Educational Articles
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Ketoconazole topical is an antifungal used in the treatment of skin infections caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, and other animals. It comes in a variety of forms that may be specially compounded and/or be combined with other medications.
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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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Ketorolac is applied topically to the eye to treat pain and inflammation of the eye. Its use in dogs and cats is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Play is important. All kittens need the opportunity to play with toys as well as social play. While learning about their environment, kittens can damage valuable objects, including furniture and curtains. Toys and treats can be hidden inside empty boxes and kiddie tunnels to satisfy a kitten’s need to explore. Supervise kittens carefully to prevent damage and to keep them safe.
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The lacrimal duct is part of the nasolacrimal system, a series of narrow tubes that allow tears to drain from the eye into the nose and mouth. This duct can sometimes become blocked or fail to develop properly, resulting in tears overflowing and potentially staining the face below the eye. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for the condition are explained in this handout.
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Lactated Ringer’s solution (also known as LRS, Ringer’s Lactate) is a fluid and electrolyte (salts) 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, usually given subcutaneously for at home administration.
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Lactulose is used off label and is given by mouth to treat high blood ammonia levels and constipation in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. The most common side effects are diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal cramping. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with intestinal blockage/obstruction.
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Laser surgery is a procedure that generates a beam of light energy at a specific wavelength, resulting in the cutting of tissues. There are three major advantages of laser surgery when compared to traditional stainless steel surgical scalpels, which are decreased pain, decreased inflammation, and improved tissue healing. Routine procedures such as ovariohysterectomy and castration are commonly done with laser.
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Latanoprost ophthalmic is applied in the eye and is used off label to treat elevated eye pressures and glaucoma. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include a burning or stinging sensation, mild eye redness, growth of eyelashes, or color change of the iris or around the eye. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or with eye inflammation (uveitis). If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Leaky gut syndrome refers to an increase in the permeability of the intestines. This condition may be caused by any significant insult to the intestines. Acute cases of leaky gut may be caused by infection, trauma, toxins, or medication overdoses. Chronic cases, in contrast, may be caused by food allergies, long-term NSAID use, or other causes. Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s intestinal disease and treatments will be targeted at the specific underlying disease that is causing your cat’s leaky gut.
