Book Review

Veterinary Drug Handbook: Client Information Edition

Gigi Davidson, RPh, Donald C. Plumb
Iowa State Press/Blackwell Publishing Company

Finally—patient information that is specific for animals!

This reference is extremely helpful when it comes to providing proper counseling to pet owners on veterinary prescriptions. Included are 138 client/patient advisory leaflets on systemic medications and 20 on ophthalmic medications. The authors have given permission to photocopy these leaflets for individual clients, and this permission is noted on the bottom of each leaflet. For each medication, the following questions are answered: 1. How is this medication useful? 2. Are there conditions or times when its use might cause more harm than good? 3. What side effects may occur with its use? 4. How should it be given? 5. What other information is important about this medication?

This easy-to-use reference is very similar in format to the United States Pharmacopeia Drug Information (Thomson Healthcare Inc.). Many common veterinary compounds that may not be commercially available are included, such as potassium bromide, cisapride, metronidazole benzoate, and diethylstilbesterol. Other miscellaneous information sheets also are included, such as instructions on how to apply transdermal medications to cats; how to give oral medications to a cat, dog, or horse; and how to administer eye medication to a pet. Finally, there is information on what to do if a pet gets into poison. All information is indexed and written in lay language that veterinary clients can understand. This is an excellent reference and a must-have for any pharmacy dispensing veterinary prescriptions, whether compounded or commercially available.