And if the drug is prescribed extralabel, the label would be of limited value to the pet owner. FDA has helped two animal pharmaceutical companies develop consumer-friendly labels that explain the benefits and risks of their osteoarthritis drugs for dogs. Pfizer provided the Rimadyl information at CVM's request following a high volume of adverse events, including deaths, reported by owners whose dogs were treated with the drug. The angry owners, who were not properly informed of the drug's risk, prompted the new labeling that will better help other pet owners decide if the drug is appropriate for their dogs. Although pet owners are becoming better educated and informed about animal treatments, it is still unwise for them to medicate their animals without veterinary supervision, warns Bataller.
Different species metabolize drugs differently.
Some drugs may be better tolerated in a dog than in a human, while other drugs may have the reverse effect. Mallace's lively little 10-pound dog, dubbed Miss Piggy because of her pudginess, had a sudden onset of confusion at age 15. After starting on Anipryl, Miss Piggy improved in just three to four days, according to Mallace. She knew where her food was and how to eat it again. It seemed to clear her head.