Educational Articles
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Fish oil is an over-the-counter supplement, given by mouth, that is commonly used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not common but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or a fishy odor. Do not use concurrently with anticoagulant medications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Flaxseed oil is derived from flax plant seeds and contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, delayed wound healing, or an oily coat and skin flakes. Serious side effects include persistent stomach upset, or pancreatitis. Flaxseed oil should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Florfenicol/terbinafine/betamethasone otic (brand name Osurnia®) is a long-acting, topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with certain bacterial ear infections in dogs. It is labeled for use in dogs and not intended for use in cats. Florfenicol/terbinafine/betamethasone otic should only be administered by a veterinary professional.
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Florfenicol/ terbinafine/mometasone otic (brand names: Claro®, Simplera®) is a long-acting, topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with certain bacterial and/or ear infections in dogs. It is not intended for use in cats. This medication is usually given by veterinary personnel as a single dose.
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Flower essences are an over the counter supplement given by mouth or applied topically to treat stress or anxiety. Give as directed by your veterinarian. There are no known side effects. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant or nursing. Flower essences should be used cautiously in debilitated pets or pets in organ failure. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used off label in cats, dogs, and small mammals to treat fungal infections, especially those in the brain and spinal cord. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension and is also available as an injection for hospital use. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, or pregnant or lactating pets.
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Fludrocortisone acetate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) and hyperkalemia. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in lactating pets without using a milk replacer. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Fluocinolone + acetonide DMSO (brand name Synotic®) is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear inflammation in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use on pets allergic to corticosteroids or DMSO, on pets with a ruptured ear drum or pets that are pregnant.
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Fluoroquinolone topical formulations are used to treat bacterial infections. They are used off label to treat external ear infections by topically applying the medication directly to the ear canal. Side effects may include increased redness or inflammation and should be discontinued and call your veterinarian if this occurs.
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Fluoxetine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat various behavioral conditions. Common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
