In your opinion... Fireworks

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:17:44 GMT

This just went up on VetSurgeon website:

Veterinary Medicines Directorate have just issued a statement on Calmex:

‘This product does not have a marketing authorisation as a veterinary
medicinal product and we’re aware of concerns over its use and are
investigating. People should only use authorised veterinary medicines
and the VMD aims to ensure that all vet medical products are safe to
use.’

The VMD’s policy on enforcement can be seen here:

http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/EnforcementStrategy.pdf

Pete Wedderburn also has an article with more information on his blog:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100115627/if-your-pet-is-scared-of-fireworks-night-use-real-medicine-not-homeopathy/

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Sal the 1st — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:25:31 GMT

oops sorry looks like I am posting on the wrong thread as all the action is on the other one

Would be really really helpful to people like me if this was all on one thread rather than having the same comments posted on two seperate threads

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Sal the 1st — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:04:08 GMT

I would like to find out more about this product and also the source(s) of the information above. Kava Kava is widely available for human use from a number of suppliers - not as a medicinal product ok , but it is is sold as a natural remedy or a nutritional supplement either as kava kava or as an ingredient in other products. As with other natural remedies there are points to consider in both reactioncs and interactions)before taking ie St Johns Wort, raspberry leaf, red clover 5HTP and lots of others I could mention but as far as I am aware it has never been banned? I was under the impression that VetPlus was a producer and marketing agent for neutraceuticals rather than pharmaceuticals?

Curious - there is a lot more I would like to know about this product now

- ok I have looked and I cannot find anywhere where this is being claimed as a veterinary medicinal product, or am I missing something?

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Anonymous — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:41:41 GMT

Here are some facts to consider about Calmex (the new anxiety treatment from VetPlus):

Calmex contains Piper methysticum (Kava Kava).
Kava Kava has caused a number of human fatalities (liver failure).
Kava Kava is banned for use in human medicinal products in the UK.
The toxicology of Kava Kava is not understood, so its safety in dogs has not been proven.
It also interacts with other medicinal products through Cytochrome p450.
Kava Kava is classed as a veterinary medicinal product.
All veterinary medicinal products must have market authorisation in order to be sold in the UK.
No product containing Kava Kava is licensed for use in the UK.
Calmex contains Kava Kava, but does not have market authorisation.
A veterinary surgeon who administers a veterinary medicinal product that doe snot have market authorisation is breaking the veterinary medicines regulations (which is a criminal offence).

So, should you use Calmex?

Consider the legal and welfare implications first.

Perhaps ask your VetPlus rep about these issues and whether they have discussed Calmex with the VMD.

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:27:46 GMT

More fireworks happened as the evening went on and he did shake a bit But settled much quicker than he normally does so the combination he's on is helping. Jacks thunder shirt fits quite snugly, don't imagine it would work so well if it didn't?

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Nicola Smith — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 12:44:41 GMT

Hi, glad Jack is not too bad so far this year! Kendall did well last night too, they weren't really close and were on and off - not constant but he didnt even open an eye!! I had given him a full dose of Kalmaid at about 6pm and am sure it has helped as normally only 1 distant 1 and he is listening for more and wont settle. The only 1 he responded to was a whistling one that went on for ages and was quite loud and he barked then settled down quickly - he wouldnt normally bark as normally too scared. Fingers crossed he will stay as calm - going to keep up with the Kalmaid now till at least next Monday - found out the pub by me is not having their display till the Monday, hopefully they will be the last!

I tried a thunder shirt for Kendall but it doesnt fit properly so not really used it as think the fit of it is the important thing isnt it?

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:13:04 GMT

Not long after I posted another firework went off and Jack started his shaking. He refused to eat his tea, or any of ours! Put thunder shirt on, he's cleared his bowl, no longer shaking and is now laid back on the sofa. So think the thunder shirt is working!

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:42:02 GMT

Fingers crossed Jack is doing ok so far this year. He's been on Scullcap and Valarian and Zylkene for a while so well into his system! He's normally terrified of gun shots which we get a fair bit when walking in the forest. Today heard gunshots on our walk, he wasn't keen but he wasn't jumping up wanting to be carried like normal! So hopefully looking good for fireworks. We had a couple of distant bangs just now, he opened his eyes but is still curled up on sofa next to me and isn't shaking. Have got his thundershirt at the ready for next weekend and NYE, along with some Diazepam!

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Nicola Smith — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 13:24:14 GMT

Hi, how is everyone getting on this year so far?

