A system, device, and method for dispensing a topical medication to an animal are described. The system includes a computing device and a collar. The computing device includes information related to a treatment program for dispensing a topical medication. The collar includes a container configured to store a topical medication, a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the container, wherein the microdispenser is configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time, and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser.

BACKGROUND

Spot-on flea and/or tick medication for animals such as dogs and cats is effective for transdermal delivery of flea and tick deterrents. Typically, the medication is packaged in a single-use applicator. A seal on the applicator is broken or otherwise ruptured, and the medication is delivered as a single macro-dosage to the animal. The medication is then typically reapplied on a regular basis, for example, monthly or quarterly.

However, problems exist with compliance and effective application of spot-on medication, especially for animals with thick coats. Additionally, such a dosage regimen is not ideal for the treatment of fleas. Generally, the animal is overdosed immediately following the application of the medication, and underdosed towards the end of the medication cycle.

Collars exist which release medication from embedded polymer compositions integrated within the collar. However, these types of collars are wasteful as they require a whole new collar to be purchased and worn by the animal for each treatment cycle (e.g., monthly or quarterly). Additionally, such collars can be toxic to other animals that can chew on the collar, or to small children who might touch the collar and then unknowingly ingest the toxin which may have been transferred from the collar to their fingers.

SUMMARY

A wearable device is described. In some examples, the wearable device may include a container configured to store a topical medication; a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the wearable device and fluidly connected to the container, where the microdispenser is configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time; and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to a treatment program. The wearable device may include, but is not limited to, a collar, a necklace, a hair clip, an armlet, a bracelet, a hair pin, an anklet, or a body chain.

A collar for dispensing a topical medication is described. In certain implementations, the collar includes: a container configured to store a topical medication; a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the container, wherein the microdispenser is configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time; and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to a treatment program.

A method of dispensing a topical medication to an animal is also described. In certain implementations, the method includes: determining, by a controller integrated into a collar worn by the animal, timing for dispensing a topical medication based upon a treatment schedule; sending, from the controller to a microdispenser, instructions for the microdispenser to deliver at least one burst of the topical medication, wherein the microdispenser is positioned on an inside surface of the collar; receiving, at the microdispenser, the topical medication from a container fluidly attached to the microdispenser; and dispensing, by the microdispenser, an amount of the topical medication onto a portion of skin of the animal.

A system for dispensing a topical medication to an animal is also described. In certain implementations, the system includes a computing device including information related to a treatment program for dispensing a topical medication to an animal, and a collar. In some examples, the collar includes a container configured to store a topical medication, a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the container, wherein the microdispenser is configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time, and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser. In some examples, the controller is configured to establish communications with the computing device, receive the treatment program from the computing device, and provide instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to the treatment program.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a collar to be worn by an animal. For example, the animal may be a pet (such as a dog or a cat) or a larger animal such as production livestock animals, cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and other animals where the dispensing of a topical medications is beneficial. It should be noted that, as used herein, the phrase “topical medication” is used to refer to both site-specific medications (e.g., ointments or rash creams) as well as transdermal medications that may have a systemic effect (e.g., spot-on flea and/or tick medications).

The collar includes a refillable and/or replaceable reservoir filled with a spot-on medication. The collar also includes a dispensing device such as a microdispenser fluidly connected to the reservoir. The microdispenser may be configured to deliver small bursts or other similar controlled dosages or amounts of the medication to an animal wearing the collar over time, thereby increasing the efficiency of the medication. Rather than delivering a single macro-dosage at the beginning of a treatment cycle, the collar as described herein provides for micro-dosages of the medication throughout the treatment cycle. The collar as described herein also provides for complex treatment regimens, on-demand scheduling, multiple medication scheduling, and integrations of one or more sensors for responsive medication delivery (e.g., based upon biofeedback as described in additional detail below).

In certain implementations, the microdispenser may be configured to deliver the medication in small bursts with enough force to penetrate a fur layer of the animal, thereby delivering the medication directly to the skin of the animal. This bursting or jetting of the medication results in the collar as described herein being suitable for very furry animals or animals with double thick coats of fur.

