Articles
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Ketoconazole is an antifungal given by mouth in the form of a tablet, used off label to treat fungal infections in dogs, cats, small mammals, and reptiles. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it and use extreme caution when using in cats or pregnant pets.
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Ketoprofen is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It’s use in animals is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Lactated Ringer's solution (also known as LRS or Ringer's Lactate) is a fluid and electrolyte (salt) replacement solution used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets (small mammals), and other animals. Lactated Ringer's solution comes in injectable form.
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Lime sulfur topical (brand name LimePlus® Dip) is a leave-on agent used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm (dermatophytosis) and topical yeast infections (Malassezia dermatitis) in dogs, cats, and horses. Lime sulfur topical can also be useful in the treatment of several species of skin and fur mites and lice.
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Loperamide (brand names: Imodium®, Anti-Diarrheal®, Diamode®) is used to treat the signs of diarrhea in dogs, rabbits, rodents, and small mammals. It is available over the counter but should only be used as directed by your veterinarian. Loperamide is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid.
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Meclizine (brand names Antivert®, Dramamine® Less Drowsy Formula, Bonine®, Bonamine®, Postafen®, Univert®) is an antihistamine used off label to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting associated with it, in cats, dogs, and other small mammals. The most common side effect is sedation and sleepiness.
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Melatonin (brand names: Regulin, Circadin) is a hormone supplement commonly used in humans to regulate the sleep cycle. In veterinary medicine, it is used off label to treat a variety of conditions, including sleep and behavior disorders in dogs and cats, non-allergic hair loss (alopecia) in dogs, and adrenal disease in ferrets. It also may be used to suppress the heat cycle (estrus) in cats.
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Meloxicam (brand names Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, OroCAM) is given by mouth in the form of a liquid, capsule, or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Methimazole (brand names Tapazole®, Felimazole®, Felanorm®) is an antithyroid medication used to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. It is given by mouth or applied topically to the skin. Common side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and tiredness, but more severe side effects are possible. It is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing pets, as well as in cats with autoimmune disease, liver or kidney disease, and/or blood and clotting diseases.
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Metoclopramide (brand names Reglan® and Maxolon®) is used off label in dogs, cats, and small mammals to stimulate movement in the stomach and upper small intestines to prevent esophageal reflux. In cats and dogs, it is used in the treatment or prevention of vomiting, and also to induce milk let-down and to promote milk production.