Educational Articles
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Ivermectin is most used as a heartworm preventive in dogs and cats. It is also used off label for treating a variety of internal and external parasites. Ivermectin may be combined with other deworming medications. Ivermectin is available as tablets, chewable tablets, a topical liquid (for ear mite treatments), and an injectable that your veterinarian will administer.
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Ivermectin + pyrantel is a heartworm disease preventive that treats and controls hookworms and roundworms in dogs. Ivermectin + pyrantel is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, ivermectin + pyrantel is well-tolerated. Some dog breeds (e.g., collies, sheepdogs, and collie- or sheepdog-cross breeds) are more sensitive to ivermectin than others; your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of using this medication in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Ivermectin + pyrantel + praziquantel is a combination of anti-parasitic medications used to prevent heartworms and control roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm in dogs. It is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, this product is generally well-tolerated but some dogs may experience decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or burping. Certain drugs may interact with those in this combination product; it is extremely important to let your veterinarian know about any medications or supplements that your pet is taking. If your dog has an adverse reaction to this product, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Kaolin/pectin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat diarrhea and certain toxicities. Use as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon, but constipation is possible (rarely). Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or to control severe diarrhea or diarrhea that is caused by an infection. Do not use the combination product that includes bismuth subsalicylate in cats. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Ketoconazole is an antifungal given by mouth in the form of a tablet, used off label to treat fungal infections in dogs, cats, small mammals, and reptiles. The most common side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it and use extreme caution when using in cats or pregnant pets.
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Ketoconazole otic is an antifungal used in the treatment of external ear infections (otitis externa) caused by yeast in cats, dogs, and other animals. Ketoconazole otic comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications.
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Ketoconazole topical is an antifungal used in the treatment of skin infections caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, and other animals. It comes in a variety of forms that may be specially compounded and/or be combined with other medications.
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Ketoprofen is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It’s use in animals is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Ketorolac is applied topically to the eye to treat pain and inflammation of the eye. Its use in dogs and cats is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Lactated Ringer’s solution (also known as LRS, Ringer’s Lactate) is a fluid and electrolyte (salts) replacement solution used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets (small mammals), and other animals. Lactated Ringer’s solution comes in injectable form, usually given subcutaneously for at home administration.
