Animals in shark costumes are cute. Not so cute situations are with animals that are dangerous to handle when treating. EPC is constantly finding ways to improve these situations. For example otic treatments, joint injections with steroids, joint injections with stem cells and platelet rich plasma, topical therapies for chronic wounds, injections for deep abscesses or surgical plate infection prophylaxis. Email dr.olson@epcvet.com or call 800-733-0300 to learn more.

According to Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs, “How to Find a Quality Assured Compounding Pharmacy”, the first step to choosing a compounding pharmacy is to look for PCABⓇ Accreditation.

In the pharmacy world there are a multitude of accreditations, certifications, endorsements and memberships that a pharmacy may attain. The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation BoardⓇ (PCAB) is the one that specifically pertains to compounding. If you are going to prescribe a compound you need to ensure the pharmacy is accredited by the organization that in fact accredits compounding pharmacies. PCAB accredits in multiple categories, most pertinent to veterinary prescribers are non-sterile & sterile compounding. Here is how to verify a compounding pharmacy is accredited by PCAB in sterile compounding.

1. Go to http://www.achc.org/resources/accreditedLocations
2. I find it easiest to search “By State/City” just in case the pharmacy’s legal name is slightly different.
   3. Click “Show/Hide Accreditation Details” to reveal “Services”:

   4. Ensure both “PCAB Non-Sterile Compounding” and “PCAB Sterile Compounding.” It is possible to PCAB Non-Sterile and NOT PCAB Sterile, therefore if you prescribe a sterile compound you need to go the extra step to verify “PCAB Sterile Compounding.”5. **Best Practice Tip – Professional Liability** Verify, document and keep this PCAB search verification in your medical records for any compounded sterile or nonsterile prescription.

A pH Meter is a device used for potentiometrically measuring the pH, which is either the concentration or the activity of hydrogen ions, of an aqueous solution. It usually has a glass electrode plus a calomel reference electrode (meter), or a combination electrode.The pH (always written little p, big H) of a substance is an indication of how many hydrogen ions it forms in a certain volume of water. There’s no absolute agreement on what “pH” actually stands for, but most people define it as something like “power of hydrogen” or “potential of hydrogen.” For pH meters to be accurate, they have to be properly calibrated, so they usually need testing and adjusting before you start to use them. You calibrate a pH meter by dipping it into buffers (see photo below) and adjust the meter accordingly. The standard buffers are a pH of 4, 7, and 10. Another important consideration is that pH measurements made this way depend on temperature. Some meters have built-in thermometers and automatically correct their own pH measurements as the temperature changes. Our pH meters have the thermometers built in. Calibrations should be performed daily, or before each use if not used daily. All sterile CSPs (compounded sterile products) are pH-ed when made.

The pH is one of the most important factors affecting the stability of a preparation. Pharmacists use published pH and stability profiles to determine the pH that will ensure maximum stability. The pH is important in drug formulations, both in sterile and non-sterile compounding and also for pet and human medications. The reason is because it affects drug solubility, activity, absorption, stability, and patient comfort. A slight increase or decrease in pH can cause some drugs to precipitate from a solution. Conversely, a slight adjustment of pH can aid in solubilizing some drugs. Higher and lower pH can cause discomfort and/or burns on the skin or mouth, so patient comfort should always be a priority.

EPC is now on the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Marketplace. Not only does this showcase EPC, it also supports the ACVIM. ACVIM Diplomates are now able to find EPC’s information, making it easier to compare compounders. Diplomates unfamiliar with EPC will quickly learn why EPC is the Nation’s Leading Veterinarian Compounding Pharmacy.

For more information, click here .

Respectfully submitted by: Sarah Iannacone Third year pharmacy student working with Dr. Drew Olson at Essential Pharmacy Compounding (EPC).

Do you consider yourself a whiz when it comes to cats, dogs and horses but what about the not so common companion pets like reptiles, ferrets, and rabbits? According to the 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook the amount of households that have exotic pets is slowly on the fall compared to 2007. However that number is still quite large. The number of US households that have exotic pets is 16,722,000 US households have exotic pets! The most common exotic pets include fish, rabbits, turtles, poultry, and hamsters. When treating these animals finding the right dose and volume can be difficult to find through manufactured drugs. For example, an oral liquid dose for a rabbit should be limited to 0.5 mls per dose. At Essential Pharmacy Compounding we can formulate the medication needed to the specific dose required and concentrate it so the volume is within a good range for the animal. We can even add in a flavor that the animal may enjoy, allowing us to make treating the animal easier.

For more information for your clients regarding exotic pets check out dvm360.com/exoticpetcare for handouts. Be sure to get yourself a copy of Exotic Animal Formulary by James W. Carpenter to refer to for questions with dosing and drug options for these animals. As always remember EPC is just a phone call away and can help you determine if a compound is an option for you and your patient and we are happy to help you walk through the process.