Author: Bob Brensel | President, Pharmacist | ScriptWorks
Bob Brensel, RPh, earned his Pharmacy Degree at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California in 1980. Former California Pharmacists Association’s Award Winner for Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Compounding Pharmacy. Read More →
Enhancing Animal Care: The Power of Collaboration Between Veterinarians and ScriptWorks Clinical Pharmacists in Treating Infections
In the complex world of veterinary medicine, the treatment of infections often requires a multifaceted approach. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise and the need for precise, evidence-based treatments, veterinarians are increasingly seeking collaborative solutions to enhance patient outcomes.
One such solution gaining traction is the collaboration between veterinarians and ScriptWorks Clinical Pharmacists. The partnership of veterinarians and an animal compounding pharmacy proves to be a game-changer in delivering optimized, safe, and effective care to animals battling infections.
Animal Compounding Pharmacy: Why Collaborate with Clinical Pharmacists?
In a hospital setting, doctors rely on the expertise of clinical pharmacists for each department. In veterinary medicine, there are very few pharmacists that specialize in veterinary practice.
Clinical pharmacists bring a wealth of knowledge in pharmacology, drug interactions, and individualized therapy plans. In human medicine, their role in antimicrobial stewardship and infection management is well-established.
Now, veterinarians are leveraging this expertise to refine their treatment protocols for animals. This collaboration between a compounding veterinary pharmacist and a local veterinarian can result in outstanding patient experiences.
When it comes to treating infections, the choice of antimicrobial agents, correct dosing, and monitoring for adverse reactions are critical components of care. Clinical pharmacists from ScriptWorks provide valuable insights into human drugs and their use in animals.
- Antibiotic Selection: Ensuring the most appropriate antimicrobial is used based on culture and sensitivity results.
- Dosing Strategies: Tailoring doses to specific species, weights, and conditions to avoid underdosing or toxicity.
- Drug Interaction Management: Identifying potential drug–drug interactions that could affect the safety and efficacy of treatment.
- Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Especially useful in narrow therapeutic index drugs, ensuring levels remain within a safe and effective range.
Last year, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City welcomed attendees to the PCCA Veterinary Symposium which brought together leading experts from the veterinary and pharmaceutical industries, including ScriptWorks’ own, Matt Brensel, PharmD. He took the stage to discuss veterinary compounding, building strong partnerships with veterinarians, and key business development strategies for pharmacies.
Potential Real-World Benefits: Case Studies
Consider a scenario involving a canine patient with a complex, multi-drug-resistant ear infection. By collaborating with a ScriptWorks Clinical Pharmacist, the veterinary team was able to develop a targeted treatment plan using a combination of antibiotics, guided by pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles. The result? Faster recovery times and reduced risk of resistance development.
Veterinary dermatologists like Wendy Terry, DVM at Dermatology for Animals in Walnut Creek or Stacey Holz, DVM at Summit Veterinary Dermatology can attest that this approach has worked for many patients with complex bacterial and/or fungal infections.
Customized Medications for Common Animal Health Conditions
- Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Frequently seen in cats and dogs, often caused by bacterial or yeast infections. ScriptWorks’ Bi-Phasic Gel, a customizable formulation containing antibiotics, steroids, and antifungals, helps address this condition.
- Chronic Pain Management: Common in aging pets or those recovering from surgery or injury. Our custom-dosed Tramadol or Gabapentin in flavored Script Tabs for easy administration may help.
- Endocrine Disorders: Hyperthyroidism in cats and Cushing’s disease in dogs. We recommend our methimazole transdermal creams for feline hyperthyroidism and oral formulations for canine endocrine disorders.
- Wound Care & Burns: Injuries resulting from trauma, surgery, or environmental factors. Ask about our PracaSil®-based antibiotic gels, promoting faster healing while reducing pain and infection risk.
- Behavioral Issues: Compounded Fluoxetine and other mood-stabilizing medications in flavored liquids or chewable tablets may help address anxiety, aggression, or compulsive behaviors in pets with easier administration.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Budesonide Script Tabs, oral suspensions, capsules, and chewable treats may help manage chronic digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis in dogs and cats, and improve gut health.
- Respiratory Infections: Customized antibiotic suspensions are available in aqueous or bird-friendly flavors for easier dosing and to address bacterial and fungal respiratory infections.
- Dental Abscesses in Rabbits: These painful oral infections may require a targeted approach. We provide compounded oral or injectable antibiotics and specialized formulation for optimal recovery.
How to Get Started with a ScriptWorks Collaboration
Veterinarians interested in collaborating with ScriptWorks Clinical Pharmacists can begin by reaching out through their dedicated veterinary support line or online portal. The process typically involves sharing patient history, laboratory results, and treatment goals to develop a customized approach to infection management.
There is currently no charge to the veterinarian or the client for providing these services. Our clinical pharmacists, in collaboration with our pharmacist interns, delve into the research behind certain bacteria, to design an optimal treatment plan to then send to the veterinarian for approval.
Collaboration can occur in various ways, including:
- Case Consultations: Discussing challenging cases and exploring advanced treatment options.
- Educational Resources: Accessing continuing education on pharmacology and infection management.
- Support in Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: Helping practices develop and implement guidelines to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Clinical Pharmacists & Veterinarians: A Win-Win for Animal Health
The collaboration between veterinarians and an animal compounding pharmacy offers a forward-thinking approach to treating infections in animals. By combining veterinary expertise with advanced pharmacological insights, this partnership not only enhances treatment outcomes but also supports broader public health goals, such as combating antimicrobial resistance.
As the field of veterinary medicine continues to evolve, embracing such interdisciplinary collaborations will ensure that veterinarians remain at the forefront of providing exceptional care to their patients. For veterinarians ready to take their infection management protocols to the next level, ScriptWorks offers a valuable resource and trusted partner on the path to better health for all animal species. The veterinarian, of course, has final say of each therapy for their patients.