FIG. 1illustrates a sample collar100incorporating the features as described herein. In some examples, the collar100may be made with materials similar to those used in as a standard synthetic collar. For examples, the collar100may be made from nylon or another similar synthetic polymer. The collar100may include a buckle102or other similar fastening device configured to allow the collar to be sized to fit various neck sizes. In certain implementations, the collar100may also include an identification tag104and/or other common collar accessories for visual decoration.

The collar100may also include various components for facilitating application of a topical medication to the animal wearing the collar. In certain implementations, the medication may include flea medications, insect repellants (e.g., tick repellant), pain medications, hormone medications, anti-depressant medications, vitamins, supplements, steroids, antibiotics, antiparisitics, antihistamines, antihelmintics, anti-inflammatory drugs, sedatives, tranquilizers, anxiolytics, fertility treatments, bronchodilator medications, blood pressure medications, cholesterol medications, angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, bladder control medications, muscle relaxants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), anticancer treatments, ulcer medications, decongestants, diuretics, analgesics, vasodilators, anticonvulsants, antifungal medications, cannabinoids, appetite stimulants, appetite suppressants, insecticides, and/or other similar topical medications. It should be noted that flea medication is described herein in the following discussion by way of example only, and the dispensing components and techniques as described herein may be used for application of any topical medication for application to an animal, including any of those listed above.

In certain implementations, the collar100may include at least one reservoir106configured to hold a quantity of the medication that is to be applied to the animal wearing the collar. In some examples, the reservoir106is sized to hold an amount of medication for a complete dosing cycle. For example, the reservoir106may be configured to hold enough medication for a 30-day treatment cycle. For certain spot-on flea medications, a typical dosage for a large dog (e.g. 456-88 pounds) is about 2.68 mL per month. To accommodate such an amount, the reservoir106may be sized appropriately. In certain implementations, the reservoir106may be slightly oversized to accommodate an extra amount of the medication in the event that extra dosing might be required during the treatment cycle. For example, for a large dog, the reservoir106may be sized to hold 3.00 mL of the flea medication. For smaller animals, the reservoir106may be sized to hold a lesser amount of medication. For example, the size of the reservoir106may range from about 1.0 mL to 2.0 mL for smaller animals, from about 2.0 mL to 3.0 mL for medium sized animals, and about 3.0 mL or greater for larger animals. In some examples, the reservoir106may be sized such that the amount of medication delivered to the animal is not dangerous to the animal should the reservoir rupture or otherwise fail.

The reservoir106may be made from a material that may withstand normal activity and is not easily punctured. For example, the reservoir106may be made from a thermoplastic resin using a thermo-forming process to produce a reservoir106that is resistant to compressing forces and twisting forces likely to be exerted on the collar100when worn by the animal. The reservoir106may also be made such that the medication contained therein is protected from dirt, water, and other debris that the collar100might be exposed to in normal daily use.

The collar100may also include a microdispenser108. In certain implementations, the microdispenser108may be integrated into a microchip that is located on or within the underside of the collar100such that the microdispenser is positioned adjacent to the animal's skin. The microdispenser108may be configured to deliver a series of microdrops of medication to the animal's skin at a certain frequency for a particular period of time. For example, the microdispenser108may be configured to deliver a series of 50 picoliter microdrops at a frequency of about 20 Hz. The microdispenser108may be configured to deliver the bursts of medication with enough force to deliver the medication to the surface of the animal's skin where the medication may be absorbed, for example, by one or more hair follicles.

In certain implementations, the microdispenser108may be configured to deliver microdrops sized from about 25 picoliters to about 75 picoliters. In certain implementations, the microdispenser108may be configured to operate at a frequency of about 10 Hz to about 50 Hz.

In certain implementations, the microdispenser108may be a piezoelectric microdispenser configured to produce a burst or otherwise dispense an amount of liquid in response to an electrical impulse causing a piezoelectric element to eject a portion of the liquid from the microdispenser. In other implementations, the microdispenser108may be a thermoelectrically activated microdispenser configured to produce a burst or otherwise dispense an amount of liquid in response to a thermally reactive element increasing in temperature, causing a gas bubble to expand and eject a portion of the liquid from the microdispenser.

