China Earthquake Relief

This morning, I read an article in my local newspaper that mentioned pharmacy students at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy have started a relief fund for victims of the recent earthquake in China. These students are raising money for food, medicine, potable water, blankets and temporary shelter for those who have been affected by the quake. These students will be working with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine to coordinate the relief efforts.

Doctor of Pharmacy students at Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy are required to perform 8 clinical rotations during the last year of their six year education. Four of these rotations are required and four are elective. 1-800-PetMeds serves as one of the elective sites and offers a rotation in Veterinary Pharmacy. I am a preceptor for those students wishing to take this elective rotation, and as such, serve as Clinical Affiliate Faculty at NSU College of Pharmacy.

I am proud to be affiliated with this university and equally proud of these students efforts. I know these future pharmacists will be assets to the profession.

1-800-PetMeds Supports Jacksonville, Florida "Fur Ball Gala"

On May 3, 2008, 1-800-PetMeds issued a press release that it will be supporting the Ninth Annual "Fur Ball Gala" in association with the Jacksonville, Florida Humane Society.

The gala event scheduled for May 31 at the University Center Ballroom will host 350 people and their more than 150 pets.

Angels' Eyes Tear Stain Remover at 1-800-PetMeds

1-800-PetMeds has recently added Angels' Eyes tear stain remover to the list of products offered for sale by the company. An eye care product composed of pure beef liver with Tylosin Tartrate as a preservative, Angels' Eyes is a unique product that helps eliminate tear stains from the inside out. As the stained fur around the eyes is trimmed, the newly grown coat will be totally clear.

Angels' Eyes is given as a dose based on the weight of the pet every day for the first 3 months. After 3 months the product is given 4 times a week, and after 6 months Angels' Eyes is given twice a week.

Angels' Eyes should be given to dogs 8 weeks of age or older. When giving Angels' Eyes, shake the powder container first, then sprinkle the dose onto an amount of food the pet will totally eat. In rare cases, where the pet does not like changes to their food, Angels' Eyes can be put into their drinking water. When mixing, always add water to the Angels' Eyes, do not pour the powder into the water.

ProMeris at 1-800-PetMeds

Fort Dodge Animal Health has introduced a new over-the-counter (OTC) product called ProMeris. This product is available as Promeris For Cats, for flea prevention in cats 8 weeks of age or older, and ProMeris For Dogs, for flea and tick prevention in dogs 8 weeks of age or older.

ProMeris For Cats and ProMeris For Dogs both contain the chemical metaflumizone. Metaflumizone blocks nerve impulses in the flea by targeting voltage dependent sodium channels on both sides of the nerve synapse. This new approach to flea control acts by blocking the influx of sodium which is required to allow nerve impulses to occur.

ProMeris For Dogs also contains the chemical amitraz to control ticks. Amitraz is classified as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOi). The manufacturer states that ProMeris For Dogs "contains a patent-protected formulation, which is designed to prevent absorption through the skin, It should not be compared with other amitraz formulations". Be that as it may, if your dog is using an MAOi such as Anipryl, selegiline, Mitaban Dip, or Preventic Collar, you should first consult your veterinarian before applying ProMeris For Dogs. People taking MAOi's (such as Parnate, Nardil, Eldepryl, and selegiline) should use particular care when applying this product and until the product is completely dry.