Hi all! I’m in a pickle – I have three beautiful foster kittens that after a lot of medical mysteries, tested positive for FeLV.
The prognosis isn’t great for kittens, but some superstar vets have been able to find a potential experimental drug we can try.
There’s still a few obstacles, one of them is finding a compounding pharmacist willing to help with getting the drug into kitten sized doses.
I’m not sure the details on the barriers, I’ve never had to get something compounded before – but the drugs are donated, so it’s off label and off script so I’m guessing that might make it trickier? (Usually the drug cost ~$1,500)
I guess the question is – does anyone know a compounding pharmacist that would be open to helping?
(Side note: I think the drugs might be coming from Sydney, so doesn’t have to be Melbourne specific)
Posted by DizlingtonBear
7 Comments
Melbourne Compounding Centre in Seddon do my cat’s meds. No idea on the kitten question or experimental meds, but they’ve always been really helpful. Richmond Vet Clinic also helped me get some meds compounded in the past so they obviously have a compounding pharmacy they work with. Good luck!
Maybe ask a cat rescue to help with funding?
There’s a Hyperfixed podcast on this exact topic called “The cat drug black market”. Recommend giving it a listen as it’ll point you toward some FB groups who likely have AU chapters.
https://www.hyperfixedpod.com/listen/hyperfixed/the-cat-drug-black-market
My cat had a very rare algae infection (of course he did) and needed a drug compounded. My vet arranged everything so IDK anything other than it was made in Vermont (I had to pick it up) and they made it chicken flavoured so it smelt like off brand KFC 🥲 I think the chemist is called Atara. This is my unhelpful 10cents. Best of luck to you and the kitten ❤️🩹
i know this doesn’t help with your case but apparently in Canada its very common for pharmacies to give out perscriptions and other drugs for animals, so it sounds like it is doable just have to find one here that can do it!
i hope they get a nice pharmacy who can help in making the doses, Oakleigh has a compounding pharmacy in the shopping centre this is who Monash hospital directs a lot of patients to
If you can’t find a pharmacy there’s an excellent online support group for people trying to taper off their anti-depressants. They have detailed information about DIYing tiny doses of medication for people who can’t afford to get it done at a pharmacy. I forget the site name but it wouldn’t be hard to find.
I use Dartnells for my dog’s compounded meds. They even put chicken flavouring in it for her. They compound at Surrey Hills and they can send to other outlets for pickup or even express post direct to you.