New Drug Regimes
Remembering to administer a daily or twice daily treatment can be bad enough for ourselves let alone for our pets. It is not always easy to hide tablets in treats and sometimes, even the greediest dogs can refuse to take them. With that in mind there is a new group of long-acting drugs that are administered by the vet at the clinic.
Cytopoint is the trade name for a drug called Lokivetmab. It is an injection given by your vet used for the treatment of pruritus (itchiness) due to allergic skin disease or autopsy. It is a long-lasting drug and controls itching for 4-8 weeks. It is specifically designed to block the protein that is released in an allergic reaction. This protein sends itch signals to the brain which trigger the urge to scratch, lick and chew. Cytopoint prevents this from happening.
The speed of onset is variable, but in some dog’s relief from itching can be seen within 24 hours of having the injection. Due to its specificity for the protein that causes itching, it is very safe with no side effects and can be used in any age of dog. It does not interfere with other medications so is fine to use in dogs with other illnesses. It has no effect on the liver or kidneys. After the initial injection a review should be made with your vet but thereafter a repeat injection is given as required with the minimum dosing being every 4 weeks.
Zycortal is the trade name for Desoxycorticosterone, and is a monthly injection used for the treatment of Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism). Zycortal replaces the missing hormone aldosterone which would normally be produced by the dog’s adrenal glands. It is a very important hormone that maintains hydration and blood pressure. There is no cure for Addison’s- Zycortal is a long-term treatment that will be required for the dog’s lifetime. Blood tests are taken regularly to determine an individual dog’s dosage and frequency of administration; for most dogs it is every 4 weeks. Side effects can be seen but serious ones are rare.
Librela is the trade name for Bedinvetmab, an injectable medication used in the treatment of arthritis. It is given monthly by your vet. It is a monoclonal antibody injection which acts like naturally occurring antibodies so has minimal effect on the liver or kidneys.
It works by binding to nerve growth factor (NGF) preventing it from triggering inflammation in arthritic joints. Many dogs show a reduction in pain as soon as 7 days after the initial injection, but in most patients 2 doses are required. Injections are then given on an ongoing monthly basis. As it functions like a naturally occurring antibody, side effects are minimal.
Osurnia is an innovative treatment for ear infections combining an antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Two doses are given 7 days apart and they keep working for 45 days. Once your vet has examined your dog’s ear and has checked there are no foreign bodies or ruptured ear drums, they will thoroughly clean the ear and apply the gel. As an owner, there is then no need for you to administer anything else to your dog’s ear saving you a twice daily battle to get drops down a sore ear!
One of the many benefits of these new medications is the ease of administration; ensuring your pet receives the medication it needs without you having to worry about missing a dose. It also means your dog has a regular health check with the vet where concerns can be addressed and response to treatment can be closely monitored.