Educational Articles
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Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. It is often used to treat wounds, pyoderma, abscesses, bone and dental infections, and toxoplasmosis. Its use to treat certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis, is off label or extra-label. Clindamycin is available in oral liquid, tablets, and capsules. It has a very bitter taste, so you may need to disguise the medication in food. It is important to never give a cat a dry pill, if using capsules or tablets, as it can damage the esophagus, the muscular tube that delivers food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagitis). If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Clomipramine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat behavior disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety, aggression, and urine marking. Common side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, elevated liver enzymes, difficulty urinating, or tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, in breeding males, in pets with a history of seizures, or concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as amitraz flea collars. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Clonazepam is given by mouth and is used off label to treat seizures and certain behavioral disorders. Common side effects include sleepiness, incoordination, drooling, excitement, or increased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines or in pets with significant liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Clonidine is a medication that is used to treat behavioral disorders in dogs, particularly anxiety or phobia-related. Give as directed. Side effects are generally mild if present and include sedation, lethargy, agitation/excitation, aggression, and constipation. Monitoring blood pressure as well as heart rate and rhythm is recommended with chronic use. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Clopidogrel is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or compounded liquid and is used off label to prevent abnormal blood clots in dogs, cats, and horses. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that have bleeding problems. If a negative reaction or bleeding occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Clorazepate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat epilepsy and various behavior disorders. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and incoordination. Clorazepate should not be used in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines or in pets with significant liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Clostridial enterotoxicosis is a complex and poorly understood syndrome characterized by diarrhea that is associated with the bacteria Clostridium perfringens (CP). It is associated with either acute or chronic diarrhea. Clostridial enterotoxicosis is not caused by the bacteria directly, but rather by a toxin produced by the bacteria. Most cases of intestinal bacterial overgrowth are treated on an outpatient basis using antibiotics, nutrition, and probiotics.
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Cloxacillin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain bacterial infections, most commonly staphylococcal infections. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that have an allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Coagulation is the series of events that result in the formation of a clot. In the body, coagulation occurs after any injury to a blood vessel or tissue, in order to stop bleeding. Some breeds of dogs are known to have a higher incidence of clotting factor deficiencies and with these breeds, coagulation tests may be used for screening purposes prior to diagnostic or surgical procedures.
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The general condition of your dog's skin and coat are good indicators of his health. A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not brittle or coarse, and healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy. Selective breeding has led to the development of dogs with various coat characteristics requiring varying grooming needs. Nutrition also plays an important role in skin and coat maintenance.