Pfizer Animal Health has announced
the introduction of Slentrol, the first prescription weight-loss
medication for dogs. Pfizer estimates that 25-40% of America's
dogs are overweight. (Our feeling is that as many as 60% of the
dogs in our practice are overweight and half of those are obese!)
The concern of veterinarians
over obesity is that the extra weight plays a major negative part
in osteoarthritis, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, insulin
resistance, increased surgical and anesthesia risk, exercise intolerance
and cruciate ruptures.
The dogs in the Slentrol trials
lost an average of 11% of their bodyweight. We could live with
that couldn't we? Slentrol is used in conjunction with exercise
and an appropriate diet. The program outlined by Pfizer has 2
treatment phases, as well as recommendations for post treatment
reduced weight maintenance.
Slentrol is not a cure for obesity,
but as a part of an overall weight-management program that includes
appropriate diet and exercise, the medication can help obese dogs
benefit from weight loss. That can make a difference in our patience,
their owners and the extension of the healthy owner-pet relationship.
Spend
a few minutes taking the BARC (Body Assessment Rating for Canines)
survey to determine if it’s time to speak to your veterinarian
about tackling weight loss measures.
Slentrol, First Medication
to Combat Canine Obesity, Now Available by Prescription
Pfizer Animal Health (NYSE:
PFE) today announced that SLENTROL™
(dirlotapide), the first and only FDA-approved veterinary medication
for the management of canine obesity, is now available by prescription
in the United States.
Slentrol was developed in response to the unmet
need for a medication to help veterinarians and pet owners better
manage canine obesity, an important medical condition that can
lead to serious health consequences. An estimated 25 to 40 percent
of dogs in the U.S. (about 17 million) are overweight or obese.
Studies have shown that canine obesity is associated
with serious medical conditions, including: osteoarthritis; cardiac
disease; respiratory conditions; heat or exercise intolerance;
dermatological problems affecting skin, hair and coat; compromised
immune function; and increased surgical and anesthetic risks.
In addition, weight loss is typically first line therapy for osteoarthritis,
and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Pfizer also announced recently the launch of
BARC, or the Body Assessment Rating for Canines, a new online
assessment tool designed to help dog owners determine if their
dogs are overweight or obese, or are engaging in behaviors that
contribute toward canine obesity. BARC is available at www.StopCanineObesity.com.
“Our goal is to
encourage dog owners to begin a dialogue with their veterinarians,”
said George Fennell, vice president, U.S. Companion Animal Division,
Pfizer Animal Health. “By helping dog owners think about their dog’s lifestyle, we are hoping to lessen the prevalence of
this serious medical condition so dogs can live healthier, more
active lives.”
For a copy of Slentrol prescribing information,
please go to www.pfizerah.com/slentrol.
