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Educational Articles

Medications & Supplements

  • Soy protein is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat many conditions such as urinary incontinence, certain cancers, inflammation, obesity, and diabetes. Side effects may include gastrointestinal signs, or allergic reactions. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Spironolactone is given by mouth and is used off label to treat congestive heart failure, fluid accumulation, and other cardiovascular problems. Common side effects include increased drinking and urinating, mild decreases in energy, mild electrolyte imbalances, or vomiting/diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have elevated potassium levels, Addison’s disease, acute kidney failure, significant kidney disease, that are not urinating or that may be used for breeding. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Spironolactone/benazepril (brand name Cardalis®) is a combination aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or ACE inhibitor (benazepril) used to treat certain types of congestive heart failure in dogs. Use to treat other heart conditions or in other species is "off label" or "extra label". Spironolactone/benazepril comes in chewable meat-flavored tablet form.

  • St. John’s wort is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat pain, depression, anxiety, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, sun sensitivity, skin reactions, allergic reactions, dry mouth, or restlessness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, pregnant, nursing, very young, or very old or debilitated. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Stanozolol is given by mouth and is used off label to treat poor appetite, anemia, tracheal collapse, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects may include behavior changes, limb swelling, or prevention of heat cycles. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant, breeding, or nursing. Pregnant women should NOT handle this medication. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sucralfate is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat ulcers and erosions in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to this medication. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinarian.

  • Sulfadiazine/trimethoprim is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or is given by injection in the hospital. It is commonly used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, sometimes off label, in dogs, cats, small mammals and other exotics. Common side effects include a decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, although more serious side effects are possible, such as dry eye, or liver, blood, or urinary problems. Do not use in pets that have severe liver damage, blood cell problems, dehydration, or sulfa allergies. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfadimethoxine is an antimicrobial given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, used primarily to treat coccidiosis. Its use for treating small mammals and reptiles is off label. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, pregnant, lactating, or have severe liver or kidney dysfunction. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or is given by injection in the hospital, and it is commonly used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, sometimes off label, in dogs, cats, small mammals, and other exotics. Common side effects include a decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, although more serious side effects are possible such as dry eye, or liver, blood, or urinary problems. Do not use in pets that have severe liver damage, blood cell problems, dehydration, or sulfa allergies. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Sulfasalazine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat inflammatory large bowel disease and vasculitis. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include dry eye, decreased appetite, vomiting, yellowing of the skin, eyes, or body fluids. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other sulfonamides or salicylates, or in Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers, or Samoyeds, or in pets with dry eye/KCS, intestinal or urinary blockages, or severe dehydration. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.