The reservoir106and the microdispenser108may be fluidly connected by a fluid channel110. The fluid channel110may be integrated into the collar100itself, and be made of a flexible material that allows the fluid channel to bend with the collar. The fluid channel110may be attached to the reservoir106and the microdispenser108to form a watertight seal, thereby preventing dirt, water, or other debris from contaminating the medication in the reservoir or potentially clogging the microdispenser.

It should be noted that the reservoir106, microdispenser108, and fluid channel110are illustrated with dashed lines to show that the components may be positioned on the underside of the collar100(e.g., positioned adjacent to the animal's skin) and/or integrated into the collar itself. However, it should be noted that this placement is shown by way of example only, and the various collar components as described herein may be positioned at various places and/or positions on the collar.

FIG. 1illustrates the basic components included in the dispensing collar as taught and described herein.FIG. 2illustrates a more detailed component level view of a dispensing collar including various optional features and functionality described herein.

As shown inFIG. 2, a collar200may include a replaceable cartridge202. The cartridge202may include the reservoir204configured to hold a quantity of the medication to be delivered to the animal. In certain implementations, the collar200may be configured to quickly receive a new cartridge202, thereby providing a full reservoir204including medication for another treatment cycle. However, it should be noted that including a replaceable cartridge202is provided by way of example only. In certain implementations, the reservoir204may be refillable and include, for example, a fill port or other similar opening or aperture into which additional medication may be inserted.

The collar200may also include a controller206. The controller206may include, for example, a microprocessor or other similar processing device. The controller206may also include a computer-readable storage medium that is configured to store a treatment program208. In certain implementations, the treatment program208may include instructions incorporating dosage and timing information for application of the medication stored, for example, in reservoir204. Various types of treatment programs208may be used by the collar200depending upon various factors such as the animal's health, type of medication is being distributed, and other similar factors. For example, the treatment plan208may include a continuous release of the medication at a steady rate throughout the treatment cycle. In another example, the treatment plan208may include a complex release schedule, such as distributing higher dosages at the beginning of the treatment cycle and tapering the amount of medication delivered to a lower dosage at the end of the treatment cycle. The treatment program208may also include providing high medication dosages at random times throughout the treatment cycle to avoid continuous exposure of the animal to the high dosages. In some examples, the treatment program208may include periods where no medication is delivered to the animal.

The collar200may further include at least one microdispenser210. The microdispenser210may be operably connected to the controller206and configured to receive dispensing instructions according to the treatment program208. The microdispenser210may also be connected to the cartridge202via a fluid channel212. As described above in the discussion ofFIG. 1, the fluid channel212may be made from a flexible material and be configured to bend and move with the collar200as the collar is worn.

In certain implementations, the collar200may also include a power supply214configured to provide power to various components in the collar such as the controller206and/or the microdispenser210. In certain implementations, the controller206may be configured to provide modulated power to the microdispenser210along with dispensing control signals. In some examples, the power supply214may be a rechargeable battery. For example, the power supply214may include a battery configured to be wirelessly charged using a standard wireless charging protocol (e.g., Qi wireless charging). In certain implementations, a charging device may be positioned near items or areas at which the animal spends a good deal of time. For example, a specialized food dish may include a wireless charger such that, when an animal wearing the collar200is eating or drinking, the power supply214may be charged. Similarly, a wireless charger may be integrated into a pet bed, blanket, or other similar object that an animal typically sleeps on or close to.

In some implementations, the power supply214may include kinetic recharging. In such an example, the movement of the animal wearing the collar200may be used to create energy that may be stored in a battery or other similar energy storage medium contained within, or operably connected to, the power supply214.

As shown inFIG. 2, in certain implementations, various components within the collar200may include one or more additional features. For example, the cartridge202may include various additional features such as a clock216and a level sensor218. The clock216may be an electromechanical clock that provides an indication of when the cartridge202is to be replaced. For example, if the treatment cycle is 30 days, the clock216may be a simple countdown from 30 to 0, providing a visual indication of when the cartridge202is due for replacement. Similarly, the level sensor218may also provide an indication of that status of the cartridge202, and an indication of whether the cartridge should be replaced before the end of the treatment cycle. For example, when starting a new medication, the initial dosage levels may be higher than would normally be used throughout the treatment cycle, so the first cartridge of the new medication may be exhausted before the end of the treatment cycle. In such a scenario, the level sensor218may provide an indication that the medication level in the cartridge202is low and that the cartridge should be replaced before the end of the treatment cycle.

