A TYPICAL CASE

Baxter, the Black Lab

Baxter had just been diagnosed with epilepsy. His veterinarian asked us to calculate a loading and maintenance dose of potassium bromide capsules for the dog and then devise a plan to wean him off phenobarbital.

Knowing that initiating potassium bromide therapy could require several dosage changes, even after the loading dose, we came up with a solution to help not only the patient but also the veterinarian and pet owner: use a beef-flavored liquid form of the drug, and vary the volume for any dosage changes.

This meant that the veterinarian had to write only one prescription; the pet owner saved money; and Baxter got a tasty, easy-to-swallow medicine.

Our goal is to come up with a win/win/win solution for everyone.

A UNIQUE CASE

Bilbo, the Boa

The best part of our job is working on challenging cases. Some are more so than others. Take Bilbo, for example.

Bilbo, a boa constrictor from New York, was vacationing in Maine with his people when his pre-existing skin infection reared its ugly head. His owners were having trouble injecting him with pre-loaded syringes Bilbo’s veterinarian had supplied, so they looked us up to see if we could help.

While Bilbo and his people were finding their way to the pharmacy, Steve, PetScripts' owner and head pharmacist, made a quick call to the Animal Medical Center in New York, where Bilbo is normally treated.

Soon, a man walked through the door carrying a duffel bag. He unzipped the bag and out slithered Bilbo, 9 inches in diameter and, to Steve’s eyes, 10 miles long. Yikes!

Steve did some quick compounding and found smaller, sharper needles that delivered Bilbo’s medicine much more easily.

As the man turned to leave, he said, “Oh, we also have a python with the same problem. She’s a bit nasty and prone to biting, but do you think you could help her, too?”