Monthly Archives: April 2021
- April 30, 2021
Pexion is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with neurological conditions like epileptic seizures or epileptic fits that are of unknown causes (idiopathic) and affecting most or all of the brain (generalised seizures). It can also be prescribed to reduce anxiety and fear associated with noise and other phobias.
IMPORTANT NOTE AT AT MAY 2021: PEXION MANUFACTURER ANNOUNCES GLOBAL DISRUPTION TO SUPPLY OF PEXION - OUT OF STOCK WORLDWIDE!
The manufacturer of Pexion has advised that, due to Covid19 related interruptions, there is a global shortage of Pexion. In Australia, we have been advised that there is NO available Pexion stock.
You can read more about the global shortage from Boehringer Ingelheim here .
Until supply is resumed, it is critical that you speak with your vet about an alternative medication to Pexion.
We will continue to update this page with any further information we have about the expected restocking.
Understanding Epilepsy
Remarkably, humans and dogs have similar nervous systems, and this means that our beloved dogs can suffer many of the same neurological disorders that we do. Whilst vets can sometimes identify the cause of these disorders (trauma, congenital defect, autoimmune disorder, infection etc.), other times they are idiopathic disorders, meaning no cause can be found.
Epilepsy simply means “repeated seizures”. Your dog’s brain has a burst of excessive electrical activity, which causes the epileptic seizure.
It can be very distressing to watch your dog have a seizure or epileptic fit - or the seizure might be as mild as lip twitching on one side of Fido’s face. Your dog may collapse, move involuntarily, or lose consciousness.
You can learn more about epilepsy at www.dogswithepilepsy.com.au
What do I do when my dog is having a seizure or epileptic fit?
If your dog is having a seizure:
- As hard as it might be, it’s important for you to remain calm - your panic or upset won’t help, and your calmness may calm your dog as well.
- Your vet may have given you specific instructions - follow any advice that your vet has previously given you
- Your dog is not in pain, when they are having a seizure, even if they sound or act like it. He is not conscious and is not aware of what is happening. Neither animals nor humans swallow their tongue during a seizure - don’t ever try to grab a pet’s tongue whilst they are having a fit.
- Talk to your dog or cat softly, to reassure them. If you can, remove sensory stimuli - dim the lighting and reduce the noise in the room.
- Make sure the space around them is as safe and quiet as possible - block any stairs, remove items that they may get tangled in and if possible, cushion their head.
- Take a video. This may not be your first impulse, but video evidence can provide your vet with lots of information about the seizure.
- A seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures in 24 hours needs an immediate call to your vet.
Epilepsy can be managed!
Whilst there is no cure for epilepsy, especially idiopathic epilepsy (where no cause can be found), the great news for dog lovers is that it can be managed so you and your dog can live your best life together.
What is Pexion?
Pexion’s active ingredient is Imepitoin, which is an anti-epileptic and anti-anxiety medicine. As epilepsy is caused when there is excessive electrical activity in the brain, Pexion works by activating the receptors for the neuro-transmitter GABA, a substance that reduces electrical activity in the brain. It also works to (weakly) block calcium channels - normally, these channels or pores let calcium move into nerve cells, and allow electrical impulses between nerve cells - when this are blocked, excessive activity and seizures are controlled. The activation of the GABA neurotransmitter receptors also reduces fear and anxiety.
What can I expect when my dog starts on Pexion?
- Pexion starts to work within hours of the first dose. As most dogs only have a seizure every few weeks, you may not see it working immediately - and it may take a little time for your vet to work out the optimal dose of Pexion for your dog’s needs.
- Sadly, it is considered very unusual for a dog with epilepsy to become completely seizure free. Epilepsy medication aims to reduce the number of seizures, but cannot promise that the seizures will be completely eliminated.
- A major benefit of using Pexion to control seizures (compared to phenobarbitone based treatments) is that there are minimal side effects of sedation or unsteadiness. Talk to your vet if you see these side effects, as the dosage of Pexion may require adjusting.
- Your pet is likely to require medication to control their seizures for the rest of their life.
How to give Pexion to my dog?
Pexion comes in tablet form,and generally given twice per day. If possible, you should give the dose to your pet at approximately the same time each day. It can be given with or without food, although studies suggest superior absorption when given without food to fasted dogs (ie. give your dog the tablet, wait, then give the dog its meal).
What if I give too much Pexion? What if I miss a dose of Pexion or give the wrong dose of Pexion?
