Educational Articles
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Hydroxyzine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat allergic or itchy conditions. Give as directed. The most common side effect is sedation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or cetirizine, or pets that have heart failure, urinary obstruction, or stomach obstruction. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) topical is used for the management of skin conditions such as wounds, abscesses, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, ulcers, post-surgical incision sites, and burns. It may be used to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hypochlorous acid also has antifungal and antiviral properties and is reported to reduce inflammation, pain, and itching.
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Idoxuridine is an antiviral topical medication used to treat viral infections of the eye, such as feline herpesvirus-1 in cats. Idoxuridine comes as eye drops or can be compounded by your veterinarian into an eye ointment. Give as directed. Side effects of idoxuridine include eye irritation. Pregnant women should NOT handle this medication.
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Imatinib is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain types of cancers in dogs and cats. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, diarrhea, skin rash, or lack of energy. Do not use in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, call the veterinary office.
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Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (brand names Advantage®II, Advantage Plus®, Provecta®II) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas and lice in dogs and puppies that are at least 7 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). This medication is labeled for treatment of flea infestations in cats and kittens that are at least 7-8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb) or 2.3kg (5 lb), depending on the product. Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin. Do not confuse this medication with K9 Advantix®II, Provecta® Advanced, or Activate®II, similar products labeled for use in dogs only, as those medications contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
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Imidacloprid topical is used on and off label and is applied topically to the skin to treat flea infestations in cats, dogs, and ferrets. It is frequently used in combination with other medications to treat a variety of parasites. Side effects are uncommon but may include irritation at the application site or drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite if the medication is accidentally ingested. Do not use combination products in young pets. Certain combination products should not be used in cats.
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Imidacloprid with flumethrin (brand name Seresto® collar) is a topical antiparasitic drug contained in a collar used for control of fleas, ticks, and chewing lice on dogs and puppies at least 7 weeks of age. This medication is labeled for control of fleas and ticks in cats and kittens that are at least 10 weeks of age. Imidacloprid with flumethrin comes in a collar impregnated with the medication that, if used properly, is effective for 8 months.
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Imidocarb dipropionate is an injectable medication that is administered by a veterinarian to treat babesiosis in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat other protozoal infections in dogs, cats, and horses. Most common side effects include mild drooling, tearing, vomiting, or nasal drip. Do not use in pets with exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs, pesticides, or chemicals. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Imipramine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat behavior disorders, sudden loss of muscle tone, urinary incontinence, cancer pain, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, pets currently using MAOIs, or pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Immunotherapy (oral and injectable) is a treatment that involves using a pet’s own immune system to fight health conditions, such as certain allergies or certain types of cancer. Immunotherapy is specially formulated for each individual. It comes in injectable and oral forms.