The controller206may also include various additional components and features. For example, the controller206may include, or be operably connected to, an alarm220. The alarm220may be configured to provide an audible and/or visual indication if one or more criteria are met. For example, if the cartridge202has become disconnected from the collar200, the alarm220may output an audible and/or visual notification that something is wrong with the collar. As described in further detail below, the alarm220may also be configured to operate with other features of the controller206to provide notification of the current status of the collar200.

The controller206may further include one or more inputs222. In certain implementations, the inputs222may include one or more activation/deactivation buttons configured to function as power buttons for the collar200. In an example, the inputs222may include two power buttons that are spaced apart on the collar. In order to turn the collar200on or off, both buttons may require activation. This arrangement may prevent the animal wearing the collar200from accidentally turning off the power by leaning against or otherwise actuating a single button. As such, the buttons may be positioned on the collar200such that accidental and simultaneous activation of both buttons is unlikely. In certain implementations, the inputs222may further include a manual activation or dispenser control input. Such an input may provide for a person to control manual dispensing of the medication in addition to the treatment program208. For example, if the animal has been playing outside in long grass or trees, the animal's owner may want to apply additional flea and/or tick medication immediately after the animal is done playing (or, in some examples, prior to the animal going into the grass and/or trees). In such a situation, the owner may use the manual activation control to apply additional medication.

The controller206may further include an auto-shutoff feature224. The auto- shutoff feature224may be configured to shut off the controller208and the microdispenser210if, for example, the cartridge202is empty or has been removed, or if the collar has been removed from the animal.

The controller206may further include, or be operably connected to, a display226. The display226may be configured to provide information related to the operation of the collar200such as status of a battery and cartridge202(including, for example, information received from the clock216and the level sensor218), treatment program information, and the like.

In certain implementations, the controller206may also include a communication interface228. The communication interface228may include a wireless transceiver configured to establish a wireless communication connection with an external network and/or a remote computing device. For example, the communication interface228may be configured to establish a Bluetooth connection, a WI-FI connection, a mesh network connection, a near-field communication connection, or another similar wireless connection. Communications between a collar such as collar200and an external network and/or a remote computing device is described in additional detail in the description ofFIG. 3below.

In some examples, the controller206may also include other sensors230. For example, the other sensors230may include a temperature sensor configured to monitor the temperature of the animal wearing the collar200, an activity sensor configured to monitor physical activity of the animal, a heart sensor configured to monitor cardiac activity of the animal, a motion sensor configured to monitor specific movements of the animal (beyond normal activity) such as biting and/or scratching by the animal, a latch or closing sensor configured to monitor that the collar is appropriately attached to the animal, and other similar sensors. Based upon the output of the additional sensors230, the controller206may be configured to alter the treatment program208or to otherwise alter the dispensing of the medication. For example, if the medication to be dispensed is a topical heart medication used to control an animal's heart rate and/or blood pressure, the controller206may use information from a heart activity sensor to determine if the dosage of the heart medication should be adjusted. For instance, if the heart activity sensor detects that the animal is exhibiting high blood pressure and/or heart rate, the medication dosage can be increased until the animal's heart activity returns to a normal level.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the components as shown inFIG. 2is by way of example only. This is particularly true for the various additional components. For example, the clock216and/or the level sensor218may be integrated with or operably connected to the controller206. Information related to the clock216(e.g., treatment cycle time remaining) or the level sensor218(e.g., remaining medication level) may be output on display226or sent to another computing device via the communication interface228.

It should also be noted that the various additional components as described above may be optional depending upon the implementation of the collar200. Depending upon the design, intended use, and available power for the collar200, the amount and type of additional features included in the collar may vary accordingly.

