Educational Articles

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  • Chlorothiazide/hydrochlorothiazide is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, high blood pressure, fluid retention, and certain electrolyte imbalances. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include electrolyte imbalances, increased need to urinate, vomiting, or diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to them or sulfa drugs, in lactating pets, or in pets that are not able to make urine. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Chlorpheniramine maleate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat allergic conditions or as a mild sedative. Common side effects include sleepiness, although other side effects are possible. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other similar antihistamines, or pets that are undergoing allergy testing within 2 weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Clarithromycin is given by mouth and used off label to treat certain bacterial infections in several animal species. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other macrolide antibiotics, in rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, or horses greater than four months old.

  • Chocolate is toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion often results in significant illness. Chocolate is toxic because it contains the alkaloid theobromine. Theobromine is like caffeine and is used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and muscle relaxant.

  • Cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis in cats refers to inflammation of the bile duct or a combination of inflammation of the bile duct, gallbladder, and surrounding liver tissue. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis of the conditions are outlined in this handout.

  • Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) has become increasingly more common as a residential rodenticide. While it may seem like a safer option than anticoagulants, there is no antidote available and the amount in a single block is a severe overdose in nearly all animals. This handout discusses clinical signs, treatments, and prognosis for cholecalciferol poisoning in pets.

  • Choline is a vitamin supplement given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat neurological conditions such as seizures or cognitive dysfunction. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include hyperactivity. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Chondrosarcomas arise from cartilage, which is a connective tissue primarily found where bones meet with joints, as well as at other locations in the body such as the nasal cavity, and ribs. Chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor in cats, but it can occur. Clinical signs of chondrosarcoma may vary significantly, depending on where the tumor arises. Although the mass may grow rapidly, less than 20% of feline chondrosarcoma cases metastasize to other parts of the body. Therefore, surgical removal is curative in many cases.

  • Chondrosarcomas arise from cartilage, which is a connective tissue primarily found where bones meet with joints, as well as at other locations in the body such as the nasal cavity, and ribs. Chondrosarcoma is the second-most common primary bone tumor in dogs. Canine chondrosarcoma most commonly affects the flat bones of the body, such as the ribs, skull, nasal cavity, and pelvis, although the limbs can also be affected. Aggressive surgical removal is typically recommended, although radiation therapy may also be used, depending on location of tumor. Metastasis may occur but is relatively uncommon.

  • Before getting a reptile, research all aspects of reptile ownership, including the appropriate reptile for your lifestyle, how to provide it with a proper diet, suitable housing, and a healthy, stimulating environment. All reptiles need to be examined by a reptile-savvy veterinarian immediately after purchase or adoption , and then at least annually after that. These pets usually do not act sick until they are very sick and need immediate veterinary attention. Regular veterinary care, plus an informed, knowledgeable pet owner, greatly reduces the likelihood of illness and death in these pets.