Educational Articles
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Methylprednisolone is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat inflammatory, immune-mediated, or hormonal conditions. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination, and appetite, dull/dry haircoat, and/or weight gain. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, receiving NSAIDs, that are recovering from a recent surgery, or in pets with systemic fungal or viral infections, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Metoclopramide is given by mouth or injection and is used off-label to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders, nausea, and vomiting in dogs, cats, and other animals. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitches, drowsiness, and increased urination. Do not use in pets with intestinal blockage or bleeding, pseudopregnancy, pheochromocytoma, or a history of seizures or head trauma. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat certain heart rhythm problems and hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats and dogs. It has also been used in the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine.
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Metronidazole is given by mouth or injection and is used off-label to treat certain anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections and gastrointestinal conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation, decreased appetite, tiredness, and drooling. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are debilitated, or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Miconazole + chlorhexidine + tris-EDTA topical (brand name MiconaHex+Triz®) is an antifungal and antimicrobial cleansing agent used in the treatment of surface skin infections and to enhance the effectiveness of other topical antibiotics in cats and dogs. It comes in spray, mousse, shampoo, and wipe forms.
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Miconazole otic is an antifungal used in the treatment of external ear infections (otitis externa) caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, and other animals. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications. Miconazole otic comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded.
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Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.
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Milbemycin otic (brand name MilbeMite® Otic solution) is an antiparasitic used in the treatment of ear mite infestations in cats and kittens four weeks of age or older. Milbemycin otic comes in liquid drop form (in pre-measured ampules).
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Milbemycin oxime is a heartworm disease preventive and treats internal parasites in dogs and cats (e.g., hookworms and roundworms). It is also used off label to treat infestations in dogs. Milbemycin is given by mouth with a flavored oral tablet.
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Silymarin is an over-the-counter nutritional supplement that is used off-label and is given by mouth to treat liver and cancer conditions. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting or diarrhea. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
