First and foremost, please accept our most sincere and deepest condolences for your loss.
As much as we would very much like to bring your beloved tail-wagging pal back, we don’t have the power to do just that.
But there are some things you can keep in mind on Cytopoint for future reference, that is.
Though Cytopoint has been approved in the US that claims to relieve that nagging itch for our dogs, there are several factors you should consider before choosing to administer Cytopoint to your furry friend.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything you’re going to need to know about Cytopoint, its side effects, and what’s the best course of action to take following a dog’s death.
Once you have your pen and paper ready, let’s get right to it.
What to do if your dog died from Cytopoint?
Dealing with a loss is never easy for anyone, but please find the courage to bear your strength to read through the best possible course of action before rushing to conclusions.
The first step you should take after an unfortunate death after Cytopoint treatment is an autopsy.
Doing so helps identify the cause of death, as other factors may have been involved, such as toxic exposure, underlying health conditions, or if the culprit was, in fact, Cytopoint from the start.
Suppose your evidence shows that it is Cytopoint.
In that case, you can file a complaint and report to the drug company with copies of your dog’s medical documents and events that took place before the deceased.
To learn more on reporting severe drug experiences, we recommend visiting the FDA website on reporting drugs.
It’s also great to understand what Cytopoint is, how it works, and other alternatives you can consider for future use.
What is Cytopoint anyway?
Cytopoint is commonly mistaken as a drug when it’s a biological therapy from Zoetis, a pet pharmaceutical company.
So how does it work, you may ask?
Right ahead of you.
Cytopoint has engineered antibodies that essentially pinpoint and neutralize a signal protein that causes itching in our furry friends.
In short, Cytopoint basically blocks off the itch-signaling protein from ever getting transmitted to the brain, hence decreasing or eliminating the itch-scratch cycle.
Stopping the constant scratching helps your furry friend’s skin heal from allergic itches and get their skin back to tip-top condition.
Cytopoint is administered through injection by your local professional vet.
Studies have claimed that it should help your dog manage the itch within a day and provide relief lasting from 4 up to 8 weeks in between injections.
The frequency of when your furry pal should get injections should typically be once every 4 weeks, scheduled with your vet.
This not only helps control itch but also monitors your dog’s scratching behavior to determine the best next step to keep their tails wagging and skin undamaged.
Note: If your dog starts to itch before the next appointment, we highly recommend you immediately contact your local vet to reschedule the next meeting.
What’s the typical Cytopoint dosage for dogs?
The clinically safe dosage for your furry pups depends on the dog’s weight.
Cytopoint is administered in single-use-1mL vials in 4 different concentrations: 10, 20, 30, or 40 mg per vial.
The minimum dosage to inject Cytopoint is 0.9 mg per kg body weight.
For a full list of eligible dog weights and their corresponding dosage, please refer to the Cytopoint dosing chart.
Note: Ensure you read the product label, as Cytopoint dosage may vary based on the country you reside in. Dogs under 3 kg should NOT be given Cytopoint.
Side effects of Cytopoint on dogs
Though studies have shown that Cytopoint has a 75-90% efficacy on relieving allergic itches for our furry pals, several side effects may still occur following a Cytopoint injection.
Even if your dog’s weight is eligible for a safe injection dose.
Several rare side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea (an absolute no-no), and lethargy in a few dogs, occurred in a study. In common cases (1 in 1,000 dogs), allergic reactions such as swelling on the face and rashes may also occur.
As always, should you have any concerns or inquiries on whether your furry pal should take Cytopoint, consult with your local vet for what works best for your dog’s welling and health.
Things to consider before giving your dog Cytopoint
Before choosing any course of action, it’s always a wise move to know what you’re up against, and that includes factors such as risks, safety, and cost.
This is vital, especially for those who have never heard of Cytopoint before reading this article or have never had their vet administer Cytopoint to treat dog allergies before.
Without further ado, here are some factors to consider before injecting Cytopoint:
Cost
Price ranges and medical plan bills may vary based on your vet clinic and country. Still, typically it should be between $600 and $1,100 for the total medical plan. The plan typically includes exams, testing, and the treatment itself. Ensure you inquire an estimate of these costs before you make the appointment for a treatment (should you choose to proceed with Cytopoint treatment).
Weight (nothing to be ashamed of here)
As mentioned, furry pups below 3 kg should not be administered with Cytopoint due to medical reasons.
Typically, there are specific and available doses for dogs in the weight range of 3 kg to 40 kg, each with different concentrations.
To learn more, refer to the Cytopoint dosage chart to see how much dosage your dog would be getting.
How long does Cytopoint last?
Following a Cytopoiny injection, your furry friend’s itch should be long gone with the wind in a typical span of a day but should return for another injection after 4 to 8 weeks after the initial injection.
Response to the treatment may vary for different dogs, as they depend on external factors, such as their environment.
Is Cytopoint prescription or over-the-counter? Prescription
Cytopoint isn’t considered a drug but a biological medication using a protein instead of a chemical that functions to mimic your dog’s immune system to block off the allergic-itch transmission.
Cytopoint is classified as an off-label medication, which essentially means people don’t need a vet’s prescription to obtain them.
However, as the responsible dog owner, always check in with your vet on whether injecting Cytopoint on your own would be safe for your dog.
However, we recommend having a professional vet assess your dog’s condition and administering Cytopoint safely.
What are other (safer) alternatives to Cytopoint?
Regardless of Cytopoint’s benefits being greater than its risks, if you choose to play it safe (smart move, by the way), it is possible to use over-the-counter medication to relieve allergic itching.
As always, consult with your local vet before choosing any of these medications. Here are several alternatives to Cytopoint you can consider:
Antihistamines (aka Anti-allergy remedies)
Some common antihistamines you may have heard could be Benadryl (Diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Claritin (loratadine).
These antihistamines are typically used to help your furry pal relieve allergy symptoms, including itching.
The only downside is that it may cause drowsiness or hyperactivity (great patience is required here).
Note: Ensure you thoroughly read the label and that it only contains antihistamines as ingredients such as decongestants may harm dogs instead of treating them.
When in doubt, seek professional advice from your local vet on whether antihistamines would suit your dog.
Steroid sprays, gels, and creams
Before you sound the alarm, OTC steroid preparations have lower concentrations of active ingredients found in prescription steroids and are deemed safe for use.
It should help decrease the itchiness (if caused by insect bites).
Note: If you notice no signs of improvement, consult your vet for further diagnosis and treatment.
Should you sue a vet if this happens?
Justifying wrongdoings is the absolute way to go, for anyone, even for your furry bestie.
But when it comes to malpractice of vets due to poor and below-standard treatments, suing a vet won’t come easy.
In particular, getting fair compensation can be a tough challenge in most cases, but filing a lawsuit is without a doubt a smart move, especially when the evidence suggests so.
However, please keep in mind that attaining fair compensation relies on particular circumstances and the laws and policies set in where you reside.
To solidify your case against the vet, you need to ensure you have the following proof:
- The vet took the responsibility to provide care for your dog
- Treatment fell short of professional standards
- Failure of treatment caused the death of your canine.
Some lawyers may reject these types of cases, but there are lawyers out there who are willing to be up for the task for a contingency fee or a fraction of the amount of compensation you receive if you win the case.
However, in most vet malpractice cases, compensations typically don’t suffice to cover the costs of hiring a lawyer (unless it’s a special case).
Therefore, we recommend you consider other available alternatives such as an insurance settlement, small claims court, a simple negligence lawsuit, or file a complaint.
