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Educational Articles

  • Chloramphenicol is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off-label to treat bacterial infections. Give as directed. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Do not use in pets with blood disorders, in pediatric or geriatric animals, or in pregnant or nursing females. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinarian.

  • Chlorfenapyr poisoning is suspected if a pet has access to this pesticide and subsequently develops expected signs; it should also be suspected in a pet exhibiting signs and at risk of malicious poisoning. Pets that develop clinical signs following chlorfenapyr ingestion are unlikely to survive and chronic complications may be present for survivors.  

  • Chlorhexidine + ketoconazole topical is used to treat superficial skin infections or overgrowth in dogs and cats. When given as directed, side effects are rarely noted, but could include skin irritation. If you suspect an overdose or accidental ingestion, call your veterinary office immediately.

  • Chlorhexidine topical (brand names Chlorhex®, Novalsan®, ChlorhexiDerm®) is an antiseptic used to treat skin infections. It is used to treat surface bacterial and/or fungal skin infections in cats and dogs. This medication may be part of a combination product that includes other medications. Chlorhexidine topical comes in shampoo, liquid, ointment, and wipe form.

  • 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.

  • Chlorpromazine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label as a sedative and to treat vomiting. Common side effects include tiredness, low blood pressure, low heart rate, or a tendency to react or startle to noises. Chlorpromazine should not be used in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with low blood pressure. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • 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.

  • 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.