Educational Articles
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Milbemycin oxime + praziquantel is a heartworm disease preventive that also controls tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs. It is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet and must be given with a meal to ensure adequate absorption. At prescribed doses, this medication is well-tolerated. Your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of this combination product’s use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Milbemycin oxime + spinosad is a heartworm disease preventive that also controls hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and fleas in dogs. Milbemycin oxime + spinosad is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, this medication is well-tolerated. Your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of this product’s use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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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.
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Minocycline is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat certain bacterial infections and as a part of the heartworm treatment protocol. Give as directed. Common side effects include stomach upset, such as vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, or are very young. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Mirtazapine is given by mouth or is applied to the skin and is used to treat weight loss in cats and is used off-label to treat inappetence, nausea, and vomiting in cats and dogs. Give as directed. The most common side effects include vocalization, restlessness, vomiting, incoordination, or trembling. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or that have recently used an MAOI. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy, with the most common cause being bacterial infection. Hormonal shifts or abnormalities may also cause miscarriages. In many cases, there are no visible signs of miscarriage. If miscarriage is suspected, ultrasound is used to assess the pregnancy and determine whether the fetuses are alive. Finding a cause for the miscarriage, especially if that cause is a treatable condition, may improve outcomes in future pregnancies.
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Misoprostol (brand names Cytotec®, Arthrotec®) is a prostaglandin E1 analog drug. It is used off label (extra label) to treat or prevent stomach ulcers due to NSAID use in cats, dogs, and horses. It can also be used in combination with other medications to treat uterine infections, protect the kidneys, treat skin allergies, or to terminate pregnancy.
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Mitotane is primarily used to treat Cushing's disease in dogs. It has also been used to treat adrenal gland tumors. Mitotane reduces the amount of cortisone-like hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. These steroids are important for various body functions; however excessive levels of these hormones can cause problems.
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Mitral valve disease is often one of the earliest indicators of heart disease that could lead to heart failure. It is more common in small dogs than large breeds. This handout discusses mitral valve disease in dogs, a degeneration of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and the prognosis of this condition are outlined.
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Mole and gopher baits are often flavored to attract pests, but cats and dogs may also ingest them if given the chance. The active ingredients in these baits can cause significant illness if enough is ingested. The most common active ingredients used in mole and gopher baits are zinc phosphide and bromethalin. There is no antidote for bromethalin poisoning, so decontamination within an appropriate time is key to a good outcome.
