treat diseases of the adrenal glands.

It may be part of a treatment plan for various cancers, respiratory diseases, liver disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, skin disorders and nervous system abnormalities.

Dexamethasone is also used to suppress the immune system in autoimmune diseases such as immune mediated hemolytic anemia.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, dexamethasone can cause side effects in some animals.

Dexamethasone should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Dexamethasone may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with dexamethasone. Such drugs include furosemide, insulin, phenobarbital, certain vaccines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

Common side effects include increased thirst and appetite, panting, vomiting, restlessness and diarrhea.

Elevations in liver enzymes are commonly observed. These liver changes are often mild – and of little consequence – but in other cases, liver injury can constitute a more serious problem.

Dexamethasone should be avoided in infections caused by fungi (molds and yeasts) and as a general rule should not be given to treat infectious disease (except in cases of shock).

Dexamethasone should not be administered to pregnant animals, since it can induce labor.

Extreme care must be taken when stopping dexamethasone therapy. If an animal has received dexamethasone for an extended period of time, slow weaning of the drug is critical to avoid serious complications caused by insufficiency of the adrenal glands.

Some animals develop stomach or intestinal ulcers or experience bloody diarrhea related to dexamethasone use.

Long-term treatment with dexamethasone may result in loss of hair, weakening of the muscles, liver impairment and behavioral changes.

How Dexamethasone Is Supplied

Dexamethasone is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg and 6 mg tablets.

It is also available in 2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml, 10 mg/ml, 16 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 24 mg/ml injectable forms.

Dexamethasone is also available as a 0.5mg/5ml liquid preparation.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

The dose of dexamethasone varies depending on the reason for prescribing and the dose will be determined based on the disorder, severity of the condition, and the duration of therapy.

Anti-inflammatory doses range from 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound (0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg) up to twice daily.

Immunosuppressive doses range from 1 to 3 mg per pound (2 to 6 mg/kg) up to three times daily.

Doses for various disease range between 0.1 to 3 mg per pound (0.2 to 6 mg/kg).

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Desoxycorticosterone (Percorten-V®)

by Unknown

Overview

Addison's disease – more properly known as hypoadrenocorticism – is a deficiency of hormones (cortisol, aldosterone) normally produced by the adrenal glands. Consequences of this disorder can include extreme weakness, shock, vomiting, diarrhea, disturbances of blood potassium and sodium, abnormal heart rhythms and death.

Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs is an autoimmune disease that leads to destruction of the adrenal gland cortex (outer layers) and a deficiency of vital hormones.

One of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands and absent in Addison's disease is aldosterone. This hormone assists the kidney in retaining needed sodium and getting rid of excess potassium. Deficiency of the hormone increases sodium loss in the urine, reduces blood pressure and increases blood potassium. High blood potassium can be dangerous, leading to fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Treatment of Addison's disease requires replacement of missing hormones. It is essential to replace aldosterone with a similar hormone. Desoxycorticosterone is an injectable replacement (hormone) belonging to a class of drugs known as mineralocorticoids steroids. Desoxycorticosterone is also called DOCP.

DOCP acts on the kidney to increase the absorption of sodium and facilitates excretion of potassium from the body.

The effects of DOCP last between 21 and 30 days following injection.

DOCP is not effective if kidney function is significantly impaired.

DOCP is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in animals only.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: Percorten-V® (Novartis Animal Health)

Uses of Desoxycorticosterone

Desoxycorticosterone is used to treat Addison's disease in dogs.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, desoxycorticosterone can cause side effects in some animals.

Desoxycorticosterone (DOCP) should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

DOCP may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with desoxycorticosterone. Such drugs include furosemide, insulin, digoxin and amphotericin B.

DOCP use should be avoided in animals with heart failure or kidney failure.

Since DOCP is available only as an injection. Soreness and inflammation at the site of injection is a potential adverse effect.

Overdose of DOCP leads to increased thirst and urination, fluid retention and possible weakness.

How Desoxycorticosterone Is Supplied

Desoxycorticosterone is available as a 25 mg/ml injection.

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

Initially, desoxycorticosterone is dosed at 1 mg per pound (2.2 mg/kg) every 25 to 30 days.

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Desmopressin (DDAVP®)

by Unknown

Overview

Water balance in the body is controlled by the amount of water consumed relative to the amount lost in the intestines, sweat and urine. The kidney is ultimately responsible for controlling water balance in the body.

Control of kidney function comes from nerves and hormones. One of these hormones,antidiuretic hormone or ADH, plays a key role by allowing the kidney to control water loss in the urine.

