Arthritis & Joint Problems
What you need to know about NSAIDs
The FDA has prepared a brochure for veterinarians to give to their clients who are prescribed
NSAIDs for their dogs. I hope that veterinarians make these available in their offices. Please
print the brochure, if they don't. The information is great.
Approved NSAIDs in the United States include:
- Etogesic (etodolac)
- Rimadyl (carprofen)
- Metacam (meloxicam)
- Deramaxx (deracoxib)
- Previcox (firocoxib)
- Zubrin (tepoxalin)
- Novox (carprofen)
Treating Canine Ligament Injury Without Surgery
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Blood Test and Urinalysis References
Breed Related Drug Sensitivities
Multi-drug Sensitivity (MDR1 gene mutation)
- Collies
- Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties).
- Australian Shepherds
- Old English Sheepdogs
- German Shepherds
- Long-haired Whippets
- Silken Windhounds
- a variety of mixed breed dogs
As more dogs are tested, more breeds will probably be added to the list of affected breeds
Problem Drugs
- Ivermectin (antiparasitic agent)-While the dose of Ivermectin used to prevent
heartworm infection is SAFE in dogs with the mutation (6 micrograms per kilogram),
higher doses, such as those used for treating mange (300-600 micrograms per
kilogram) will cause neurological toxicity in dogs that are homozygous for the MDR1
mutation (mutant/mutant) and can cause toxicity in dogs that are heterozygous for
the mutation (mutant/normal).
- Selamectin, milbemycin, and moxidectin (antiparasitic agents)-Similar to Ivermectin,
these drugs are safe in dogs with the mutation if used for heartworm prevention at
the manufacturer’s recommended dose. Higher doses (generally 10-20 times
higher than the heartworm prevention dose) have been documented to cause
neurological toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation.
- Loperamide (ImodiumTM; antidiarrheal agent)-At doses used to treat diarrhea, this
drug will cause neurological toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. This drug
should be avoided in all dogs with the MDR1 mutation.
- Acepromazine (tranquilizer and pre-anesthetic agent)-In dogs with the MDR1
mutation, Acepromazine tends to cause more profound and prolonged sedation.
We recommend reducing the dose by 25% in dogs heterozygous for the MDR1
mutation (mutant/normal) and by 30-50% in dogs homozygous for the MDR1
mutation (mutant/mutant).
- Butorphanol (analgesic and pre-anesthetic agent)-Similar to Acepromazine,
Butorphanol tends to cause more profound and prolonged sedation in dogs with
the MDR1 mutation. We recommend reducing the dose by 25% in dogs
heterozygous for the MDR1 mutation (mutant/normal) and by 30-50% in dogs
homozygous for the MDR1 mutation (mutant/mutant).
- Vincristine, Vinblastine, Doxorubicin (chemotherapy agents)-Based on some
published and ongoing research, it appears that dogs with the MDR1 mutation are
more sensitive to these drugs with regard to their likelihood of having an adverse
drug reaction. Bone marrow suppression (decreased blood cell counts, particularly
neutrophils) and GI toxicity (anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea) are more likely to occur at
normal doses in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. To reduce the likelihood of severe
toxicity in these dogs (mutant/normal or mutant/mutant), we recommend reducing
the dose by 25-30% and carefully monitoring these patients.
A DNA test for the presence of the MDR1 mutation is now being commercially offered by
Washington State University.
Washington State University
This website also addresses the issue.
Acepromazine and Boxers
Nutrition
Pet Food Recalls
A comprehensive List (American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians)
Pain Management
Spay and Neuter Information
Long-Term Health Risks and Benefits Associated with Spay / Neuter in Dogs
Ins and Outs of Puppy Vulva's
Early Spay-Neuter Considerations for the Canine Athlete
Christie Keith - Dogged Blog It's Just That They LIE ABOUT IT
Thyroid
A Diagnostic Dilemma
Tick-Borne Diseases (TBDs)
Vaccines
"A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is
annual revaccination. Almost without exception there is no immunologic requirement for annual
revaccination. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal...... Furthermore,
revaccination with most viral vaccines fails to stimulate an anamnestic (secondary) response....
The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy...”
__From Current Veterinary Therapy, volume XI, published in 1992 (this is a very well respected,
peer-reviewed book that is updated every four years). The authors are veterinary immunologists
Ronald Schultz (University of Wisconsin) and Tom Phillips (Scrips Research Institute).
"Current vaccine practices are medically unsound. It is time to question the wisdom of annual
booster, multivalent products (combination vaccines, the most common being DHLPP for dogs
and FVRCP for cats), and unnecessary vaccines. Doing so will return companion animals’
immunization to its status as a medical and not an economical procedure.”
__Neils Pedersen, renowned University of California-Davis veterinary researcher and professor, in
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) Trends.
Rabies Vaccine
The Rabies Challenge Study
Veterinarians
2003 Consumer Reports article Veterinary Care Without the Bite
Consumer Reports writes: "Even if your pet is perfectly healthy, vets are now ready with a battery
of tests, shots, and even X-rays for the annual wellness checkup, costing up to $140 for kittens
and puppies and as much as $340 for geriatric cats and dogs." >> To read more
Questions to ask your veterinarian
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index
Arthritis & Joint Problems
Blood Tests & Urinalysis
References
Breed Related Drug Sensitivities
Spay and Neuter Information
Tick Borne Diseases (TBDs)
Internet Lists: forums on the
internet for specific health
problems in dogs, as well as
books and other miscellany
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In Memoriam:
Hannah
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