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  • Moxidectin topical is applied to the skin and is commonly used to prevent heartworms and to treat topical and intestinal parasites. It has also been used off-label to treat adult heartworms. Side effects are uncommon but may include lethargy, vomiting, uncoordinated walking, anorexia, diarrhea, and itching. It should not be used in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals.

  • Nystatin is an antifungal, given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, and used off label to treat Candida fungal infections in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Side effects are rare, but at high doses, it could cause stomach upset or mouth irritation. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it.

  • Trazodone oral tablets are commonly used off label to treat short-term anxieties or as an adjunctive treatment for behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. Side effects may include sedation, behavior changes, vomiting, and priapism. Patients with heart, kidney, or liver disease or closed angle glaucoma should use this medication with caution.

  • Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid (fat) molecules that make up a large portion of the outer skin layer. Ceramide skin care products are available as over-the-counter veterinary products in various topical forms. They are used to help manage skin conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets.

  • Chlorhexidine/hydrocortisone/trizEDTA topical (TrizCHLOR® 4HC) is a shampoo and spray conditioner used topically in cats, dogs, and horses to support animals with conditions such as superficial, itchy, bacterial and fungal skin infections (pyoderma); acute moist dermatitis (hotspots); and pododermatitis (skin infections of the foot).

  • Chlorhexidine/ketoconazole/TrizEDTA flush: otic (Mal-A-Ket® Plus) is a liquid antibacterial and antifungal solution used for topical treatment of localized bacterial and yeast infections in dogs and cats. The solution can be used specifically in the ears as a flush treatment.

  • Megestrol acetate is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid and is used in dogs or off label in cats to postpone the heat cycle or to treat false pregnancy. It can also be used off label in male dogs to treat prostatic hypertrophy. It should not be used in pregnant pets or pets with uterine disease, diabetes, or breast tumors.

  • Aluminum acetate solution, Topical (Burow's solution) + hydrocortisone (Corti-Derm®, Cort/Astrin®, Hydro-B 1020®), is a topical treatment used to relieve inflammation and itchiness in dogs. It is also commonly used to treat ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs due to its antibacterial effects and anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Aluminum acetate solution, topical (Burow’s solution) is an astringent and drying agent used for the temporary relief of minor skin irritation in dogs and cats. Burow’s solution is also commonly used to treat ear infections. Burow’s solution is available as an over-the-counter human product but should always be used under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.

  • Benzoyl peroxide topical products (2%, 5%) are used in cats and dogs to treat bacterial infections of the skin. They are available as over-the-counter veterinary products in the form of shampoos, gels, and cream rinses.