Educational Articles
-
Meningoencephalitis is a term referring to inflammation of the brain and the surrounding fluid and tissues. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin is a term used to describe those cases of meningoencephalitis in which MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate the disease but diagnosis through histopathological analysis is not possible. Treatment typically involves immunosuppressant drugs, sometimes with the addition of antibiotics. The prognosis depends on several factors, which are also explained in this handout.
-
Metronidazole is given by mouth or injection and is used off-label to treat certain anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections and gastrointestinal conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation, decreased appetite, tiredness, and drooling. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are debilitated, or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
-
Milbemycin oxime + afoxolaner is a heartworm disease preventive that also treats certain internal parasites and controls fleas and ticks in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat mite infestations in dogs. This combination drug is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. Certain dog breeds are more sensitive to milbemycin oxime than others; your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of milbemycin oxime use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
-
Milbemycin oxime + lufenuron is a heartworm disease preventive that also treats internal parasites (e.g., whipworms, hookworms, and roundworms) and controls flea populations in dogs. Milbemycin oxime + lufenuron is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, this medication is well-tolerated; when used off-label at higher doses for treating mites, side effects have been observed. Your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of milbemycin oxime + lufenuron use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
-
Milbemycin oxime + lufenuron + praziquantel is a heartworm disease preventive that also treats certain internal parasites and controls fleas in dogs. This combination medication is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, this medication is well-tolerated. Certain dog breeds are more sensitive to milbemycin than others; your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of milbemycin use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
-
Milbemycin oxime + praziquantel is a heartworm disease preventive that also controls tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs. It is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet and must be given with a meal to ensure adequate absorption. At prescribed doses, this medication is well-tolerated. Your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of this combination product’s use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
-
Milbemycin oxime + spinosad is a heartworm disease preventive that also controls hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and fleas in dogs. Milbemycin oxime + spinosad is given by mouth as a flavored chew tablet. At prescribed doses, this medication is well-tolerated. Your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of this product’s use in your dog. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
-
Silymarin is an over-the-counter nutritional supplement that is used off-label and is given by mouth to treat liver and cancer conditions. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting or diarrhea. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
-
Mirtazapine is given by mouth or is applied to the skin and is used to treat weight loss in cats and is used off-label to treat inappetence, nausea, and vomiting in cats and dogs. Give as directed. The most common side effects include vocalization, restlessness, vomiting, incoordination, or trembling. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or that have recently used an MAOI. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
-
Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy, with the most common cause being bacterial infection. Hormonal shifts or abnormalities may also cause miscarriages. In many cases, there are no visible signs of miscarriage. If miscarriage is suspected, ultrasound is used to assess the pregnancy and determine whether the fetuses are alive. Finding a cause for the miscarriage, especially if that cause is a treatable condition, may improve outcomes in future pregnancies.