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In an emergency, contact your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary service.
Felanorm, methimazole, is a recently approved prescription medication used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Felanorm is the first generic methimazole oral solution approved by the FDA for use in cats with hyperthyroidism. Learn more. This medication works by blocking thyroid peroxidase, an important enzyme for producing thyroid hormones. By inhibiting this enzyme, Felanorm allows cats who produce unusually large amounts of thyroid hormone to go back down to normal levels and live a better life.
Felanorm is a honey-flavored oral solution containing the active ingredient, methimazole.
It is is typically given every 12 hours.
It can be given with or without food.
Felanorm is available in a 30 mL bottle or a 100 mL bottle.
It contains a 1-mL dosing syringe that is marked per milligram for easy dosing.
Warning Signs of Hyperthyroidismin Cats
Hyperthyroidism is caused by the thyroid gland producing too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed more commonly in older cats and certain breeds of cats. Some common warning signs include:
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Increased thirst
Restlessness
Rapid heart rate
Side Effects of Felanorm for Cats
Methimazole is usually well tolerated in cats, but side effects can occur. Some common side effects of Felanorm include: changes in appetite (increase or decrease), lack of energy, vomiting, diarrhea or loose stool, skin lesions, itching, and abnormal vocalizations. Cats taking this medication should receive regular checkups with their veterinarian and be monitored for side effects.
Does Felanorm Methimazole for Cats Require a Prescription?
Felanorm can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed veterinarian. This is because professional veterinary expertise is necessary to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats and to determine whether methimazole is the right treatment. Continued veterinary check ups are necessary to ensure the dosage remains suitable for controlling the cat’s hyperthyroidism, as this condition can progress over time.
About the Author
This article was written by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern Mitch.
My two cats are Rigby (left) and Gus (right). They are both five years old and are each other’s best friends. Gus likes to steal whole slices of pizza when no one is looking and likes smelling stinky shoes. Rigby likes sneaking into places and is VERY friendly/chatty. -Mitchell, PharmD Candidate 2025, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
POV: Your dog has a terrible itch, and you always find them licking and chewing the itch with no relief. Why are they itching so much? Itchiness, or pruritis, is a very common problem in dogs. It can be caused by a number of factors, and allergies can be one of them. Depending on the type of allergies, certain prescription medications or treatments can be prescribed by a veterinarian to help alleviate symptoms that come with allergies. Some medications usually prescribed for relieving itch include steroids, antihistamines, and medicated topical solutions like shampoos, creams, and sprays. These are the usual medications and treatments that are thought about when we think of itch, but there’s another option that you may not know about. Introducing Apoquel and Apoquel Chewable.
What is Apoquel & Apoquel Chewable?
Apoquel, oclacitinib, is a prescription medication for dogs that helps control itching from allergies and other skin conditions. Oclacitinib, the active ingredient in Apoquel, works by blocking cytokines, which are the source of itching and inflammation in the body. In some dogs, it may provide relief in as little as 4 hours with complete relief in 24 hours. It may be used long-term for chronic skin issues or short-term to treat flare-ups in dogs that are at least 1 years old. This medication is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually minimal but can occur. Apoquel has been on the market for a while, but the manufacturer recently released a chewable formulation. The chewable tablets are pork-liver flavored and some people have found it easier to administer the medication since they are flavored.
At VetRxDirect, we now supply both the tablet and chewable tablets! Before using this medication, it is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s condition to see if Apoquel would be a good fit.
This article was written by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern Jennifer.
My cats’ names are Butters (orange) and Luna (gray). They are both three years old and were from the same litter. Butters loves to sunbathe and Luna loves butt-pats and cuddles. – Jennifer, PharmD Candidate 2025, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
VetRxDirect now offers prescription compounded medications from Epicur Pharma. Epicur Pharma is a 503B compounding facility that manufactures high-quality, reliable, potent medications. Following FDA-enforced regulations, Epicur medications are verified through stability and sterility testing. Epicur is committed to drug consistency and quality and patient safety.
As an FDA-registered 503B facility, Epicur manufactures drugs with reliable quality, potency, and sterility with every batch. The regulations for 503B compounded medications reflect current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), the same regulations in place for human pharmaceuticals. Learn more.
Why are Compounded Medications Used for Dogs and Cats?
