by Kimberly DeMeza, Georgia Veterinary Specialists

Knee injuries are not limited to the elite or weekend athlete. And orthopedic surgery is not just for humans. In 2002 (the most recent year data is available) approximately 215,000 dog owners sought surgical treatment for a common canine orthopedic injury, cranial cruciate ligament rupture. According to the most recent study (November 1, 2005, Journal of the American Veterinary Association) Americans spend slightly more than $1 billion annually for the medical or surgical treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

Veterinary Compounding is Like A Spoon Full of Sugar that Helps the Medicine Goes Down

Long gone are the days of George Bailey helping Mr. Gower at his local pharmacy.  Back then, pharmacists compounded drugs by mixing various ingredients.  The practice has been replaced by mass-produced pharmaceuticals that are often limited in dosage increments and filler ingredients.  That poses a problem for pets and humans alike.  Trying to get a pill down a cat’s throat can be both challenging and dangerous for pet owners.  Not to mention, pets and humans are often more allergic to the filler ingredients in the pills which prohibits them from taking certain medications.

There are a few who still do compounding. Read more about how they can be used to make administration easier and safer.