FIG. 3illustrates a sample system300for communication between a collar and a remote computing device. As described above, a collar305may include a communication interface configured to operably connect to a remote network such as network310. In certain implementations, the network310may be implemented as a wireless network. For example, the network310may be a wide area network such as a WI-FI network. In other examples, the network may be a local area network such as a mesh network. A remote computing device315may also be configured to connect to the network310, thereby establishing a connection with the collar305. In certain implementations, the remote computing device315may be a smartphone used by the owner of an animal wearing the collar305. In some examples, the remote computing device315may include an application320configured to interact with various features on the collar305. For example, the application320may receive information from the collar305regarding various information related to the operation of the collar such as medication levels, dispensing history, power level, previous alarm information, and other related information. The owner may also use the application320to provide an updated treatment program, initiate a manual dispensing, clear alarm information, and perform additional tasks related to the operation of the collar305.

In certain implementations, the application320may also be used to place the collar into a different mode or to be configured to operate using alternate settings. For example, if the owner is taking the animal into the woods for a hike, the owner may update the application320accordingly. The application320may communicate this information to the collar305and, based upon the updated location of the animal (e.g., the woods), the treatment program for the collar may be updated accordingly. For example, if the collar305is configured to dispense flea and tick medication, the collar may increase the dosage based upon this location information.

Depending upon the communication capabilities of the collar305, a direct connection may be established between the collar and the computing device315. For example, the collar305and computing device315may be configured to connect using Bluetooth, near field communications, or another similar short-range communication protocol.

Various additional features may be included and/or integrated into a collar as described herein. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, a collar400may include multiple reservoirs402A and402B. Each reservoir402A,402B may contain a separate medication. For example, reservoir402A may be configured to store a topical flea and tick medication, and reservoir402B may be configured to store a vitamin and/or supplement. Each reservoir may be connected to a separate microdispenser404A,404B. However, it should be noted that, depending upon the design of the collar400, a single microdispenser may be included and be fluidly connected to both reservoirs402A and402B.

Additionally, rather than a single microdispenser as has been described herein (or two microdispensers as shown inFIG. 4), a collar may be designed such that it includes an array of microdispensers. Such a design may increase the amount of medication that may be applied to an animal while reducing the amount of time required to apply the medication. For example, an array of 3×3 microdispensers may be incorporated into a collar design. Additionally, a collar may include additional features such as an RFID tag including owner contact information in the event that the animal becomes lost, a global positioning system tracker or a device for aiding in locating the animal if they become lost, and additional useful features related to the daily wearing of the collar.

FIG. 5illustrates a sample process for operating a collar or similar device such as those described herein to deliver a medication to an animal. A controller, such as controller206as described above, may determine505treatment information based upon the treatment schedule. For example, the controller may determine505timing information and dosage amount information from the treatment schedule. Based upon the treatment information, the controller may send510instructions to a microdispenser to deliver one or more bursts of a topical medication. The microdispenser may receive515an amount of the topical medication from a reservoir fluidly connected to the microdispenser. For example, the microdispenser may include an internal reservoir configured to hold a single dose, or a portion of a single dose, of the topical medication. Once the microdispenser has received515the topical medication, the microdispenser may dispense520the topical medication onto the skin of an animal wearing the collar using, as described above, a jet or burst of the topical medication.

As noted above in the discussion ofFIG. 4, a collar may include multiple reservoirs and microdispensers. In such an arrangement, the process as described inFIG. 5may be repeated for each reservoir and microdispenser pair. For example, the controller may determine505treatment information for dispensing a second topical medication based upon a second treatment schedule, the treatment information including timing and dosage information for the second topical medication. The controller may send510the instructions for the second topical medication to a second microdispenser. The second microdispenser may receive515the second topical medication from a second reservoir, and dispense520the second topical medication according to the treatment information. Depending upon the location of the second microdispenser, the second topical medication may be applied at a different location than the first topical medication.

