An elderly client on a limited budget brings her cat in for an examination. The owner tells you that the cat has been vomiting for two days and hiding under the bed. On physical examination, the cat appears lethargic, but its vital signs are normal. Blood is collected from the cat for a chemistry panel and a complete blood count. Because the blood test results are not available immediately, the
owner wants to give the cat something to make it stop vomiting. The owner states that cost is the only concern in medicating this cat. Cost may be an important factor determining treatment; however, it is not the only concern. What are some other concerns regarding treatment of this cat?
What will be an ideal response?
• Route of administration: In this case, the cat should not be given oral medications because it is vomiting. Can this owner give injectable medications, or does she have to (or is she able to) bring the cat in daily for treatment? Does the owner understand proper restraint techniques to let her effectively medicate her cat?
• Frequency of dosing: Can this owner give the drug as frequently as needed? Three to four times a day treatment is often difficult for people who work outside the home or are not home for extended periods of time during the day. Is there a long-acting or sustained-release version of the prescribed drug that will allow for longer intervals between doses?
• Duration of treatment: How long will the drug be given? Will the owner be available during the entire course of treatment
for this animal? If not, can someone else medicate the cat?
• Drug reactions: Drug reactions are more common with injectable drugs than with oral drugs. A drug reaction may increase the cost of treatment for this patient in the long run.
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