Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
As a longtime pet owner, I have loved family dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, hamsters, and even a few goats over the years. Pets bring countless joys to our lives and some health benefits for humans, too, including stress relief and potentially lower risk of heart disease. Most importantly, though, they are often cherished lifelong companions. When our furry family members are hurting, we hurt, too.
This month’s Pharmacy Today cover story explores the growing role of pharmacists in pet health. With the explosion of pet ownership in recent years, “animal owners are seeking ways to find convenient, quality, and cost-effective ways to care for their animals,” said Margo Karriker Reeves, PharmD, FSVHP, DICVP, veterinary clinical pharmacist at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center in San Diego.
Pharmacists are stepping up to meet this need. There are more medications available now than ever to treat pet ailments, including veterinary-specific SGLT-2 inhibitors for diabetes, injectable biological therapies for dog skin allergies, and chemotherapy for some types of cancer. Pharmacists can make veterinary treatments more palatable and easier to administer by compounding or providing them in flavored, chewable, transdermal, extended-release, and other forms.
In this issue of Today, you’ll also find information on newly approved drugs such as a pocket-sized epinephrine nasal spray for emergency treatment of some allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis; learn what to tell your patients about ivy leaf for cough; and review CDC’s newest practice recommendations on contraceptives. Get the latest on OTC hearing aids, new vitamin D supplementation guidelines, and catch up on your CPE with this month’s article on provider implicit bias.
About a year ago, I lost my 18-year-old Maine Coon cat to a large tumor on her heart. Although it was inoperable, high-dose prednisolone helped to prolong her life for a few precious months. This gave us time to say goodbye and helped her feel comfortable in her final days. My local pharmacist compounded the prednisolone tablets into a chicken-flavored syrup, which improved my quality of life by making it easier for me to administer her daily dose. Along with the help of a caring veterinarian, our pharmacist gave us the invaluable gift of quality time with a beloved family member, and for that, I will forever be grateful.
Have a great Today!