Over the last two weeks, we have documented (what I thought was) comprehensively enough the issue of misuse of pharmaceuticals on our pets. On occasion, these interventions may even be successful. Well, you know, dear reader, even a blind hen now and then will find a grain of corn.
Readers of the column have found it necessary to remind me that I had not mentioned some meds that are used on pets, often deleteriously. Other callers pointed out that I have not dealt with herbs which the “old” people had used on their sick animals for ages with great success(?). One pharmacist gave me a valuable printout on an article she once wrote on the very subject of misuse of drugs on humans.
Let us now look at some of the other medications that find themselves in the arsenal of those needing a cure for their pets’ ailments.
COMMONLY (MIS)USED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICINES AND ANTIHISTAMINES (ANTI-ALLERGY)
ANTIHISTAMINES
These groups of chemicals work against those inflammatory processes that cause, inter alia, an itching sensation, and consequently scratching. It must be noted that the animal’s body responds to these chemicals in different ways, and with varying intensities.
Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness and stomach/intestinal upsets. Worse, an incorrect dose (for example, an overdose) can result in death. It is also important that the pet’s caregiver must ascertain – via discussion with the vet, who may even expose the animal to specific trials – what is the antihistamine which would give the optimal results for the specific ailment.
Of course, the itch-scratch syndrome may be caused by many other factors and disease agents. Healing of a specific/complicated condition may not be achieved by the introduction of just any antihistamine acquired over the counter (OTC).
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS
There are several drugs on the market (again, often sold OTC) that have an anti-inflammatory function. One drug (for example, a corticosteroid) may be highly effective in preventing and suppressing inflammation, but may also work against the body’s immune system. Using such a medication by itself is looking for trouble. Let only your vet prescribe such a drug, together with the concomitant necessary supportive medications.
Other medicines performing anti-inflammatory functions, which are not steroids, are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They, too, relieve pain and inflammation, and do not cause the side effect of reducing the body’s own immune (defence) system. But, here again, the pet caregiver should not decide to introduce these pain killing anti-inflammatories. These drugs do have serious adverse effects. Cats have a notorious reputation for reacting badly to drugs such as Aspirin and Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
HORMONES
I beg caregivers of especially female dogs (and cats) not to ever attempt to introduce hormones to prevent pregnancy, or terminate pregnancy, or enhance the possibility of the adult pet becoming pregnant. Such an exercise is fraught with dangers and calamities, and deleterious consequences. Animals come in so many shapes, sizes and breeds that one type of hormone intervention does not fit all animals. Haphazard hormone interventions cannot, and must not, be implemented just because the pet caregiver has been researching on Google or ChatGPT. Moreover, there are many laws governing the usage of hormones in Veterinary practice.
VITAMINS, MINERALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS
How often have I heard this request from companion animal caregivers! My answer is usually the same: If you feed your dog a balanced and appropriate diet, there is no real need for supplementing same with vitamins and minerals. Of course, as the animal gets older (senior citizen), you may raise the matter with your veterinarian.
Several factors would then have to be taken into consideration; eg breed, general health status, level of oral hygiene, energy levels, body mass indices.
Every pet has to be assessed individually during discussion with your vet in order to arrive at a specific protocol relative to providing vitamin/mineral/ trace elements’ supplements.
USE AND MISUSE OF HERBS AND OTHER FOLK MEDICINE
My take on this is simple: unless the actual curing ingredients (in leaves, barks, roots, etc.) have been isolated, and after extensive research has been carried out, dosage rates and methods of introducing the herbs into and on the animal’s body have been definitively established, I would not greatly advocate the usage of herbs as a significant part of pet medicine.
Similarly, I do not advocate the usage of old engine oil (waste oil) on the skin as a remedy to cure mange in dogs.
MISUSE OF DIURETICS
These drugs are used to remove excess water from dogs and cats (and other mammals, of course) which exhibit swelling (edema) on the limbs or fluid (volume) overload. These symptoms are usually associated with kidney failure, and even heart failure. So often clients arrive in the vet’s clinic boasting that they have used drugs and the swelling has appreciably been reduced. Commendable. However, the causative origin has not been removed. In fact, the introduction of the drug and waiting for the efficacy to kick in means loss of time for the vet to tackle, say, the kidney failure, which caused the ailment in the first place. This may not end well.
I think by now the message has been documented and delivered comprehensively enough – as to why companion animal caregivers must not take it upon themselves to use medications on their pets without firstly consulting with a veterinarian. Also, I know that I have not touched all the many medications that are administered to pets supposedly to effect a cure for a perceived ailment. In this category would fall the home treatment for cancers and tumours, the use of antiviral drugs and drugs to treat urinary incontinence, even psychotropic agents. The “home” application of drugs to treat lung and airway disorders (e.g., cough suppressants) is well known, and should not be used, unless the matter is thoroughly ventilated with one’s veterinarian. My advice always is to consult your veterinarian before you introduce any medication that has not been prescribed for the ailment.
As we approach the Holiday Season, it is imperative that we reiterate and reinforce the advice on providing optimal care to your pets about feeding, presents, and noise nuisance. We will start the discussion next week.