The devices and processes as described herein provide an improved device and process for applying a topical medication to an animal using a specifically designed collar. Such an approach overcomes the drawbacks of the traditional spot-on medication techniques, primarily over-dosage at the beginning of a treatment cycle and noncompliance/improper application. However, the devices and processes as described herein may be applicable to additional uses beyond regular application of a topical medication. Specific use cases are briefly described in the following examples:

An owner begins a monthly flea and tick treatment regimen. Upon initiating the regimen, the owner purchases a dispensing collar and a supply of medication cartridges. Depending upon the prescription for the animal, the size of the animal, and other factors such as health and age, the size of the collar and cartridges are chosen from a range of available sizes as would best suit that animal. The owner puts the collar on the animal, inserts the first cartridge, and turns on the collar power. The owner can also opt to install an application on their smartphone for interacting with the collar.

Upon powering on, the collar determines that the cartridge is properly installed and determines the treatment information. The treatment information can be preinstalled on the collar, can be received from the application, can be determined by the controller based upon the cartridge installed (e.g., each cartridge includes an identifier such as an RFID tag that includes treatment information), or by another similar method. The controller can then initiate the treatment regimen.

After the first treatment cycle is complete (e.g., 30 days), the collar produces an audible and/or visual alarm indicating that the cartridge needs to be replaced. If the owner has installed the application on their smartphone, the controller can send notification to the application that the cartridge is to be replaced as well. This process can repeat until the treatment regimen is completed.

A owner is concerned with the amount of nutrients their pet is getting from their normal diet, but finds it difficult to give the pet a daily vitamin and/or supplements. The owner purchases a collar that includes a replaceable cartridge that can be used to provide a daily vitamin and set of supplements topically to the pet. The owner can select a generic vitamin/supplement mix, or can order a custom mix of vitamins and supplements specifically for their pet. Rather than worrying about providing the pet with a daily vitamin, the owner can merely change the cartridge monthly.

A pet has been diagnosed with a heart condition and requires a daily medication to maintain their blood pressure and heart rate. The pet's owner can purchase a dispensing collar that includes integrated heart monitoring sensors. In addition to regularly dispensing the pet's medication using the processes and techniques described herein, the sensors can also monitor the pet's heart rate and blood pressure for any abnormalities. If any abnormalities are detected, the collar's controller can alter the medication's treatment program and provide notification to the pet's owner via an audible alarm and/or a notification to the owner's smartphone (e.g., via a collar specific application).

According to some examples, a wearable device may be described. The wearable device may include a container configured to store a topical medication; a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the wearable device and fluidly connected to the container, where the microdispenser may be configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time; and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to a treatment program.

According to other examples, the container may include a refillable reservoir. The refillable reservoir may be configured to store a quantity of the topical medication for a complete dosage cycle of the topical medication. The dosage cycle may be 7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, or 365 days. The refillable reservoir may include a replaceable cartridge, and the replaceable cartridge may include the topical medication. The container may include a replaceable cartridge, and the replaceable cartridge may include the topical medication. The wearable device may further include an alarm operably connected to the container and configured to emit an alarm when a level of the topical medication drops below a minimum threshold. The controller may be further configured to transmit an alert to a remote computing device when a level of the topical medication drops below a minimum threshold.

According to further examples, the microdispenser may be configured to deliver the bursts of the topical medication as a concentrated ejection configured to penetrate fur or hair of an animal wearing the wearable device to deliver the topical medication to a portion of skin of the animal. The wearable device may further include a manual control configured to cause the microdispenser to deliver an additional burst of the topical medication. The controller may be further configured to modify the treatment program based upon an activity level of an animal wearing the wearable device. The controller may be further configured to modify the treatment program based upon a location of an animal wearing the wearable device. The wearable device may further include a sensor configured to monitor a physiological state of an animal wearing the wearable device, where the controller may be further configured to modify the treatment program based upon a change in the physiological state of the animal wearing the wearable device detected by the sensor. The sensor may be temperature sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, a hormone sensor, a glucose sensor, or a biomarker sensor.

According to yet other examples, the wearable device may further include a display configured to provide an indication of when the microdispenser may be delivering a burst of the topical medication. The controller may be further configured to establish communication with a remote computing device. The controller may be further configured to receive updated treatment information from the remote computing device. The microdispenser may be configured to deliver the topical medication as a plurality of microdrops. Each of the plurality of microdrops may be about 25 picoliters to about 75 picoliters. The wearable device may further include a second container configured to store a second topical medication. The wearable device may further include a second microdispenser positioned on the inside surface of the wearable device and fluidly connected to the second container, where the second microdispenser may be configured to deliver bursts of the second topical medication over a period of time. The controller may be operably connected to the second microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the second microdispenser to deliver the second topical medication according to a second treatment program.

