Skip to main content

Illustrated Articles

Medications & Supplements

  • Oxytetracycline is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat infections in cats, dogs, and fish. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat bacterial infections in exotic animals. Oxytetracycline comes in oral tablet or compounded liquid forms.

  • Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B ophthalmic (brand name Terramycin®) is a combination antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). It is used to treat eye infections in cats and dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra-label” to treat eye infections in avian species, hedgehogs, and rabbits. Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B comes in ointment form.

  • Pancrelipase is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat exocrine pancreatic enzyme deficiency in dogs, cats, and birds. It is also used to treat fur balls in rabbits. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects at higher doses include diarrhea, cramping, gas, or vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to pork. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Paroxetine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain behavior disorders such as aggression, anxiety, and urine-marking. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other SSRIs, or pets currently taking MAOIs. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Phenobarbital is given by mouth or as an injection to treat seizures or to sedate your pet. Common side effects include sleepiness, increased thirst, urination, and/or appetite. Do not use this medication in pets with liver, lung, or kidney disease or those that are allergic to barbiturates. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Polysulfated glycosaminoglycan is an injectable disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) used to treat non-infectious and traumatic arthritis in dogs. It is also used off-label in cats and small mammals. If administering this medication at home, follow your veterinarian’s instructions and dispose of the needle and syringe appropriately. Side effects are rare when given according to label recommendations and at prescribed intervals. Do not use this medication in pets with a known hypersensitivity to it, in pets with known or suspected bleeding disorders or immune-mediated arthritis, or in pets with severe kidney or liver disorders.

  • Ponazuril is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat protozoal parasites in a variety of animal species. Side effects are uncommon but may include soft stools. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. Ponazuril should be used cautiously in pregnant or lactating pets, and dogs with/susceptible to dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca/KCS).

  • Povidone iodine topical (brand names Vetadine®, Poviderm®, Povidine®, others) is a topical antiseptic used on the skin prior to surgery and in first aid treatments for cats and dogs. It has been used in aquatic species and reptiles to treat fungal infections and wounds. Povidone iodine topical comes in liquid solution, gel, ointment, scrub, shampoo, and spray forms.

  • Prednisone/prednisolone is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat Addison’s disease, inflammatory conditions, neoplasia (cancer), and immune-mediated diseases. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include increased drinking, increased urination, and increased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or pets with systemic fungal infections, viral infections, ulcers, tuberculosis, or Cushing’s disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Probiotics are given by mouth and are used over the counter to treat gastrointestinal upset. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are rare but may include gas or mild discomfort. Do not use in pets that are very sick and immunocompromised, or in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.