Jun 13, 2007 11:30 am US/Eastern
FDA Approves Diet Drug For Dogs
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) ―
Obesity is a big problem but did you know that dogs are part of the epidemic too?
It is estimated that 1 of every 4 dogs is overweight. But now worried owners have a new way to help their pets shape up. A diet drug just for dogs became available Tuesday, reports CBS station KYW-TV in Philadelphia.
Muffasah, 8, is a German shepherd who has been fighting the battle of the bulge unsuccessfully.
Fifteen pounds overweight, Muffasah has hip problems that make it tough for him get exercise.
"It's hard for him to get up. That's why I'm trying to get his weight down," Muffasah's owner said.
Glenolden veterinarian Kimberly Bowers says since dieting hasn't worked. she's prescribing a new drug called Slentrol.
"We really need to jumpstart this dog and get him to lose the weight and make him feel better for his hip problems," Dr. Bowers said.
Slentrol, Pfizer's liquid appetite suppressant, is the first FDA approved medication to fight canine obesity.
Pet owners add a vet's prescribed amount to the dog's food.
Dr. Bower will give Muffasah a complete physical, including blood tests, to make sure he'll be able to tolerate the drug.
"The most common side effect is GI-related. Most common is vomiting," Dr. Bowers explained.
Other potential side effects include diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia - where the dog will stop eating.
Pfizer says in a four month study with obese dogs, 97.8 percent of the dogs lost weight using Slentrol.
Some vets are taking a wait and see approach before prescribing Slentrol.
"We'll see once the medicine hits the market for a little while whether dogs come down with problems, all we have now are the studies they say it safe," Dr. Brett Geffen of the Boulevard Animal Hospital said.
Dr. Geffen points out owners are the starting point for healthy weight management.
"The dog can't go and get itself food, so it's really under the owner's control," Dr. Geffen said.
Slentrol costs about one to $2 a day.
Pfizer recommends using it along with a diet and exercise regimen.
Once a dog stops taking the drug, a healthy lifestyle needs to be continued.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
