Pharmacology

Maropitant can be an effective antiemetic in felines and is also useful as an adjunct to therapy for visceral pain.

Maropitant can be an effective antiemetic in felines and is also useful as an adjunct to therapy for visceral pain.

Sarolaner is highly effective against fleas and ticks on dogs when dosed once monthly.

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.

Oral cyclosporine is currently being used to treat a spectrum of inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases in dogs.

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.

Oclacitinib has been proven to be a forerunner antipruritic medication for dogs and even off-label for cats.

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 closer look at the use of mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant in cats, including geriatric patients and those with kidney or liver disease.

A closer look at the use of mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant in cats, including dosage, side effects, and more.

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).