Monthly Archives: April 2021
- April 30, 2021
Pexion is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with neurological conditions like epileptic seizures or epileptic fits that are of unknown causes (idiopathic) and affecting most or all of the brain (generalised seizures). It can also be prescribed to reduce anxiety and fear associated with noise and other phobias.
IMPORTANT NOTE AT AT MAY 2021: PEXION MANUFACTURER ANNOUNCES GLOBAL DISRUPTION TO SUPPLY OF PEXION - OUT OF STOCK WORLDWIDE!
The manufacturer of Pexion has advised that, due to Covid19 related interruptions, there is a global shortage of Pexion. In Australia, we have been advised that there is NO available Pexion stock.
You can read more about the global shortage from Boehringer Ingelheim here .
Until supply is resumed, it is critical that you speak with your vet about an alternative medication to Pexion.
We will continue to update this page with any further information we have about the expected restocking.
Understanding Epilepsy
Remarkably, humans and dogs have similar
- April 12, 2021
It is important to closely follow the instructions of your veterinarian. Some of the medications used to treat seizures and epilepsy. It can take time to find the right medication for your pet, and in some cases, management of your pet's epilepsy or seizures with medication may not be possible.
Here are some of the toxins that can cause seizures in pets
Toxins can cause seizures in cats.
- Permethrin - An ingredient in some flea, tick, scabies, and lice products for pets and people.
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - A family of antibiotics that includes ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin that is used to treat a variety of illness in people and sometimes prescribed for cats ( and dogs) but can cause seizures in overdoses.
- Diphenhydramine - An antihistamine found in cold, flu, and allergy products for people and sometimes prescribed for cats ( and dogs) but can cause seizures if overdoses.
- Amitriptyline - is an antidepressant and is sometimes prescribed for cats
- April 05, 2021
Carprofen is prescribed for treat osteoarthritis in dogs and is also used to provide pain relief after surgery.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (also called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD) refers to the medical condition when your pet has progressively worsening inflammation of a joint. In a healthy joint, which moves smoothly and painlessly, cartilage acts as a cushion - when the cartilage in the joint starts deteriorating, or breaking down, it is called osteoarthritis. This can happen due to “wear & tear” or due to disease, age, injury, repetitive stress, or obesity.
You may have seen your dog show pain, or a decreased range of motion or your pet may develop inflammation or bone spurs. Joints most likely to be affected are the legs and lower back.
Dogs are really good at hiding their pain, so the early symptoms of osteoarthritis may not be immediately seen by pet owners. Here are some signs to watch for in your dog:
- Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty
- April 01, 2021
Lovan is used by veterinarians to reduce anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. It is the equivalent to the human drug Prozac, but in a different dose.
Anxiety in pets
Pets can suffer many different types of anxiety, and your pet may be showing that anxiety in different ways. It may be a fear or phobia that your pet shows - when new people arrive at the house, or when a storm approaches, or it may be separation anxiety (this affects approximately 14% of dogs!), which may result in destructiveness, distressed vocalization (crying, howling or constant barking), or “housesoiling” (a nicer term for the inappropriate mess that a distressed animal may cause in your home!). (read more about Anxiety in Dogs)
Your cat or dog’s mental health is important, and a clinically distressed or anxious pet can be very distressing - this Sydney Morning Herald article describes the behaviors that were helped after pets received treatment for their anxiety (many with Lovan (referred to by its active
