Efficacious Use of Acid Suppressants in General Practice

Session Description:

This session will focus on a review of the most common uses of acid suppressants, including histamine 2 receptors antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, in canine and feline patients, as well as concerns regarding chronic administration. A review of the clinical signs and clinicopathologic findings of conditions which require acid suppressant therapy (eg, GI ulceration, bleeding, portosystemic shunt disease, gastroesophageal reflux, mast cell tumors, and thrombocytopenia), as well as literature updates from the last 5-10 years with what we know about prioritizing one drug over another. Attendees should feel comfortable selecting an acid suppressant for dogs versus cats, knowing duration of treatment for different conditions, and the impact of co-administration of certain medications with acid suppressants (eg, antifungals, antacids, antiplatelet drugs).

Webinar Agenda:

• Review of commonly available acid suppressants and differences between these medications, as well as what adverse effects to expect with both acute and chronic administration (eg, gastrointestinal upset, changes to intestinal microbiome, bacterial overgrowth, decreased absorption of certain minerals and effects on bone homeostasis long term)
• Updates throughout the webinar focusing on the most efficacious use of acid suppressants in regards to the following areas:
  • Chronic enteropathy (CE)
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
  • As a “preventative” for risk of ulceration with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Immune mediated thrombocytopenia and mast cell tumor disease

• Literature regarding efficacious dose, dosing frequency, duration of treatment and cessation protocols (eg, tapering) for animals receiving chronic administration will also be covered
• Differences in drug efficacy between species (cat vs dog) will be covered