Pharmacology

For years, glucocorticoids and cyclosporine have been used for the symptomatic management of atopic dermatitis, including the associated pruritus. In the past 5 years, however, oclacitinib (Apoquel; zoetisus.com), a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has become another important drug in the management of allergic pruritus.

For centuries, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used for pain control. However, their use has been associated with potentially life-threatening adverse drug events. Grapiprant is a novel drug for treatment of osteoarthritic pain in dogs. Approved in 2016, it is a non-cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibiting NSAID.

Inappetence is a common clinical sign that has an important influence on perceived quality of life and case management in dogs and cats. Capromorelin has the potential to positively affect the clinical management of inappetence and weight loss/cachexia in dogs.

Alfaxalone has been used to induce general anesthesia for many years, but only recently has a new formulation with preservatives become available in the United States. This formulation has a shelf life of 28 days after first use. It is approved for IV administration to induce and maintain general anesthesia in dogs and cats; however, it is also used via the IM route for induction and sedation (off label).

A review of the studies of oral mirtazapine—which stimulates appetite—and current recommendations for cats, including normal cats, geriatric cats, and cats with kidney or liver disease.

Biotherapeutics are still relatively new in veterinary medicine. This article reviews biologic therapy as it relates specifically to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and covers the only fully licensed and commercially available product, lokivetmab (Cytopoint).

A review of the mechanism of action of the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan; plus, its use in veterinary medicine to date.

Pimobendan is a benzimidazole-pyridazinone derivative, labeled for use in dogs to manage congestive heart failure (CHF) resulting from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) in the United States. On the basis of its positive inotropic effects combined with arteriovenous dilation, it is classified as an inodilator.1 In this article, we provide relevant …

The best treatment approaches in veterinary behavioral medicine are often multimodal. At the core of state-of-the art multimodal treatment is smart, rational, and effective use of behavioral medication…