I have Kendall on Skulcap and Valerian tablets, an adaptil plugged in and also going to add in some kalmaid from tonight, then for worse nights diazepam - hopefully just next weekend and NYE. Zylkene didnt help him at all hence trying different things this year. So far he has gone to bed OK and not been too bad though we havent had any really close yet. OH is also staying up till they have stopped going off as otherwise know we would have disturbed nights - OH plays his playstation war games with lots of shooting going on which hopefully masks the noise too!! Its bizarre how can he be crashed out with playstation gun noises going off but 1 distant firework is a different matter?

The sculcap and valerian tablets do seem to have had a good effect generally - he is much more confident with strange people as he can somtimes be a little reserved!

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

sarahjune84 — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:53:12 GMT

i use Kalmaid on my terrier, it worked really well last year. I give her a double dose for the week running upto fireworks. Also do the whole curtains closed, lights on and loud music playing!

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

A-J — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:35:41 GMT

so some complete twonk was letting off huge bangers a few days ago and Josie was really scared. We've only had her since Feb so this is the first we know about her 'fear'. This girl can hear a creature in the undergrowth from meters away, huge great ears I'm guessing it's too late to start desensitizing her, so not sure which way to go. Thinking dap collar but when should i start using it asap? Bit of a dumb ass as i work in ecc clinic not used to this so much answers on a postcadr please

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

funkyfish — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:22:18 GMT

Diazepam is good as an anti-anxiety, but alpraxolam (Xanax) is better for panic, so mild-moderate cases use Diazepam and more severe use Alprazolam at 0.01-0.02 mg/kg- can start with half dose and repeat to top up to full dose after 30min if needed, doses can be repeated every 4 hours.

Can use it as preventative -ie before dark, or when they start to get worried or are having a full blown panic over it- will make them forget they were worried! It can be crushed up and smeared on the gums etc if the dog wont swollow them or the owner cant tablet the dog.

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 16:09:40 GMT

I was give a Zylkene CD the other day so I will make sure I do it! I'm not sure how much Zylkene does, because I still have to use Diazepam on firework night and NYE. But using Zylkene and Scullcap and Valarian I manage to keep him off Diazepam the rest of the time. I'm going to try a Thunder Shirt this year, like the sound of it and only heard good about them. Not cheap but if it works it will be great. And a hell of a lot cheaper than Zylkene!

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Nicola Smith — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:38:21 GMT

I'm same as you Vicky, all good intentions after last year and never got round to it now we are in October!! I will definitely get a DAP again but might try something else as not convinced on zylkene so maybe calmex or calmaid - any feedback on these gratefully received - but will prob have to do diazepam on worst nights again.

Anybody reeived any waiting room stuff for this year yet??

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:54:02 GMT

Oh that's interesting to know...I will find out, will try anything to help Jack less terrified poor boy. I am a bad owner not doing the desensitisation ready for this year and feel guilty

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Sal the 1st — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:47:49 GMT

nope but boss got a freebie sample of some through the post the other day - is it worth asking your boss to see if they did?

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:43:18 GMT

Just checked and it was actually Calmex I saw advertised, any experience with this anyone?

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 11:40:24 GMT

Ooo thanks for mentioning Calmaid. I saw it it Vet Times the other day and wondered how good it was, have not yet seen it used. Wondered if it was more effective than Zylkene and Scullcap and Valarian? Sounds like it might be worth me trying with Jack. However have just spent £106 on a box of Zylkene so will still be using that!

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Sal the 1st — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:49:18 GMT

well I had good reports from clients using the calmaid on dogs (esp the caramel syrup)and cats at a previous practice and we do have one owner who has just ordered some for her dog where I am now . I feel that there are still clients that really dont understand how to deal with this and you still get clients who feel that if the dog isnt actually unconscious or spark out it doesnt matter what they are using they automatically presume it isnt working. There are still far too many out there that are not prepared to work with things and just want instant results

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Vicky RVN — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:29:58 GMT

I recommend Zylkene, Scullcap and Valarian and DAP (now Adaptil, hate the next name), along with Diazepam if needed. That is the concotion I use for Jack and I think by giving the herbal type meds I can keep Diazepam dose down. I've got a Zylkene CD to work on Jack with starting in Feb, fingers crossed it works for him.

Re: In your opinion... Fireworks

Phrin Vernon RVN — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:25:45 GMT

Something like Zylkene plus DAP, but always try and get them to get a fireworks CD well ahead of time!

If al else fails then diazepam - NEVER ACP! I've argued till I'm blue in the face re this with some old school mixed vets, and always been backed up by VN colleagues, assistant vets & partners - ACP is baaad mmkay?

(baaad for fireworks - goood for premeds lol!)