The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved the first prescription weight-loss drug for dogs in order to address the Canine obesity, a significant weight gain problem in dogs which often causes other health issues.
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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved the first prescription weight-loss drug for dogs in order to address the Canine obesity, a significant weight gain problem in dogs which often causes other health issues.
Manufactured by the New York-based Pfizer Inc. the dog drug, called Slentrol cuts appetite and fat absorption to manage the weight of obese dogs, providing relief to their owners.
“This is a welcome addition to animal therapies, because dog obesity appears to be increasing,” said Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the food and drug agency.
An estimated 5 per cent of US dogs are obese and another 20-30 per cent are overweight. Like humans, dogs that are 20 percent above their ideal weight are considered as obese, and are at higher risk of developing health problems such as heart conditions, diabetes and joint problems.
Pfizer Inc. will market the liquid formula, complete with a warning for humans not to use it, at a retail price of $1 to $2 a day. The diet drug for dogs, which is in a liquid form that can be added to a dog’s food or placed directly in its mouth, is expected to be available in the spring, Pfizer said.
The Slentrol’s labeling would also carry a recommendation for veterinarians to monitor the monthly weight change of a dog undergoing the dog drug therapy and adjust the dosage accordingly.
"Pfizer Animal Health is committed to working with veterinarians to provide additional tools for weight management in dogs and to helping dogs live healthier, more active lives," said George Fennell, Vice President, US Companion Animal, Pfizer Animal Health.
After spending more than five years in research with Slentrol, the Pfizer veterinary medical scientists finally won approval of the FDA, making it the first and only veterinary-approved obesity drug for dogs in the United States. In their clinical trials, the scientists showed safe, effective results of their oral solution in a wide range of dog breeds.
For the epidemic of obesity in dogs, Veterinarians blame totally humans who treat their pets like children and lavish their pets with treats, which make them obese.
Dogs treated with the drug may suffer from some side effects, including vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea and lethargy, the FDA said, but dog owners should call their veterinarian if side effects last for two days.
Pfizer shares Friday fell 8 cents to close at $26.30 on the New York Stock Exchange.
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