INTRODUCTION TO
WILDLIFE PHARMACOLOGY
Lisa Fosco Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager
Toronto Wildlife Centre
General Pharmacology
Factors That Affect Drug Absorption
The dosage form
Blood supply to the area affected
Hydration status (clinically assessed)
Status of the GI tract
Mechanism of absorption of the drug
The pH and ionization status of the drug
The overall state of health of the animal
Understanding routes of medication
Understanding absorption and clearance rates….
Understanding routes of medication
Common Routes of Administration
• (PO) Oral
• (IM) Intramuscular
• (SQ) Subcutaneous
• (IV) Intravenous
Adminster drugs as directed
A comparison of topical, subcutaneous and oral administrations of ivermectin to reindeer.
A Oksanen, M Nieminen, T Soveri - The Veterinary Record- europepmc.org
How often?
sid, bid, tid, qid, qh?
Determining frequency of medication
Understanding therapeutic levels…
Attention To
Detail Is
Critical!
Expiration dates??
Drug Dosages
Clinical trials and FDA approval
vs
anecdotal information
Commonly Used Medications
Antimicrobials
Drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of
microbes…
Bacteria
Protozoa
Viruses
Fungi
Antibiotics
Antibacterial agents
Best prescribed
based on bacterial
isolation and culture
Administer correctly
or not at all!
KNOW your stock
antibiotics
Enrofloxacin aka Baytril™
Baytril
• Current research indicates that dosage is SID in most species
• Comes in many different strengths and forms (some of which are refrigerated)
Penicillin(s) Very good broad spectrum antibiotic
Empirical first choice for many infections
Usually administered BID x 7-10 days*
Comes in suspension as well as tablet and injectable forms
Can be given PO, SQ or IM
Comes in forms combined with other drugs
Contraindicated for rodents and rabbits!
KNOW your antibiotics!
Sulfonamides Trimethoprim + Sulfa is common
Aka Bactrim™ & TMS
Commonly used in songbirds
Bacteriostatic
Only administered orally (PO)
Penetrates the blood brain barrier
Drug of choice in rodents and rabbits
KNOW your antibiotics/drugs!
Know the contraindications of the species you are
working with…
Understanding treatment courses
How long to continue meds…
Steroids
Steroids
The use of steroids is still
controversial in many cases.
Steroids
May be given as a shock dose or as a
tapered course.
Steroids
Anti-inflammatories
Drug of choice for shock, spinal trauma, and
some acute neurological symptoms
Stabilizes cell membranes
Steroids Suppress immune function
Slows healing
Consider administering with supplemental fluids
Contraindicated in emaciated animals
Not to be confused with dextrose (Dxt)
Eye Medications
• S
Steroidal vs. Antibiotic/Triple antibiotic solutions
Ointment vs. Aqueous Solution
Eye Medications
Antiparasitic Medications
Endoparasites
Treatment is usually based
solely on fecal analysis
Fleas and Ticks
Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites can be treated topically with Flea and
tick powders/sprays
Carbamate vs. Pyrethrin
Not for use in rabbits!
Also useful for treating sarcoptic
mange!
Should be used sparingly and under the supervision of a
veterinarian.
Fly Eggs
Capstar Is Very Effective Against
Larva (aka Maggots)
• May be dissolved in liquid like water or apple juice
• Should be repeated as needed for newly hatching larva
• Not effective against non-larval stages
• Can be used with other anti-parasitic treatments
• Has been safely administered twice daily for several days
• Should be used in animals infected with live maggots.
• Recommended for treatment of any suspected internal larva, especially when noted in the rectum or ears. Also helpful for those with lots of fly eggs in the mouth.
• Effective against fleas
Pain Management • Buprenex™ (Bupernorphine)
• Tramadol
• Torbugisic™ (Butorphenol)
• Rimadyl™ (Carprofen)
• Metacam™ (Meloxicam)
And remember…
Do no harm!
Questions
?
Thank you!
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