NEW FDA-APPROVED CHEWABLE TABLET CEPHALEXIN MAKES TREATING SECONDARY PYODERMA FEEL MORE LIKE GIVING

Skin infections such as pyoderma are one of the top three reasons dogs are taken to the veterinarian.1 Pyoderma is one of the most common diseases seen in dogs and secondary superficial bacterial pyoderma is the most common form of pyoderma.2,3 Cephalexin is the antibiotic most often prescribed for the treatment of pyoderma, and before the introduction of RILEXINE Chewable Tablets, only human generic formulations have been available. While effective, the generic human form of cephalexin has a bitter, metallic taste and strong odor that can be difficult to mask, which complicates at-home dosing.

“The course of treatment for secondary superficial bacterial pyoderma can be lengthy,” said Brad Phillips, marketing manager, Virbac. “When pet owners have to face the task of covering up the bitter taste of human capsules day after day, week after week, this is a recipe for poor pet owner compliance. Once the visible signs of pyoderma are no longer visible, pet owners will gladly give up this frustrating and time consuming routine. Stopping treatment early can lead to compromised outcomes. The proven palatability of new RILEXINE Chewable Tablets can make it easy for the pet owner to complete the full course of treatment,” said Phillips.

Phillips said palatability research demonstrates most dogs “jump at the chance” to take RILEXINE^® (cephalexin) Chewable Tablets: in one study 80.77% of dogs voluntarily accepted RILEXINE Chewable Tablets, and in another, overall palatability was scored at 78.4%.4,5 In addition to being palatable, RILEXINE Chewable Tablets are effective against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the organism responsible for about 90% of canine pyoderma cases.2,3, RILEXINE Chewable Tablets are available in three sizes for precise dosing.

RILEXINE Chewable Tablets are not for use in dogs with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. Sensitized individuals should avoid contact of the product with the skin and mucous membranes. The safety of RILEXINE Chewable Tablets in breeding, pregnant, or lactating bitches has not been evaluated. For complete product information, refer to the full prescribing information.

For more information about RILEXINE Chewable Tablets, talk with your veterinarian, or go to www.virbacpets.com to learn more.

One of the world’s largest laboratories dedicated exclusively to animal health, Virbac develops, manufactures and distributes a wide range of products and services intended for the prevention and treatment of common pathologies in companion animals. Virbac Corporation U.S., located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading companion animal health company offering products in the heartworm, tick and flea, dermatology, antibiotic, endocrinology, senior care, behavior, critical care nutrition, and oral hygiene markets. Virbac products are available to pet owners exclusively through a veterinarian.

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For more information about Virbac and the company’s products, please visit www.virbacvet.com.

1. Veterinary Pet Insurance, 2011.
2. Hnilica KA, Bacterial skin diseases. In: Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders; 2011:37-82.
3. Hannigan M. Pyoderma. In: Cote E, ed. Clinical Veterinary Advisor Dogs and Cats. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc; 2007:930–932.
4. Sponsor study #646.06-0000-30013 Palatability of 646.06 (Cephalexin monohydrate) in client owned dogs, 2007.
5. Sponsor study #646.06-0000-30014 Palatability of 646.06 (Cephalexin monohydrate) in client owned dogs, 2007.