Another function of ADH is constriction of blood vessels to raise blood pressure. This has lead to a second name for this hormone – vasopressin.

Desmopressin is a synthetic vasopressin.

Desmopressin acetate is used for replacement of deficient ADH.

Another effect of desmopressin is a transient increase in certain blood clotting factors.

Desmopressin is a prescription drug and can only be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.

This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.

Brand Names and Other Names

This drug is registered for use in humans only.

Human formulations: DDAVP® (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer)

Veterinary formulations: None

Uses of Desmopressin

Desmopressin is used in the treatment of central diabetes insipidus in dogs and cats.

An unusual application of this drug is in the therapy of von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting problem commonly found in dogs. This is a genetic disorder involving clotting proteins (factors) and the blood platelet.

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, desmopressin can cause side effects in some animals.

Desmopressin should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.

Desmopressin may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with desmopressin. Such drugs include epinephrine, heparin,and fludrocortisone.

Desmopressin can cause conjunctival irritation (inflammation) of the eyes after administration in some patients.

Fluid retention can also occur following high doses of desmopressin.

How Desmopressin Is Supplied

Desmopressin is available as a nasal solution, solution for injection and tablet form.

Nasal solution: 10 micrograms/0.1 ml in 2.5 or 5 ml bottles

Injectable form: 4 micrograms/ml, 1 ml or 10 ml bottles.

Tablet form: 0.1 and 0.2 mg tablets

Dosing Information

Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian.

DDAVP nasal drops are administered into the eye or into the nose. The latter approach can be difficult in some pets.

The dose for desmopressin is one to two drops of the nasal spray administered in the conjunctival sac (eyes) or in each nostril once or twice daily.

Desmopressin can also be given as a subcutaneous injection. The dose is 1 to 2 mcg per dog for central diabetes insipidus.

For von Willebrand's disease, desmopressin is dosed at 0.5 mcg per pound (1 mcg/kg) subcutaneously as needed. The effect of the drug generally lasts for about 4 hours.

There is no injectable dose available for cats.

Unfortunately, this treatment is not cost effective, as the drug is very expensive.

Life-term therapy is needed for treatment of central diabetes insipidus.

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Derm Caps®

by Unknown

Overview

Derm Caps® is a proprietary combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that may improve the condition of the haircoat.

Derm Caps® contain safflower oil (a source of linoleic acid), borage seed oil (a source of gamma linolenic acid), fish oil (a source of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid), and vitamin E.

In dogs and cats, the primary use of fatty acids has been to palliate eczema-like skin eruptions and pruritus. This treatment has also been purported to halt the progression of renal disease, retard tumorigenesis, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent thrombus formation.

On face value, it would seem that dietary supplementation with fatty acids is something of a panacea but a word of caution is indicated. Definitive studies confirming the efficacy and the safety of long term supplementation have still to be performed. Also, the optimal ration of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids has yet to be established. In addition, dietary supplementation with fatty acids is not necessarily without short and possibly long term side effects. While fatty acid supplementation may ultimately be shown to be of some value, more studies are need before such treatment can be unequivocally recommended.

Brand Names and Other Names

This dietary supplement is designed for use in animals only.

Human formulations: None

Veterinary formulations: Derm Caps® (DVM Pharmaceuticals)

Uses of Derm Caps

Maintenance optimal haircoat

Treatment of pruritus associated with atopy and seborrhea (equivocal)

Treatment of military eczema and eosinophilic granuloma complex (cats)

Precautions and Side Effects

While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, Derm Caps can cause side effects in some animals.

Derm Caps should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity to any of the components. Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids without adequate antioxidant protection could increase free radical formation with consequent lipid peroxidation.

Other possible side effects are: Vomiting and diarrhea; increased pruritus; immuno-incompetence; and lethargy (dogs).

Drug Interactions

Because of possible effects of fatty acids on bleeding/coagulation times, it is probably unwise to administer fatty acid dietary supplements concurrently with anticoagulants, such as aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.

How Derm Caps are Supplied

Derm Caps® 10's (petite dogs and cat)

Derm Caps® Regular (small to medium-sized dogs)

Derm Caps® ES (medium to large-sized dogs)

Derm Caps® 100's (large & giant breed dogs)

Derm Caps® Liquid 6 oz (177 ml.)

Dosing Information

Derm Caps are dosed as follows:

Capsules are generally dosed based on the capsule size and the pet's body weight as follows:

10's: 1 per 10 lbs body weight

Regular: 1 per 20 lbs bodyweight

ES: 1 per 50-70 lbs body weight