Administration of drug issuesWhilst it is important that you give your pet the correct dose at the correct time, if you miss giving a dose of Pexion, don’t worry - just give the normal dose next time. Don’t increase, or give a higher dose to “make up” a missed dose.
If your animal has taken too much Pexion, or you suspect an overdose, monitor your dog closely. Pexion has a high margin of safety in dogs, but if you are in any way concerned, call your vet.
Storage of Pexion
The manufacturer of Pexion recommends that it be stored at room temperature (below 30 degrees).
Who should NOT take Pexion?
- Dogs that are allergic/sensitive to imepitoin should not take Pexion
- Dogs with severely impaired hepatic (liver) function, severe renal or cardiovascular disorders should not take Pexion.
- Use by pregnant or lactating dogs should be assessed by a vet.
- There are many other drugs that will not work as well, if your pet is also taking Pexion. Also, there are drugs that cannot be taken with Pexion. For this reason, please make sure that you tell your vet about all other medications that your pet is taking, including vitamins, supplements and herbal therapies.
Can I buy Pexion online?
Pexion is a prescription medicine, and you can buy it online from PetScripts once you have a script (prescription) from your vet. Please ensure that you have read the How to Order page before ordering this item.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended nor is it implied to be a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice or any information contained on or in any product packaging or labels. Always seek the advice of your Veterinarian, Pharmacist, or qualified health provider when starting any new medical treatment, continuing with medical treatment or with any questions you may have regarding
- April 12, 2021
It is important to closely follow the instructions of your veterinarian. Some of the medications used to treat seizures and epilepsy. It can take time to find the right medication for your pet, and in some cases, management of your pet's epilepsy or seizures with medication may not be possible.
Here are some of the toxins that can cause seizures in pets
Toxins can cause seizures in cats.
- Permethrin - An ingredient in some flea, tick, scabies, and lice products for pets and people.
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - A family of antibiotics that includes ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin that is used to treat a variety
- April 05, 2021
Carprofen is prescribed for treat osteoarthritis in dogs and is also used to provide pain relief after surgery.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (also called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD) refers to the medical condition when your pet has progressively worsening inflammation of a joint. In a healthy joint, which moves smoothly and painlessly, cartilage acts as a cushion - when the cartilage in the joint starts deteriorating, or breaking down, it is called osteoarthritis. This can happen due to “wear & tear” or due to disease, age, injury, repetitive stress, or obesity.
You may have seen your dog show pain, or a decreased range of motion or your pet may develop inflammation or bone spurs. Joints most likely to be affected are the legs and lower back.
Dogs are really good at hiding their pain, so the early symptoms of osteoarthritis may not be immediately seen by pet owners. Here are some signs to watch for in your dog:
- Stiffness, lameness, limping, or difficulty getting up
- Lethargy, or reluctance to run, jump, or play
- Weight gain
- Pain when petted or touched
- Irritability or changes in behavior
- Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, or having accidents in the house
- Loss of muscle mass over the limbs and spine
You should discuss any changes with your vet, as vets estimate that 1 in 5 dogs suffer from osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis can be managed!
Fortunately, osteoarthritis in dogs can be managed. With medicine, such as Carprofen, your dog’s pain can be managed and joint inflammation decreased, and this means their movement is improved. This improves your pet’s quality of life!
Other treatments may be recommended for your dog, such as physiotherapy or changes in diet. For dogs that have developed or who are at risk of developing osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy weight is very important.
What is Carprofen?
Carprofen is both the brand name of the drug, and the name of the active ingredient. It is an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) that acts as pain relief and treats joint inflammation and is in the same family of drugs as ibuprofen. (Obviously, it is NOT exactly the same as ibuprofen, which is not for use in dogs - never give your dog ibuprofen or other human drugs!) Carprofen is sold as Rimadyl or Novox in some parts of the world.
Carprofen slows down or stops the body producing an enzyme called COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). This enzyme produces prostaglandins - substances that are primarily responsible for inflammation and pain, and so Carprofen works to control pain and inflammation at the source.
Carprofen can’t cure osteoarthritis in dogs -
- April 01, 2021
Lovan is used by veterinarians to reduce anxiety and aggression in dogs and cats. It is the equivalent to the human drug Prozac, but in a different dose.
Anxiety in pets
Pets can suffer many different types of anxiety, and your pet may be showing that anxiety in different ways. It may be a fear or phobia that your pet shows - when new people arrive at the house, or when a storm approaches, or it may be separation anxiety (this affects approximately 14% of dogs!), which may result in destructiveness, distressed vocalization (crying, howling or constant barking), or “housesoiling” (a nicer term
