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Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and other conditions in people and animals, and often target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but normal, healthy cells that grow quickly may also be affected. Side effects of ingestion can include stomach upset, neurological signs, bone marrow suppression, and organ damage.

  • The combination of activated charcoal, kaolin, and sorbitol (ToxiBan® suspension with sorbitol) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal and kaolin bind poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them. Sorbitol accelerates defecation, and so gets the poison out of the body faster.

  • Activated charcoal (ToxiBan) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal binds poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them and may be used as part of treatment for certain poisonings.

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is used both as an injectable drug and an oral vitamin supplement to prevent or treat thiamine deficiency in various species, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, small ruminants, and pigs.

  • Pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide + bicycloheptene dicarboximide otic (brand name Otomite Plus®) is a medication used to treat ear mites in dogs and cats older than 12 weeks of age. Pyrethrins + piperonyl butoxide + bicycloheptene dicarboximide otic comes in a liquid drop form. It is highly toxic to aquatic species and toxic to cats if ingested.

  • Diltiazem is given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions. Common side effects include a slow heart rate in dogs and vomiting in cats. This medication should not be used in pets with hypersensitivity, severely low blood pressure, lung congestion, or certain abnormal heart rhythms.

  • Fleas are the most common nuisance and parasite affecting cats, and an infestation can lead to serious health problems. Flea control requires a three-pronged approach; they need to be eliminated from 1) your cat, 2) any other cats and dogs that you have, 3) your home and yard. There are many flea control products available and your veterinarian can help you determine which are safest and most effective for your pets.

  • Phytonadione (brand names: Mephyton®, Phytomenadione®, Aqua-Mephyton®, K-Caps®, Konakion®, Hemophyt®) is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat vitamin K1 deficiencies in a variety of animal species, usually due to toxicities. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Compounded medications are not approved by federal authorities. They are medications that have been altered to provide more accurate dosing or easier administration. They have not been tested for safety, stability, potency, or efficacy.

  • Mycophenolate is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off-label to treat autoimmune disease in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to mycophenolate, are pregnant, or nursing. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.