Educational Articles
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Pain research has advanced suggesting that a more appropriate choice for managing the chronic pain of OA is multi-modal therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are just one of the options leveraged for multi-modal OA management. These include joint supplements, nutraceuticals, nutrition, adjunctive medicines, physical medicine, and changes to the home environment. Every multi-modal treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient and then adjusted as treatment progresses. Once a full multi-modal pain management plan is in place, your veterinarian may be able to lower the dose of NSAID to minimize the risk of an adverse event, and to reserve a full therapeutic dose for any acute inflammatory pain event.
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Many herding breeds (most commonly Collies and Australian Shepherds) have a mutation at the MDR1 gene that makes them more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications. These drugs include several antiparasitic agents (when given at high doses), the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium®), and several anticancer drugs. The effects of the mutation vary in severity, depending on whether the dog carries one or two copies of the mutation. There is a cheek swab or a commercially-available test that assesses blood samples for the presence of the MDR1 mutation.
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Mupirocin otic, also known as pseudomonic acid A, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of ear infections. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat ear infections in animals. Mupirocin comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded.
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Mupirocin topical, also known as pseudomonic acid A (brand names Muricin, Bactroban, Centany), is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections. It is labeled for use in dogs to treat skin infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphlococcus and other gram-positive bacteria. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat skin infections in other species and acne in cats. Mupirocin comes in cream or ointment form.
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Muscle tears are direct or indirect traumatic injuries that cause damage to muscle tissue. The most common cause is an indirect injury, or strain, caused by overstretching during athletic activities, such as running or jumping. This handout discusses muscle tears in dogs and reviews the causes of these injuries, the clinical signs, diagnostic testing, therapy, and expected prognosis.
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This handout discusses muscular dystrophy (MD), primarily in dogs. The cause of the disease is a defect in the proteins found in muscle cells. It is often an inherited disease, usually affecting young dogs. Clinical signs (usually starting as muscle weakness) and diagnosis of the condition are outlined. There is no effective treatment for the condition.
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Mushroom toxicity can run the gamut from irritating illness to severe toxicity to death. The species of mushroom and amount ingested determine the severity of the toxicity. Since mushrooms are difficult to identify, it is best to discourage your pet from eating any mushrooms growing in the wild. In the event of mushroom ingestion, prompt treatment is critical to successful treatment. Pet owners need to be alert to the possibility of mushroom toxicity and work to eliminate their pet’s access to mushrooms.
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In an emergency situation, a dog that can easily wear a muzzle can be easily and safely handled. Dogs may show aggressive behavior when frightened or in pain and having a muzzle ensures that no one will be injured and that your dog will be able to be taken to the hospital. Muzzles can also be helpful as part of treatment for behavioral conditions such as fear-based aggression.
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Picky eaters are often created by their humans offering too much variety of food. It is safe for an otherwise healthy dog to not eat for up to a week. To decrease pickiness, having food available for only 15-30 minutes 2-3 times a day can be beneficial. Human food should not be used as a diet as it will lead to nutrient deficiencies. Certain foods are okay to mix with dog food to make them more appealing but check with your veterinarian before including these in your dog’s diet. Many dogs are not programmed to eat every day.
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Myasthenia gravis is a disease in which there is a malfunction in the transmission of signals between the nerves and muscles. Dogs with myasthenia gravis exhibit extreme weakness and excessive fatigue. There are two forms: inherited and acquired. Anti-acetylcholinesterase medication and immunosuppressive therapy will likely be required for the life of the dog.
