Pet Service/Product Review
The reviews presented in this section of ASKMYVET.NET are strictly the opinion of the reviewer. We do not endorse nor condemn products or services. Rather we present these items for their worth. Knowledgeable consumers can make their own best choices. As always, please consult your veterinarian.
Vetoryl (trilostane):
This product is indicated for treatment of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's). Trilostane is an orally active synthetic steroid analogue that selectively inhibits the enzyme the body needs to produce cortisol. This medication has fewer side effects than traditional mitotane (lysodren) treatment.
Comfortis (spinosad):
This product is a chewable tablet which kills fleas for a month. The tablet works best when administered with food. Unlike Program and Sentinel which kill flea larvae and pupae but not adult fleas, Comfortis kills adult fleas (not larvae or pupae). The drug targets the biting flea nervous system causing paralysis and death. Potential side effects are few but include vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy and diarrhea.
Vetmedin (pimobendan):
This product is a positive inotropic (strengthens heart contractions)and vasodilator. It is used to treat dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral valve insufficiency. It should be given one hour before meals without opening the capsules in order to enhance absorption. The drug can be used with ACE inhibitors and/or furosemide. Side effects are uncommon but include polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence. This medication is a wonderful addition to the veterinarian's arsenal to combat heart disease in dogs.
Convenia (cefovecin sodium):
This product is an antibiotic, administered subcutaneously in dogs or cats, which effectively treats skin infections for up to one week with a single injection. The product is highly recommended for dogs and cats when indicated in hard to dose pets.
Cerenia (maropitant):
This product is a potent anti-emetic used for both acute vomiting as well as motion sickness. The drug is a neurokinin receptor antagonist that blocks the action of substance P in the central nervous system's emetic center. In doing so, it blocks multiple causes of vomiting. It comes both as an oral and injectable preparation. It is a drug of choice for many cases of vomiting in dogs but should not be used in dogs with liver disease.
Chondro-Flex:
The product is combination of glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulfate and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Glucosamine HCl is major component of cartilage and synovial (joint) fluid. Supplies help the body rebuild the cartilage and joint fluid. Chondroitin sulfate blocks the enzymatic breakdown of cartilage and joint fluid. MSM is a natural anti-inflammatory and source of sulfur necessary for collagen formation in bone, tendon and connective tissue repair. We have had great success with this product. Note it may take 3 - 8 weeks to see its effects. It is flavored, thereby making administration easy.
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association):
Veterinary hospitals with this designation have voluntarily subjected themselves to independent evaluation by the nationally recognized American Animal Hospital Association for the delivery of quality care from companion animal practices. Qualifying practices have proven to deliver the following enhanced standards by their veterinary team as stated by AAHA:
Anesthesia: Methods for assessing anesthetic needs in patients and appropriateness of equipment
Client Service: Communicates well with clients during all aspects of their visit
Contagious Disease: Protocols, processes and facilities to handle contagious diseases and avoid outbreaks
Continuing Education: Continuing education tools and opportunities for staff members
Dentistry: Safe dental procedures that protect both the patient and staff members
Diagnostic Imaging: Adequate equipment to generate quality diagnostic images and utilizes proper procedures and equipment to protect staff members from radiation
Emergency/Urgent Care: Equipment handling and process for emergencies
Examination Facilities: Properly equipped for thorough examinations
Housekeeping and Maintenance: Cleanliness
Human Resources: Handling of personnel matters
Laboratory: Laboratory services for the prompt diagnosis of patients
Leadership: Leadership’s commitment to creating a positive work environment and providing high-quality care
Medical Records: Continuity of care through medical record details
Pain Management: Pain assessment, management and training
Patient Care: Humane and advantageous care to patients during all aspects of their visit
Pharmacy: Proper handling, storing and dispensing of medications
Safety: Safety of environment for patients, clients and team
Surgery: Patient safety in an aseptic environment with appropriate pre- and post-operative considerations
Training collars:
We feel the use of choke collars and pinch collars should be replaced with halter type collars (ie. Halti, Promise, Behave, Gentle Leader, etc.) due to their superior effectiveness and far superior humane treatment of the pet.
Laser Surgery:
The advances of laser technology are tremendous. The proper laser affords surgeons tissue cutting without charring; bloodless sites in many cases due to vessels being sealed via coagulation; reduced pain via the sealing of nerve fibers; and flexibility that can be applied to flexible endoscopes or simply tight areas such as the oral cavity. Many applications are greatly benefited by laser technology while others really cannot justify the added expense of laser.
Capstar (Nitenpyram):
Capstar is an oral tablet for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight and greater. We found the tablet effective in killing adult fleas on the pet, achieving nearly a 100% kill within 4-6 hours of ingestion. Capstar is very safe and can be used with other flea products thereby filling various niches.
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