Some medications required for treating medical conditions in dogs and cats are not commercially manufactured and, therefore, must be compounded. Medication dosages for dogs and cats can vary widely depending on the condition they are prescribed for. With current commercially available medications and products, tablets or capsules may need to be split to achieve veterinary dosing, which creates non-uniform dosing. The use of compounded tablets helps to eliminate the need to split doses. Animals may not tolerate the commercially available medication due to the method of administration (oral, topical, etc), flavor, or inactive ingredients. The use of compounded medications helps provide medications that can be administered by the owner.
The medication needed for the treatment of a certain medical condition is not commercially available and must be compounded.
The medication strength needed to treat a medical condition is not available and must be compounded.
The animal requires a different route of administration (oral tablet, oral suspension, transdermal, flavored, unflavored, etc).
The animal has allergies to certain ingredients or flavorings.
VetRxDirect offers a range of prescription compounded medications from Epicur Pharma, including ophthalmic eye medications.
Extended-release tablets for asthma and certain types of heart conditions.
About the Author
This article was co-authored by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern McKayla.
I have 3 cats, Milo (white and grey), Tripp, and Nyx (all grey). Nyx is known to stick his tongue out when relaxed, he was formerly named Salamander at the rescue shelter because of this, and all 3 of them love to watch the birds that come to visit our bird feeder. -McKayla, B.A., PharmD Candidate 2025, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
The Multiva Calming supplement is designed to help support balanced behavior and a sense of calm and relaxation for dogs and cats who react to environmental stressors. Each calming chew contains a blend of natural, synergistic ingredients to ease the animal into relaxation without sedation or personality changes. Multiva Calming can be used for specific, challenging events or prolonged management to support both dogs and cats with anxiety and fearfulness. This supplement also helps to reduce the effects of stress on your pet’s health and supports functions of the nervous system and cognitive function.
How MULTIVA Calming may be used to help dogs and cats:
Multiva is suitable for short-term and long-term use, making it ideal for a variety of situations in which dogs and cats may feel stressed or fearful. It may also aid in training and behavior modification to help reduce those commonly associated with stress or anxiety-driven events. These behaviors may vary; some common include hyperactivity, pacing, excessive barking or vocalization, urinating, freezing, panting, aggression, self-harm, or physical injury. While Multiva is labeled for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, it is generally recommended to talk with your veterinarian before using a new supplement.
Thunderstorms, fireworks, loud noises, noise sensitivity, or noise phobias.
Veterinary visits, grooming, car trips, vacations, or traveling.
Separation anxiety, fearfulness, loneliness, kenneling or boarding.
Changes in social environment: introducing new people or pets, changes in owner schedule or routines.
Changes in physical environment: new furniture, remodeling, construction, or moving.
Supports behavior management programs.
Aids training and behavior modification.
MULTIVA Calming Ingredients: Multiva contains a blend of key plant and milk-based ingredients that work together to create a calming action. It does not contain sedatives or L-tryptophan. The active ingredients, L-theanine, Colostrum, and Vitamin B1, were chosen and developed by the manufacturer VetNova:
L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea. The administration of L-theanine favors states of calmness and relaxation without causing drowsiness, reduces episodes of stress, anxiousness, hyperactivity, and irritability, and maintains normal mental alertness, allowing the animal to concentrate and learn.
Colostrum has been shown to contain precursors of important neuroactive molecules that can affect alertness, cognitive function, and the level of anxiousness in stressed animals. Studies of colostrum given to dogs and cats have shown a reduction in stress and undesired behavioral patterns.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) plays a critical role in the central nervous system, including helping to maintain its normal function, circulation, cognitive activity, and brain functions. Thiamine is not stored in the body, and deficiency can occur during stressful situations. Source: www.vetnova.com
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
The FDA has approved two new drugs, Bexacat and Senvelgo, to treat diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar) in cats. Unlike traditional insulin shots, these medications are given by mouth, making treatment easier for diabetic cat owners. Bexacat and Senvelgo are a new class of diabetes medication called SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors are not insulin, they lower blood glucose by excreting glucose through the kidneys. These medications are prescribed to treat cats that do not require insulin, and they have certain requirements to ensure their safe use. Learn more about the FDA Approval and safety of Bexacat and Senvelgo.
What is Diabetes Mellitus in Cats?
