Transdermal theropy for your pet

Because your pet is dependent on you to notice that they might be ill and to take them to the veterinarian for treatment, making medicine as easy as possible to give is a big consideration for veterinarians and pet owners. Pharmacists can often work with veterinarians to provide medications for your pet, which are much easier to give than a capsule, or pill, which often must be forced on the animal, causing trauma to both you and your pet. In recent years, human doctors and pharmacists have utilized a medication dosage form called the transdermal gel. The transdermal delivery system allows patients to get their medication without having to swallow a capsule or pill or receive an injection. While the transdermal delivery system is not suitable for all medications or patients, it has proved to be an extremely useful method of administering medication in a number of cases.

Veterinarians are now beginning to explore the possibilities of using transdermal gels to ad-minister medications to animals in their care. When a veterinarian prescribes a medication, which can be given in the form of a transdermal gel, the pharmacist mixes the medicine into the gel in a measured amount. The gel can then be applied to the skin of your pet - often inside the ear - one dose at a time. Only certain medications can be de-livered in the form of a transdermal gel. Not all medications can be absorbed through the skin and some medications need to be activated by passing through the gut. In addition, medications that are appropriate for use in transdermal gel form must also pass one other very important test. They must not endanger the health of the person giving the medication -you.

For this reason, when your veterinarian wishes to write a prescription for a medication to be placed in a transdermal gel, he or she will ask you some questions about your own health to insure that the medication you will be giving your pet will not have an adverse effect on you. The veterinarian may also instruct you to wear a glove or finger cot to prevent you from coming into direct contact with the medication as you apply the gel. The pharmacist who fills the prescription may ask similar questions regarding certain aspects of your health. The pharmacist will also remind you to keep the medication away from sunlight and heat, and to always keep medication out of the reach of children. The pharmacist will usually provide you with a small oral or topical syringe, (a syringe without a needle), which will allow you to properly measure each dose of medication and also re-mind you to wear a protective covering on your hand when you apply the medication

If your veterinarian can prescribe medication for your pet in a trans dermal gel, the task of medicating your pet will become much easier. Providing medications in transdermal gels is an-other way veterinarians and pharmacists who work together are improving the results of drug therapy programs for your pet.