As devoted pet owners, ensuring the health and well-being of our beloved dogs and cats is paramount. Zoetis, a global leader in animal health, offers a comprehensive range of products designed to address various health concerns, from managing chronic conditions to preventing common ailments. This guide provides an overview of key Zoetis products, focusing on their indications, safety information, and potential side effects to help you make informed decisions for your pet’s care.
Managing Chronic Conditions and Pain
Librela and Solensia: Novel Treatments for Arthritis Pain
Zoetis has introduced innovative solutions for managing osteoarthritis pain in dogs and cats with Librela and Solensia, respectively.
Librela is indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. It works by targeting nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of pain and itch associated with osteoarthritis. Repeated administration every 4 to 8 weeks is recommended as needed. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should exercise extreme care to avoid self-injection, as hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur. Librela should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs, nor in dogs with known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab. The most common adverse events reported in clinical studies were urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections, and dermatitis.
Solensia is specifically for the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in cats. Similar to Librela, it targets NGF to alleviate pain. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection due to the potential for allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Solensia is not intended for use in breeding cats or in pregnant or lactating queens, and should not be administered to cats with a known allergy to frunevetmab. Common adverse events in clinical trials included vomiting and injection site pain, with potential associations with scabbing of the head and neck, dermatitis, and pruritus.
Apoquel and Cytopoint: Addressing Allergic Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis
Apoquel and Cytopoint are cornerstone treatments for managing itching and inflammation associated with allergic and atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable are indicated for the control of pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. These medications work by targeting the itch at its source. However, they should not be used in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections, as they can increase the risk of developing serious infections and may worsen existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers. Consideration should be given to the risks and benefits in dogs with a history of recurrent conditions. Neoplastic conditions, both benign and malignant, have been observed in clinical studies. Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable have not been tested with certain medications, including some corticosteroids and cyclosporines. They are not recommended for breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. The most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea.
Cytopoint has been shown to be effective for the treatment of dogs against allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. It is a targeted immunotherapy that helps to control the itch associated with these conditions.
Parasite Prevention and Treatment
Zoetis provides a range of products to protect pets from fleas, ticks, heartworm, and other parasites.
Simparica Trio and Simparica: Comprehensive Flea and Tick Control
- Simparica Trio offers protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease. It is recommended to use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures, as the isoxazoline class of drugs, including sarolaner in Simparica Trio, has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions. The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials. For dogs 6 months of age and older, Simparica provides protection against fleas and ticks. It may cause neurologic signs like tremors and seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders and has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs. Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common adverse reactions.
Revolution Plus: Broad-Spectrum Protection for Cats
Revolution Plus offers broad-spectrum protection for cats against fleas, ticks, heartworm, ear mites, and roundworms. Its safe use has not been established in kittens younger than 8 weeks or in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Potential side effects include lethargy and anorexia. Caution is advised in cats with a history of neurologic disorders, as sarolaner has been associated with tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Topical exposure may cause skin and eye irritation in humans.
ProHeart 6 and ProHeart 12: Long-Acting Heartworm Prevention
ProHeart 6 and ProHeart 12 are long-acting injectable medications for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs. ProHeart 6 is for dogs 6 months and older, while ProHeart 12 is for dogs 12 months and older. They should not be administered to dogs that are sick, debilitated, underweight, have a history of weight loss, or have previously shown hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity reactions, including fatal anaphylaxis, can occur when administered alone or with vaccines. Vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia, and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported.
Gastrointestinal Health and Other Treatments
Cerenia: For Vomiting and Motion Sickness
Cerenia Tablets are indicated for acute vomiting in dogs 2 months and older and for preventing vomiting due to motion sickness in dogs 4 months and older. Its safe use has not been evaluated in cats or in dogs with gastrointestinal obstruction or toxin ingestion. Caution is advised in dogs with hepatic dysfunction. Topical exposure in humans may cause localized allergic skin reactions.
Convenia: Long-Acting Antibiotic
Convenia is a long-acting injectable antibiotic for both dogs and cats. People with known hypersensitivity to penicillin or cephalosporins should avoid exposure. It should not be used in animals with a history of allergic reactions to these antibiotics. Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy are potential side effects.
Rimadyl: Pain and Inflammation Management
Rimadyl is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation management in dogs. As a class, NSAIDs can be associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver side effects, which can range from mild to serious. Discontinuation of therapy and immediate veterinary contact are advised if side effects occur. Regular monitoring and evaluation for pre-existing conditions are recommended, and use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids should be avoided.
By understanding the indications, safety profiles, and potential side effects of these Zoetis products, pet owners can work closely with their veterinarians to select the most appropriate treatments for their dogs and cats, ensuring a healthy and happy life for their companions.
