Pfizer Animal Health has 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 per cent of dogs in the US (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 anaesthetics 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 behaviours that contribute toward canine obesity.
"Our goal is to encourage dog owners to begin a dialogue with their veterinarians," said George Fennell, vice president, US 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."
Like humans, it is crucial for canines to lose weight at an appropriate rate. A Slentrol treatment plan has been designed to achieve weight loss of approximately three per cent per month, a safe and responsible rate. The Treatment Plan takes into account that a dog's weight can be influenced by factors such as breed, age, genetics and diet, and uses monthly dosing adjustments individualized to each dog. This means that owners can develop new and fundamentally better feeding behaviours and exercise regimens that will help maintain the dog's weight loss. Slentrol can be used with any nutritionally balanced diet.
"The availability of Slentrol marks a significant milestone in the treatment of canine obesity, giving veterinarians an additional tool when diet modification and increased exercise are difficult for owners to implement successfully," said Georgette Wilson, DVM, manager, veterinary operations, Pfizer Animal Health. "For long-term success, Slentrol should be used as part of an overall weight management program that includes diet and exercise."
In a four-month Slentrol weight-loss study with client-owned obese dogs, 97.8 per cent of dogs that completed the study lost weight. The mean weight loss was 11.8 per cent, and half of the dogs lost at least 11 per cent of their body weight, a level associated with established health benefits.
Slentrol must not be used in cats. Do not give Slentrol to dogs with liver disease or dogs that have been taking steroid treatments for a long time. The most common side effect from Slentrol is vomiting. A few dogs may develop diarrhoea, seem unusually tired or completely stop eating. If any of these side effects last longer than two days a veterinarian should be consulted. People under any circumstances should never take Slentrol.