Pharmacology

Sarolaner is an ectoparasiticide that is effective against fleas and ticks on dogs when administered once a month. This article covers its development, mechanism of action, dosage, safety, and efficacy against 6 common species of ectoparasites. It also compares the safety and efficacy of sarolaner with those of 2 other popular ectoparasiticides in the same class: afoxolaner and fluralaner.

Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent that has treatment applications in both veterinary and human medicine. Oral cyclosporine is currently being used to treat a spectrum of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases in dogs, including but not limited to atopic dermatitis, autoimmune skin disorders, perianal fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, and immune-mediated blood disorders.

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.