New Product In The Animalcare Range, Vitofyllin, Tackles The Signs Of Ageing In Dogs

Vitofyllin® (propentofylline) is the latest in the Animalcare range of affordable prescription medicines. Vitofyllin® helps restore vitality and willingness to exercise, especially in the senior dog by improving peripheral and cerebral vascular blood circulation. It is indicated to help improve dullness, lethargy and overall demeanour in dogs. In addition it has a bronchodilatory activity equivalent to amilophylline (a salt of theophylline) The UK dog population is currently estimated at 10 million.¹ Dogs are living longer with one third of the population now falling into the 'senior' range. Therefore age related problems are on the increase. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is one example; a neurodegenerative disease affecting older dogs characterised by various pathological processes with signs that include disorientation; changing interaction with people or other pets; sleep-wake cycle alterations; soiling in the house and decreased activity levels. These subtle behavioural changes are unlikely to be picked up at a routine annual check. The right questions need to be asked by vets and nurses and clients need to compare their animal’s behaviour to when they were middle-aged. At present the majority of cases are not recognised as a treatable medical condition with owners often attributing the signs to normal age-related changes and failing to report them to their vet. In one study 75% of owners of dogs aged over 7 reported at least one behavioural sign consistent with CDS, however only 12% reported their concerns to a vet.² There are relatively few age-related behavioural products available; however propentofylline has demonstrated positive effects on multiple systems in the body of senior dogs including the nervous, respiratory and vascular systems. Vitofyllin® is available in 50mg and 100mg strengths in blister packs containing 56 tablets. Presented as 'easy to administer' four-way split cross-snap-tabs which can be divided into halves or quarters to enable more accurate dosing to be achieved whatever the weight of animal, even down to 2.5kg bodyweight. Vitofyllin® is POM-V licensed and has a 3 year shelf-life. Waiting room posters and client leaflets are available to support recognition of behavioural signs by clients and practice staff. Further iinformation, and details about a special launch offer are available from local Animalcare representatives. ReferencesMurray JK et al., Number and ownership profiles of cats and dogs in UK.Veterinary Record (2010) 166, 163-168Landsberg G and Araujo JA., Behaviour problems in geriatric pets. Veterinary Clinics Small Animal Practice (2005),35:675-698

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