The practice of pharmacy compounding is becoming a well accepted solution to veterinary problems. Compounding is the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Its revival in recent years has provided valuable benefits to today’s pet owners.

But the question is why should one consider compounding as a solution for their pet’s medical problems? That can be better answered with another question: How difficult is it for you to get your cat to swallow a pill?

We know that animals can be extremely difficult to treat with medications. Cats are infamous for refusing to swallow a pill, and usually eat right around one that is disguised in food. And dosages can be very risky with dogs. A medication that works for a 3D-pound Golden Retriever may be far too much for a six-pound Yorkie to take.

Humans and their pets often have variations of the same diseases that include skin rashes, heart conditions, eye and ear infections, cancer and diabetes. Pet medications, however, pose unique problems that are often best handled through compounding.

FLAVORED MEDICINE

The pet who refuses to take medication because of the taste is often a main opportunity for compounding. Cats don’t like pills, but they certainly like tuna. Dogs don’t welcome a traditional solution of medication being squirted into their mouth, but they’ll willingly take it when it’s put into a tasty biscuit or treat. By working closely with your vet, a compounding pharmacist can formulate medicines into easy-to-give flavoured dosage forms that animals eat greedily whether your pet is a cat, dog, ferret, bird or snake. A thoughtful veterinarian working closely with a compounding pharmacist can greatly contribute in the improved health and happiness of your pet.

SOLVING DOSAGE PROBLEMS

Just like humans, animals are individual and unique. That’s also why you adore them. They come in different shapes and sizes, and because of this, all commercially available medicines may not be appropriate for your pet. Commercial medicine generally comes in large tablets or capsules of 100 mg or more. But a small kitten may need a dosage of just 15 mg. That’s where compounding helps. In this situation, your veterinarian can prescribe a tuna flavoured medication with a quantity that is most suitable for your pet’s size and condition.

COMMERCIALLY UNAVAILABLE MEDICINE

Every now and then, a manufacturer will withdraw a medication used in veterinary applications. If that medication has worked well for animals, a compounding pharmacist can formulate a prescription for the discontinued medicine – at dosage strength and form i.e. liquid, capsule, tablet etc. appropriate for that pet’s specific needs. You can consult your veterinarian or pharmacist about compounded medications.