ABSTRACT
Typical locations for patch placement are on the dorsum of the neck or back for dogs and on the lateral thorax for cats. Some veterinarians have had success in placing patches on the limbs of dogs and cats covered by a padded secure bandage. The hair over the desired area is clipped with a surgical clipper blade. The skin should not be shaved since it may disrupt the stratum corneum and alter absorption kinetics. Water should be used to clean the skin before patch application. Alcohol and detergent containing soaps should not be used since they will alter epidermal lipids and absorption. Accidental or intentional fentanyl exposure to children or adults should be considered when deciding if the transdermal patch is appropriate or is to be dispensed as a take-home medication.
