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  • Minocycline (brand names Minocin®, Solodyn®, Arestin®) is a tetracycline-based antibiotic. It is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is frequently used as part of the heartworm adulticide treatment protocol and for certain tick-borne infections, such as Lyme disease.

  • Mirtazapine (brand name: Remeron®, Mirataz®) is an antidepressant often used to treat weight loss and anorexia (loss of appetite), mainly in cats. It also has antiemetic (anti-vomiting) and anti-nausea effects and has been used to treat side effects of chemotherapy. Rarely, it may be used to treat behavioral problems.

  • Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, though the signs vary depending on the stage at which it occurs. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

  • Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, though the signs vary depending on the stage at which it occurs. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

  • Misoprostol (brand names Cytotec®, Arthrotec®) is a prostaglandin E1 analog drug. It is used off label (extra label) to treat or prevent stomach ulcers due to NSAID use in cats, dogs, and horses. It can also be used in combination with other medications to treat uterine infections, protect the kidneys, treat skin allergies, or to terminate pregnancy.

  • Mites and lice can cause trouble for guinea pigs. Some mites may cause no clinical signs, while others can cause extreme signs, including itchiness, crusty skin, hair loss, and secondary bacterial skin infection. This article summarizes diagnosis and treatment.

  • Mites affecting pet hedgehogs, often called quill mites, are fairly common. Initially, an affected hedgehog may become itchy but if mites are left untreated, the clinical signs can become severe.

  • Mitotane is primarily used to treat Cushing's disease in dogs. It has also been used to treat adrenal gland tumors. Mitotane reduces the amount of cortisone-like hormones produced by the adrenal cortex.

  • Mitral valve disease is often one of the earliest indicators of heart disease that could lead to heart failure. It is more common in small dogs than large breeds. This handout discusses mitral valve disease in dogs, a degeneration of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and the prognosis of this condition are outlined.

  • Mole and gopher baits are poisonous products that are often flavored to attract unwanted pests. If a dog or cat ingests one, it can cause significant illness in your pet. The most common active ingredients used in mole and gopher baits are zinc phosphide and bromethalin. There is no antidote, so decontamination within an appropriate time is key to a good outcome.