Diabetes mellitus in cats occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas that converts dietary sugar (glucose) to energy for cells in the body. When glucose can’t be used for energy, extra sugar builds up in the blood. High concentrations of sugar in the bloodstream lead to health problems. Certain cats are more prone to diabetes: age, obesity, genetics, certain medications, and other health conditions are common risks factors. Learn more about Cat Diabetes.
Warning Signs of Diabetes in Cats
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Increased appetite
Weight loss
Urinary tract infections
Your veterinarian can test and diagnose your cat for diabetes. This may include a general physical exam, blood testing, and urine testing.
Diabetes Treatment Options for Cats
Diabetes is a treatable disease in cats, and symptoms can be managed successfully with regular monitoring. So far, insulin has been the main treatment for diabetes in cats until the recent development and approval of these two new drugs. If your cat has diabetes, it’s important to schedule and keep regular vet check-ups to help spot changes in their condition. Left untreated, this disease leads to serious complications and is fatal.
Insulin Injections
Medications Bexacat or Senvelgo
Blood glucose monitoring
Regular check-ups
Dietary changes to manage weight and energy needs. This may include therapeutic foods.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information regarding your cat’s medical history and will provide the best treatment choice for your diabetic cat.
Bexacat
Bexacat is a flavored tablet containing the active ingredient Bexagliflozin. It is given once daily, with or without food, at the same time to optimize glucose control in cats.
It causes sugar to be passed out in the urine by preventing the kidneys from pulling sugar back into the blood.
Bexacat is indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin.
Senvelgo
Senvelgo is a flavored oral solution containing the active ingredient Velagliflozin. It is given once daily by mouth or onto wet food at the same time for optimal glucose control.
Senvelgo indicated to improve glycemic control in otherwise healthy cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin.
This liquid medication does not require refrigeration.
What are SGLT2 Inhibitor Medications for Cats?
The kidneys are your cat’s filtration system for the body. Within the kidneys is a transporter tasked with reabsorbing glucose called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). These medications work in the kidneys and prevent the transporter from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood, causing the body to dispose of the glucose in the urine. This process lowers blood glucose levels.
Bexacat (bexagliflozin) inhibits SGLT2, a membrane protein found in the kidney that is responsible for reabsorbing most of the glucose from the blood.
Senvelgo (velagliflozin) is an SGLT2 inhibitor that reduces blood glucose by preventing the reabsorption of glucose via the SGLT2 cotransporter in the kidney.
Bexacat and Senvelgo Side Effects & Precautions
Some cats can’t take Bexacat or Senvelgo. These medications are not meant for cats who have been previously treated with insulin or who are currently on insulin due to the increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe, life-threatening diagnosis. These medications can be effective in treating diabetes mellitus but are not right for every diabetic cat, especially those with other health problems.
Regular veterinary checkups and careful monitoring are required while your cat is taking Bexacat or Senvelgo. Serious side effects, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and pancreatitis, can happen even in monitored cats with stable blood glucose levels while taking these drugs. For this reason, it’s important to follow your veterinarian’s advice on how to use your cat’s medication and monitor your cat at home.
Common side effects seen with Bexacat and Senvelgo include: vomiting, diarrhea or loose stools, not eating as much or no interest in food, dehydration, lack of energy, continued weight loss, dehydration, increased drinking, increased urination. Report side effects to your veterinarian.
About the Guest Author
This article was contributed and co-authored by VetRxDirect pharmacy intern Gabrielle. “My cat’s name is Cecil, and he enjoys playing fetch with his stuffed star! This photo is Cecil dressed up in costume.” –Gabrielle, PharmD Candidate 2024, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
Introducing Visbiome Vet Constipation Care! From the makers of our top-selling Visbiome Vet Probiotic Formula, now specially crafted for cats! Visbiome Vet Constipation Care for cats is a high-potency probiotic that relieves occasional constipation in cats and supports natural regularity, proper digestion, and bowel health.
Visbiome Vet Constipation Care for cats may support normal inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract, aid in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or dietary changes, and may help maintain normal kidney function. Constipation Care is a powder that can be mixed with food or given with paste treats for picky eaters.
Ingredients & Formula
Visbiome Vet Constipation Care for cats contains 100 Billion Live Probiotics per packet. It features the slab51® formulation, a blend of eight active probiotic strains. According to the manufacturer, ExeGi Pharma, this high-potency blend was selected due to its individual characteristics and synergistic activities. Learn more.
