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Pet The Bunny

The importance of compounded medications for exotic pets




In recent years, exotic pets – such as reptiles, birds, and small mammals like rabbits – have grown increasingly popular in UK households. While these unique animals make a great addition to families, they also pose distinct challenges, particularly regarding their health. Unlike cats and dogs, they often cannot be treated with standard, ‘off-the-shelf’ medications. This is where compounded medications for exotic pets prove invaluable.


What are compounded medications?


Compounding medications involves tailoring medicines to meet the specific needs of an individual animal. This process can include:


  • Mixing, diluting, or concentrating a drug to achieve the required dosage

  • Adding flavours to make the medication more palatable

  • Changing the form of the medication, such as creating an oral liquid for an animal that can’t swallow tablets

  • Combining medications to simplify administration or application

  • When licensed medication is unavailable for a period of time or discontinued


For example:


  • Transforming a tablet into a liquid solution for a snake that refuses solid food

  • Adding a tasty flavour to encourage a rabbit to take its medicine

  • Creating a skin-penetrating gel to deliver a drug that’s usually injected, reducing stress for the animal and owner alike


A specialised approach for exotic pets


Raman Pharma understands that exotic pets require a specialised approach to healthcare. That’s why we’ve partnered with Ascot Laboratories, a trusted name in veterinary compounding.


This partnership ensures medications are prepared to the highest standards, adhering to the legal framework known as the veterinary cascade. If you’re unfamiliar with this, the cascade allows vets to prescribe unlicensed medications when no authorised alternatives are available.


Why tailored medications matter


Every animal is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work for many exotic pets. Tailored medications offer a lifeline for:


  • Difficult-to-medicate animals: Customised forms like liquids or gels make administering medicine easier

  • Chronic conditions: Pets with ongoing health issues benefit from formulations designed to suit their long-term needs

  • Improved compliance: Flavoured or simplified treatments ensure pets get the right dosage without unnecessary stress


Supporting veterinary practices


If you’re experiencing an unusual case or struggling to find the right medication for an exotic pet, compounded medications could be the answer. Together with the team at Ascot Laboratories, we’re committed to supporting vets with innovative, bespoke solutions that ensure animals get the care they need when standard medications aren’t an option.


For customers who have chosen to open an account with Ascot Laboratories:


  1. Logins are being released in phases. Once received, accept your invitation via email to login and create your account.

  2. Login and search for your required product. If a product you need isn’t listed, complete an enquiry form. Email vet@ascotlabs.com for any special enquiries.

  3. Once you have access to the store, you can view Ascot’s specially formulated products that can be tailored to your patient’s required dosage and quantity.


Products are available in various forms, including; Oral Solution, Oral Suspension, Ointments, Creams, Tablets or Capsules. Savoury flavours are also available to make dispensing medications more palatable.


If you have any requirements you’d like to speak to our team about, call us on 01252 260 460 or email sales@ramanpharma.com.

Registered in England and Wales No.: 09094562. © 2024 Raman Pharma Limited. All Rights Reserved. 

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