According to some examples, the topical medication may be selected from the group consisting of flea medications, insect repellants, pain medications, hormone medications, anti-depressant medications, steroids, cardiac medications, appetite stimulants, appetite suppressants, antifungal medications, vitamins, and supplements. The wearable device may further include a power source. The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may include a kinetically chargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may include an induction-charged battery. The wearable device may be a collar.

According to other examples, a collar is described. The collar may include a container configured to store a topical medication; a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the container, where the microdispenser may be configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time; and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to a treatment program.

According to further examples, the container may include a refillable reservoir. The refillable reservoir may be configured to store a quantity of the topical medication for a complete dosage cycle of the topical medication. The dosage cycle may be thirty days. The refillable reservoir may include a replaceable cartridge, wherein the replaceable cartridge may include the topical medication. The collar may further include an alarm operably connected to the container and configured to emit an alarm when a level of the topical medication drops below a minimum threshold. The microdispenser may be configured to deliver the bursts of the topical medication as a concentrated ejection configured to penetrate fur or hair of an animal wearing the collar to deliver the topical medication to a portion of skin of the animal. The collar may further include a manual control configured to cause the microdispenser to deliver an additional burst of the topical medication. The controller may be further configured to modify the treatment program based upon an activity level of an animal wearing the collar. The controller may be further configured to modify the treatment program based upon a location of an animal wearing the collar. The collar may further include a display configured to provide an indication of when the microdispenser may be delivering a burst of the topical medication. The controller may be further configured to establish communication with a remote computing device.

According to yet other examples, the controller may be further configured to receive updated treatment information from the remote computing device. The microdispenser may be configured to deliver the topical medication as a plurality of microdrops. Each of the plurality of microdrops may be about 25 picoliters to about 75 picoliters. The collar may further include a second container configured to store a second topical medication. The collar may further include a second microdispenser positioned on the inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the second container, and the second microdispenser may be configured to deliver bursts of the second topical medication over a period of time. The controller may be operably connected to the second microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the second microdispenser to deliver the second topical medication according to a second treatment program. The topical medication may be selected from the group consisting of flea medications, insect repellants, pain medications, hormone medications, anti-depressant medications, steroids, cardiac medications, appetite stimulants, appetite suppressants, antifungal medications, vitamins, and supplements. The collar may further include a power source. The power source may be a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may include a kinetically chargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may include an induction-charged battery.

According to further examples, a method of dispensing a topical medication to an animal is described. The method may include determining, by a controller integrated into a collar worn by the animal, timing for dispensing a topical medication based upon a treatment schedule; sending, from the controller to a microdispenser, instructions for the microdispenser to deliver at least one burst of the topical medication, where the microdispenser may be positioned on an inside surface of the collar; receiving, at the microdispenser, the topical medication from a container fluidly attached to the microdispenser; and dispensing, by the microdispenser, an amount of the topical medication onto a portion of skin of the animal.

According to some examples, the container may include a refillable reservoir configured to store a quantity of the topical medication for a complete dosage cycle of the topical medication. The method may further include emitting, by an alarm operably connected to the container, an alarm when a level of the topical medication drops below a minimum threshold. Dispensing an amount of the topical medication may include delivering, by the microdispenser, the bursts of the topical medication as a concentrated ejection configured to penetrate fur or hair of the animal wearing the collar to deliver the topical medication to the skin of the animal. The method may further include receiving, by the microdispenser, an instruction from a manual control to deliver an additional burst of the topical medication. The method may further include modifying, by the controller, the treatment program based upon an activity level of the animal. The method may further include modifying, by the controller, the treatment program based upon a location of the animal. The method may further include displaying, by a display operably connected to the controller, an indication of when the microdispenser may be delivering a burst of the topical medication.