Active Ingredients: 100 billion live bacteria per packet. S. thermophilus DSM32245, L. acidophilus DSM32241, L. plantarum DSM32244, L. paracasei DSM32243, L. helveticus DSM32242, L. brevis DSM27961, B. lactis DSM32246, B. lactis DSM32247.
Inactive Ingredients: Maltose, Silicon dioxide.
ColdShipping & Storage
Like other VisbiomeVet products, Constipation Care is stored and shipped cold to ensure the potency of the live probiotic bacteria are not affected. All orders of VisbiomeVet are shipped from VetRxDirect with a manufacturer provided sensor to guarantee your order did not experience elevated temperatures during shipping. Learn more about Visbiome shipping.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect dogs and cats. The disease is caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through mosquito bites.$500 loan online. Heartworm preventatives are medications designed to prevent this disease by killing the heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms.
One thing that may surprise pet owners is that all heartworm prevention for dogs and cats requires a prescription from a veterinarian. Many people wonder why this is the case, and there are several good reasons.
Heartworm preventatives are medications designed to be given to dogs and cats for a certain period, usually monthly. Like all medications, they can have side effects and interactions with other medications. By requiring a prescription, veterinarians can ensure that the medication is safe for your dog or cat and that it will not interact with any other medications they may be taking.
Heartworm-preventative medications are designed to be effective at specific dosages based on the animal’s weight. Overdosing or underdosing can result in the medication not being effective or causing harm to your dog or cat. By requiring a prescription, veterinarians can ensure the correct dosage is given to each pet.
Heartworm preventatives are prescription medications because they are regulated by the FDA. The FDA regulates all medications, including those for pets, to ensure they are safe and effective. By requiring a prescription, the FDA is able to ensure that heartworm medications are being used in a safe and effective manner.
Why Does my Dog or Cat Need a Heartworm Test?
The American Heartworm Society and most veterinarians recommend an annual heartworm test before prescribing a heartworm preventative. Blood testing ensures that the medication is effective, the pet is not already infected with heartworms, and there are no adverse effects of the medication. Heartworm-preventative medications kill immature heartworm larvae and prevent them from maturing into adults, which causes illness. These medications do not kill adult heartworms.
A dog or cat that is infected with heartworms will require a different treatment plan. Starting medication without testing can put the pet at risk of serious complications.
Preventatives are highly effective, but your dog or cat can still become infected with heartworms even while taking the medication. Blood testing detects any new infection and allows for prompt treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns about heartworm prevention for your dog or, talk to your veterinarian. They can recommend the best medication for your dog or cat so they receive the best protection from heartworm disease. Learn more about heartworm disease in dogs and cats on our blogs.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet’s health.
The new Visbiome Vet Probiotic Packets are designed to make dosing for larger animals easier! When it comes to your pet’s diet, one size does not fit all. The larger the pet the more gut support they may need. Visbiome Vet Powder Packets are designed specifically for larger animals. Each packet contains 225 billion CFUs, 2 times the potency of 1 Visbiome Vet capsule.
Visbiome Vet Powder vs Capsules
Now there is no need to pull apart capsules, simply tear open a packet and mix the powder into the pet’s food or water. How is Visbiome Powder this different from the capsules? Visbiome Vet packets are all powder and provide an easier way to administer. The capsules contain 112.5 billion live bacteria and each powder packet contains 225 billion bacteria.
What is Visbiome Vet Probiotic?
Visbiome Vet is a high potency probiotic formula for dogs and cats. It is made with 8 concentrated strains of live probiotic bacteria, with each capsule containing 112.5 billion bacteria and each powder packet containing 225 billion bacteria. Visbiome assists in reducing occasional loose stools due to environmental stress or dietary changes. It supports the protective layers of the bowel, maintains proper gut flora, and may help manage pets with inflammatory bowel disease. Because it contains live bacteria, Visbiome is stored and shipped cold with temperature monitoring to ensure the highest potency.*
Visbiome Vet is well studied. It has been part of over 6 clinical trials in dogs and cats, learn more.
Non-GMO and Gluten-Free formula.
Visbiome ships and stores cold to ensure maximum potency.
