Illustrated Articles
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Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat herpesvirus infections in cats, birds, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Acyclovir comes in several oral forms, as well as injectable and topical forms. Monitor complete blood count in cats.
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Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used off label to treat high phosphate levels in pets with kidney disease. It is given by mouth, with meals, in the form of a liquid gel, powder, or a compounded capsule. The most common side effect is constipation, and therefore it should be used with caution in pets with a gastrointestinal obstruction or pets prone to constipation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Amitriptyline is used off label and given by mouth to treat behavioral and pain disorders in dogs, cats, and occasionally birds. Common side effects include sedation, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. This medication should not be used in pets sensitive to TCAs, seizures, or pets currently using MOIs or flea collars. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) is an essential vitamin needed to maintain good nutrition and a healthy immune system. Some animals, such as guinea pigs, need ascorbic acid added to their diet as they cannot produce it on their own. It is used to treat scurvy in guinea pigs, as an antioxidant for certain toxins that cause methemoglobinemia in cats and dogs, and as a stool softener in rabbits.
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Atenolol is used off label and given by mouth to treat certain heart conditions in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Common side effects include tiredness and stomach upset. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to beta-blockers, heart failure, heart block, low heart rate, or certain lung disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Atracurium is an injectable neuromuscular blocking agent used during general anesthesia to produce complete muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation in cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other animals. It may also be used when placing a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) or used in the urethra to help manually express the bladder.
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Atropine ophthalmic (brand name Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication used to enlarge the pupil. It is used off label (extra label) only, in all veterinary species of animals. Atropine ophthalmic comes in a drop, solution, or ointment form, which is placed directly into the eye.
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Avian flu (also known as highly pathogenic avian Influenza or HPAI, avian influenza, or bird flu) is a viral infection caused by influenza type A viruses. It primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry. The H5N1 strain is of particular concern because it can spread rapidly and potentially infect non-avian species, including mammals like dogs, cats, zoo animals and some wild carnivores. During outbreaks, keep pets and livestock away from wild birds and their droppings.
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Azathioprine is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off label to treat immune-mediated diseases in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to azathioprine or are pregnant. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Bismuth compounds (brand names: Pepto-Bismol®, Equi-Phar®, Gastrocote®, Kaopectate®, others) are antidiarrheal and stomach protectants used to treat diarrhea and infections caused by the bacteria Helicobacter in dogs, cats, and other animals.