According to other examples, the method may further include establishing, by the controller, communication with a remote computing device; and receiving, by the controller, updated treatment information from the remote computing device. The microdispenser may be configured to dispense the topical medication as a plurality of microdrops. Each of the plurality of microdrops may be about 25 picoliters to about 75 picoliters. The method may further include determining, by the controller, timing for dispensing a second topical medication based upon a second treatment schedule; sending, from the controller to a second microdispenser, instructions for the second microdispenser to deliver at least one burst of the second topical medication, where the second microdispenser may be positioned on an inside surface of the collar; receiving, at the second microdispenser, the second topical medication from a second container fluidly attached to the second microdispenser; and dispensing, by the second microdispenser, an amount of the second topical medication onto a second portion of skin of the animal. The topical medication may be selected from the group consisting of flea medications, insect repellants, pain medications, hormone medications, anti-depressant medications, steroids, cardiac medications, appetite stimulants, appetite suppressants, antifungal medications, vitamins, and supplements.

According to yet other examples, a system for dispensing a topical medication to an animal is described. The system may include a computing device may include information related to a treatment program for dispensing a topical medication to an animal and a collar. The collar may include a container configured to store a topical medication, a microdispenser positioned on an inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the container, where the microdispenser may be configured to deliver bursts of the topical medication over a period of time, and a controller operably connected to the microdispenser and configured to establish communications with the computing device, receive the treatment program from the computing device, and provide instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to the treatment program.

According to some examples, the computing device may be further configured to receive an updated treatment program from a user of the computing device; and transmit the updated treatment program to the controller. The controller may be further configured to receive the updated treatment program from the computing device and provide updated instructions to the microdispenser to deliver the topical medication according to the updated treatment program. The container may include a refillable reservoir configured to store a quantity of the topical medication for a complete dosage cycle of the topical medication. The refillable reservoir may include a replaceable cartridge, and the replaceable cartridge may include the topical medication. The collar further may include an alarm operably connected to the container and configured to emit an alarm when a level of the topical medication drops below a minimum threshold. The microdispenser may be configured to deliver the bursts of the topical medication as a concentrated ejection configured to penetrate fur or hair of an animal wearing the collar to deliver the topical medication to a portion of skin of the animal.

According to further examples, the collar may further include a manual control configured to cause the microdispenser to deliver an additional burst of the topical medication. The collar may further include a display configured to provide an indication of when the microdispenser may be delivering a burst of the topical medication. The microdispenser may be configured to deliver the topical medication as a plurality of microdrops. Each of the plurality of microdrops may be about 25 picoliters to about 75 picoliters. The collar may further include a second container configured to store a second topical medication. The collar may further include a second microdispenser positioned on the inside surface of the collar and fluidly connected to the second container, where the second microdispenser may be configured to deliver bursts of the second topical medication over a period of time. The controller may be operably connected to the second microdispenser and configured to provide instructions to the second microdispenser to deliver the second topical medication according to a second treatment program. The topical medication may be selected from the group consisting of flea medications, insect repellants, pain medications, hormone medications, anti-depressant medications, steroids, cardiac medications, appetite stimulants, appetite suppressants, antifungal medications, vitamins, and supplements. The collar may further include a power source. The power source may be a rechargeable battery.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (for example, bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” et cetera). While various compositions, methods, and devices are described in terms of “comprising” various components or steps (interpreted as meaning “including, but not limited to”), the compositions, methods, and devices can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps, and such terminology should be interpreted as defining essentially closed-member groups. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.

For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (for example, “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variations in a numerical quantity that can occur, for example, through measuring or handling procedures in the real world; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of compositions or reagents; and the like. Typically, the term “about” as used herein means greater or lesser than the value or range of values stated by 1/10 of the stated values, e.g., ±10%. The term “about” also refers to variations that would be recognized by one skilled in the art as being equivalent so long as such variations do not encompass known values practiced by the prior art. Each value or range of values preceded by the term “about” is also intended to encompass the embodiment of the stated absolute value or range of values. Whether or not modified by the term “about,” quantitative values recited in the claims include equivalents to the recited values, e.g., variations in the numerical quantity of such values that can occur, but would be recognized to be equivalents by a person skilled in the art.