Library
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Butorphanol is a partial opiate agonist/antagonist that is used as an analgesic, pre-anesthetic, antitussive, or antiemetic. The injectable form is used subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously, and the tablet is given by mouth. Side effects include sedation, ataxia, anorexia, or rarely diarrhea. Caution should be used in pets with liver or kidney disease, Addison's disease, head trauma, or other CNS dysfunction, or in geriatric or severely debilitated patients.
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Fentanyl is an opioid medication used off-label to treat pain in cats and dogs. It is often given as an injection in hospital, but patches may be prescribed to deliver fentanyl transdermally (through the skin) for pets at home. This handout describes common side effects, risk factors, and drug interactions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Urate bladder stones are most commonly the result of a genetic abnormality in breeds such as dalmatians. Other causes include liver diseases such as portosystemic shunts. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. Strategies for treating urate bladder stones in dogs include medical dissolution and removal. Dogs that have experienced urate bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Dogs with liver disease will need to be treated appropriately prior to addressing urate bladder stone management.
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When leaving home for vacations, pet owners are confronted with the problem of what to do with their pets. Should they take them along or leave them at home? Reviewing a summary of boarding options and travel guidelines will make the decision easier while safeguarding the well-being of your pet and providing your own peace of mind.
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Diabetes mellitus is an inability to regulate blood glucose caused by a loss of insulin production (Type I) or inadequate insulin supply or resistance (Type II). Dogs need insulin injections to manage diabetes. Sometimes special diets may help manage the disease. Response to insulin needs to be monitored to ensure adequate dosing and to avoid hypoglycemia caused by insulin overdose. Blood glucose curves are most commonly used for this including: in-clinic blood glucose curves, home glucose curves with hand-held glucometers and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Urine glucose testing and fructosamine testing may also be used to manage the disease. Hypoglycemia is the consequence of administering too much insulin compared to the amount of food ingested. Signs can range from lethargy to seizures and coma. It can be managed acutely with administration of sugar syrup to the gums but more severely affected dogs will need IV dextrose solutions.
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Orbifloxacin + posaconazole + mometasone (Posatex®) is a combination topical ear medication that is used to treat bacterial and/or yeast ear infections in dogs. It comes as a liquid suspension that is applied topically to the affected ear once daily.
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Tamsulosin is a medication used as a lower urinary tract relaxant to treat functional urinary obstructions in cats and dogs. It has also been used to treat small obstructive urinary stones in cats. Tamsulosin comes in capsule form; capsules should not be crushed or compounded into liquid.
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Tacrolimus topical is an immunosuppressive agent used to treat and control inflammation and itching of the skin caused by immune-mediated disorders and allergic skin conditions in cats and dogs. Tacrolimus topical comes in an ointment that is applied directly onto the skin.
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Proparacaine ophthalmic is a topical anesthetic (numbing agent) used in the eyes before diagnostic procedures and as an adjunctive anesthetic for eye surgeries in cats, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine and comes in a liquid drop form.
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Pramoxine topical (Comfort; Micro-Pearls Advantage Dermal-Soothe®; Pramox-1®; Relief®, others) is a topical anesthetic (numbing agent) used to reduce pain and itching temporarily in cats, dogs, and other animals. It comes in a variety of forms that are applied directly to the skin.