Don’t take it from us, check out what other pet parents have to say about Visbiome! With over 400 reviews, This probiotic formula is a top favorite among dog and cat owners and their veterinarians. Many pet parents are sharing stories of improved gut issues, better quality stools, some even describing it as a “game-changer” and “live saver”.
Does your dog or cat take Visbiome? We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below or on our website!
*All orders of VisbiomeVet are shipped with a sensor to guarantee your order did not experience elevated temperatures during shipping. VetRxDirect recommends Next Business Day Shipping to an address with a controlled environment where a person can take immediate possession of the package and refrigerate if you live in an area experiencing ambient outdoor temperatures above 77° F.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet.
Bener™ ProRed by VetNova Animal Health LLC is a new high-strength iron, copper, and multi-vitamin nutritional complex for dogs and cats. Bener ProRed supports intensive recovery care for normal red blood cell, hemoglobin, and iron levels.
Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. One of the most important roles that iron plays is in the blood. Iron is a part of hemoglobin, a protein in blood that helps carry oxygen from the lungs in the blood through the entire body. Iron is also an essential element for blood production. Usually, dogs and cats obtain enough iron from their diet but they may become low or deficient due to illness, blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods.
Common Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
Blood loss from surgery, injury, or disease
Severe intestinal parasite infections
Chronic kidney conditions
Intestinal conditions or bleeding ulcers
Newborns with poor diet
Dogs and cats who are recovering from diseases, surgery, injury, or, physical stress, may benefit from iron-containing supplements. Also pregnant, nursing and active senior animals may also benefit from additional iron support.
What is Bener ProRed?
Bener™ ProRed is described as an intensive recovery care supplement to support normal red blood cell, hemoglobin, and iron levels in dogs and cats. It provides multiple, essential vitamins and minerals, including a high concentration of iron enhanced by significant levels of Vitamin C. In Bener ProRed, Vitamin C is added to increase the absorption of oral iron. This supplement is ideal for blood donors and helpful for pregnant, nursing, and senior animals. It also adjusts nutritional needs caused by appetite loss and complements homemade diets.
Bener ProRed is a highly palatable, liver-flavored soft chew that comes in two sizes: ProRed-10 and ProRed-30 to complement a wide range of weights. It is usually administered during or after your pet’s meal.
Characteristics of Bener™ ProRed:
Complete and balanced formula with 11 nutrients to favor overall health.
Rich in iron, copper, and vitamin B complex to support normal red blood cell, hemoglobin, and iron levels.
Contains Vitamin C for ideal iron absorption.
Contains moderate phosphate levels that do not compromise renal function.
Like other nutritional supplements, it is always important to speak with your veterinarian first to determine if the product is appropriate for your dog or cat’s needs.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet.
Ozloo is a range of veterinarian formulated probiotic supplements exclusively for dogs. Ozloo supplements help support a healthy gut and maintain intestinal health and balance. They are specially formulated to contain a specific amount of live microorganisms, as well as prebiotics to help support digestive health, including normal flatulence. They also contain Vitamin D to help support bone and skin health.
What makes Ozloo Different from others?
Ozloo believes that no “one size fits all”. That’s why they’ve formulated two different products, one for large breed dogs, and the other for small and medium-breed dogs. Learn more.
Bio-tract Technology: Ozloo also uses proprietary Bio-tract® technology to ensure that your dog gets a steady, even supply of probiotics over 24hrs period to ensure efficacy.
What are the Ingredients?
L. Plantarum and L.Casei are the two strains (species) of probiotics used in Ozloo’s supplements. The product also contains the Prebiotic FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) along with Vitamin D3 which helps support strong bones and support growth & development. Each chewable, sphere-shaped tablet also contains a great tasting, natural pork flavor.
Wheat-free
Dairy-free
Wheat free
Gluten-free
Non-GMO
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
What are Probiotics?
Both people and animals alike have natural microbes or “flora” that naturally live on the lining of their intestines. These are beneficial types of bacterias and yeasts that help digest and absorb nutrients from food. Keeping a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut is not only important for proper digestion but also for the immune system.
Sometimes beneficial bacteria are damaged or destroyed or diminished. Common reasons include medications, poor diet, disease, or stress. This can also cause your dog’s stomach upset and a general decline in digestive health.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support gut health and may benefit dogs with gastrointestinal disturbances. Like all dietary supplements, it is best to consult with your veterinarian first to determine if the product best suits your dog’s needs.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet.
