INTRODUCTION TO WILDLIFE PHARMACOLOGY Lisa Fosco Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Toronto Wildlife Centre
General Pharmacology
Factors That Affect Drug Absorption The dosage form Blood supply to the area affected Hydration status (clinically assessed) Status of the GI tract Mechanism of absorption of the drug The ph and ionization status of the drug The overall state of health of the animal
Understanding routes of medication Understanding absorption and clearance rates.
Understanding routes of medication
(PO) Oral Common Routes of Administration (IM) Intramuscular (SQ) Subcutaneous (IV) Intravenous
Adminster drugs as directed A comparison of topical, subcutaneous and oral administrations of ivermectin to reindeer. A Oksanen, M Nieminen, T Soveri - The Veterinary Record- europepmc.org
How often? sid, bid, tid, qid, qh?
Determining frequency of medication Understanding therapeutic levels
Attention To Detail Is Critical!
Expiration dates??
Drug Dosages Clinical trials and FDA approval vs anecdotal information
Commonly Used Medications
Antimicrobials Drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of microbes Bacteria Protozoa Viruses Fungi
Antibiotics Antibacterial agents Best prescribed based on bacterial isolation and culture Administer correctly or not at all! KNOW your stock antibiotics
Enrofloxacin aka Baytril
Baytril Current research indicates that dosage is SID in most species Comes in many different strengths and forms (some of which are refrigerated)
Penicillin(s) Very good broad spectrum antibiotic Empirical first choice for many infections Usually administered BID x 7-10 days* Comes in suspension as well as tablet and injectable forms Can be given PO, SQ or IM Comes in forms combined with other drugs Contraindicated for rodents and rabbits! KNOW your antibiotics!
Sulfonamides Trimethoprim + Sulfa is common Aka Bactrim & TMS Commonly used in songbirds Bacteriostatic Only administered orally (PO) Penetrates the blood brain barrier Drug of choice in rodents and rabbits KNOW your antibiotics/drugs!
Know the contraindications of the species you are working with
Understanding treatment courses How long to continue meds
Steroids
Steroids The use of steroids is still controversial in many cases.
Steroids May be given as a shock dose or as a tapered course.
Steroids Anti-inflammatories Drug of choice for shock, spinal trauma, and some acute neurological symptoms Stabilizes cell membranes
Steroids Suppress immune function Slows healing Consider administering with supplemental fluids Contraindicated in emaciated animals Not to be confused with dextrose (Dxt)
Eye Medications S Steroidal vs. Antibiotic/Triple antibiotic solutions Ointment vs. Aqueous Solution
Eye Medications
Antiparasitic Medications
Endoparasites Treatment is usually based solely on fecal analysis
Fleas and Ticks
Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites can be treated topically with Flea and tick powders/sprays Carbamate vs. Pyrethrin
Not for use in rabbits! Also useful for treating sarcoptic mange! Should be used sparingly and under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Fly Eggs
Capstar Is Very Effective Against Larva (aka Maggots) May be dissolved in liquid like water or apple juice Should be repeated as needed for newly hatching larva Not effective against non-larval stages Can be used with other anti-parasitic treatments Has been safely administered twice daily for several days Should be used in animals infected with live maggots. Recommended for treatment of any suspected internal larva, especially when noted in the rectum or ears. Also helpful for those with lots of fly eggs in the mouth. Effective against fleas
Pain Management Buprenex (Bupernorphine) Tramadol Torbugisic (Butorphenol) Rimadyl (Carprofen) Metacam (Meloxicam)
And remember Do no harm!
Questions?
Thank you!