Following the launch of Libromide, the only licensed formulation of potassium bromide in the UK for canine epilepsy, Genitrix has linked up with NationWide Veterinary Laboratories to offer a discounted blood test service to veterinary practices. 

Genitrix says it is offering the discounted blood tests to help practices and encourage owners to test regularly, thus ensuring that the level of Libromide in dogs undergoing treatment remains within the recommended therapeutic range.

According to the company, factors which can cause the level to move out of therapeutic range include an increase in the chloride content of the diet or the administration of other drugs. Because Libromide takes a few weeks to reach a steady therapeutic state, testing at four, eight and twelve weeks is also recommended at the commencement of treatment to confirm that the rise to therapeutic level takes place.

To take advantage of the discount scheme, practices can download a test form from the Genitrix website (http://www.genitrix.co.uk/) or call its head office on 01403 786345. Copies are also available from wholesalers.

Rob Watkins, Marketing Director at Genitrix, said:  "Regular blood testing of epileptic dogs is an essential element of a successful treatment regime and is recommended by all canine epilepsy specialists.  Unfortunately, feedback from practices suggests that owners are sometimes reluctant to comply with this advice and that the cost of testing is frequently an issue. 

"We've launched the scheme to help practices increase compliance by making it significantly cheaper. Taking advantage of this scheme for blood testing is also convenient for practices now that the test forms can be downloaded as well as ordered by phone.

"Recent data suggests that canine epilepsy affects four in every hundred dogs making it a common disease affecting dogs in the UK. Following on from the launch of Libromide, we hope that the discounted blood test scheme will be another step forward in the move to improve treatment approaches for this distressing disease."

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