Medical Therapeutics: From Conception to Puberty

Pharmacologic treatment of neonatal and pediatric veterinary patients requires consideration of their numerous physiologic differences from adults. These differences can influence drug pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, or pharmacodynamics). In general, β-lactam antimicrobials and opioids are safe choices. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided in animals aged less than 6 weeks, and alpha-2 agonists or acepromazine in animals aged younger than 12 weeks. Other medications (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines) have age-specific adverse effects. Premarket investigation of drugs in animals aged less than 6 months is uncommon, but package inserts can be a useful source of information for medications such as antiparasitics.