Educational Articles
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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.
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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).
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Potassium salts are given by mouth or an injection and are used on and off label to treat low blood potassium levels. Common side effects include nausea or discomfort. Do not use in pets that have high potassium levels, urination problems, tissue damage, uncontrolled Addison’s disease, gastrointestinal movement problems, or dehydration. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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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.
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Pradofloxacin (brand name Veraflox®) is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat skin, urinary tract, and respiratory tract infections in cats. Pradofloxacin is approved for use in dogs in certain countries. It is used "off label" or "extra label" to treat other types of infections in cats and some types of infections in dogs.
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Praziquantel is given on and off label and by mouth or injection to treat various internal parasites in cats, dogs, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and large animals. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, in puppies less than 3 weeks old, or kittens less than 6 weeks old.
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Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate (brand name Drontal) is an oral antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb), and in dogs and puppies that are at least 12 weeks of age and weigh at least 2.7 kg (6 lb). Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate comes in tablet form.
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Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel (brand name Drontal Plus) is an oral antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms in dogs and puppies that are at least 3 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb). Praziquantel/pyrantel pamoate/febantel comes in tablet form. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” in other species (not recommended in cats) for certain conditions.
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Prazosin is given by mouth and is used to reduce urinary sphincter tone to relax the bladder and allow easier urination in dogs and cats. It may also be used as a treatment for congestive heart failure, systemic hypertension, or pulmonary hypertension in dogs. Give as directed. Common side effects include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation. This medication should be used with caution in pets with kidney disease or other conditions that cause low blood pressure, as well as in MDR1-positive dogs. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Prednisolone ophthalmic is a topical steroid medication used to treat inflammatory eye conditions in cats, dogs, and other animals. Prednisolone ophthalmic is available as a sole agent or in combination with antimicrobials. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Prednisolone ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop form. Avoid use in animals with viral or fungal infections, corneal ulceration, and birds.
