| Giving a pill, dry, to a cat or dog could
be extremely detrimental to its health. Studies show that
in a 'dry swallow', the majority of pills and capsules remain
in a cat's esophagus anywhere from five to fifteen minutes
before entering the stomach, which can irritate and damage
the sensitive tissues of the throat. Luckily for pet owners
and animal lovers alike, there is now a solution. Apothepet,
the specialty veterinary pharmacy can transform liquids and
capsules into tasty liquid medications. Doing so reduces stress
and trauma on the animal and owner, as well as ensures that
pets actually swallow the medication they need.
 Bethesda,
MD (PRWEB) March 14, 2006 - Ever had to take a large pill,
swallow it dry, without any water? Remember how badly it burned?
If this activity is uncomfortable for people, think of how
it must feel for a pet with a very small esophagus. Recent
veterinary studies show that despite the commonality in prescribing
pills and capsules for pets, the frequent practice of "dry
swallowing" pills can be extremely detrimental to a pet's
health. Hearing this, a team of pet advocates, animal lovers,
veterinary specialists, and celebrity enthusiasts put their
heads together to create a company dedicated to making sure
pets could take their medications properly, painlessly and
effectively. The company is dedicated to making sure that
pet owners are educated not only about the benefits but also
the risks associated with commonly used methods of medicating
their pets. The development of Apothepet, a premiere specialty
veterinary pharmacy, delivered to pet owners the first company
that specialized in flavoring medicine for animals. By converting
tablets and capsules into liquid form and adding one of 29
pet-approved flavors (everything from Grilled Tuna to Red
Angus Beef), pets were sure to accept these newly formulated
medications. This practice ensures that the pet not only gets
the medication down, but also alleviates the dangers of damaging
the esophagus during pilling. This tissue damage can lead
to esophagitis that causes nausea, vomiting and megaesophagus,
and in severe cases can cause ulcers or strictures, both of
which require aggressive therapy.
A paper was presented at the 2001 American College of Veterinary
Internal Medicine Forum. The purpose of the study performed
by Dr. Don Westfall and his associates was to determine the
time it took for pills and capsules to enter a cat's stomach
after giving a pill dry and alternatively, giving a pill and
administering a shot of water immediately afterward. The team
used internal imaging to examine the passage of the pill through
the cats' systems. The end results were alarming. In dry pilling,
even after five minutes, only 36% of the pills had made it
to the stomach, with the majority still sitting in the esophagus.
However, when administering a pill followed by a syringe of
water, all pills were in the stomach within 2 minutes. Commentary
on these results had veterinarians stunned, remarking that
this new information showed that there is a "very poor
understanding of some of the most basic aspects of everyday
practice" as most veterinarians routinely prescribe oral
medications in the form of tablets or capsules. This study
was published in one of the industry's smaller journals and
unfortunately the information was not made known to many working
within the veterinary practice, as well as many pet owners.
The dangers of dry pilling a cat or dog can be extremely
harmful to a pet's health. A pill that remains in the esophagus
for prolonged periods of time can cause irritation and damage
to the tissues in that area, and in severe cases can lead
to development of ulcers or strictures, which is often treated
with balloon dilation. This therapy is often painful and complex,
especially on the small esophagus of a cat, the diameter of
which is typically about the size of a thin ballpoint pen.
Clearly from these results, the practice of dry pilling cannot
be used for cats and the same can apply to many dogs. A syringe
of water vastly changes the safety and effectiveness of pilling,
however the majority of pet owners find that pilling a cat
is difficult in and of itself, without the added responsibility
of convincing their cat to welcome a squirt of water from
a syringe. Therefore, experts suggest compounding the pills
into flavored liquids. The use of liquid medications can alleviate
stress and trauma for both the pet and owner/caretaker, not
to mention save time, money and pain if damage to throat tissues
occurs.
America's favorite Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, of ABC's
Good Morning America says "It's very important that a
pet owner give medications, at precise intervals, for as long
as the veterinarian has prescribed. Failure to do this not
only can hinder the pet's recovery from a condition or illness
but medication-battles (cats under the bed, prying dog's mouths
open) also can have a negative emotional impact on the pet
and the bond we share with them as well. He goes on to say
that "Flavored liquid medications are very effective
and becoming the first choice for veterinarians and pet owners
today"
Apothepet is a unique veterinary pharmacy has specialized
in flavoring for the past 10 years and safely transforms tablets
and capsules into liquids that are available in many sumptuous
flavors ranging from "Roasted Lamb" to "Shrimp
Cocktail." Additionally, all flavors have been tested
on companion animals for approval and the concentration of
the flavors is very high so that only a small amount is needed.
This further eases the troubles in giving medicines to pets,
as the medication volumes are small and easy to administer.
For more information, please visit www.apothepet.com
or contact Stephen Gross at 866-961-5666.
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