Educational Articles
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Imatinib is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain types of cancers in dogs and cats. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, diarrhea, skin rash, or lack of energy. Do not use in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, call the veterinary office.
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Imidacloprid is used on and off label and is applied topically to the skin to treat flea infestations. It is frequently used in combination with other medications to treat a variety of parasites. Side effects are uncommon but may include irritation at the application site, or, if the medication is accidentally ingested, drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Do not use combination products in young pets. Certain combination products should be used in cats. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Imidocarb dipropionate is an injectable medication that is administered by a veterinarian to treat babesiosis in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat other protozoal infections in dogs, cats, and horses. Most common side effects include mild drooling, tearing, vomiting, or nasal drip. Do not use in pets with exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs, pesticides, or chemicals. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Imipramine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat behavior disorders, sudden loss of muscle tone, urinary incontinence, cancer pain, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, pets currently using MAOIs, or pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Skin and gut issues are problematic and can be caused by many things, including food allergies. The best way to identify food allergies is through an elimination-challenge diet trial, in which you eliminate potentially allergenic foods and treats for the length of the diet trial, then methodically add foods back into the diet to determine response. If a food allergy is identified, avoiding the food usually results in a good outcome, although some cats develop new allergies in later years.
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Inappropriate elimination generally refers to urination and/or defecation in places other than the litter box. The behavior is sometimes referred to as ‘house soiling’. Inappropriate elimination may be due to a medical condition, a behavioral disorder, or both. Treatment is very specific to the underlying cause.
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Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in cats. Even cats that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing, therefore infecting your cat without her coming into contact with another animal. Your veterinarian is your most important resource in determining what vaccinations you need to give your cat to keep her protected.
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Infertility in a queen (an intact female cat) is defined as the inability to give birth to live kittens, despite appropriate breeding with a fertile male. This handout provides an outline of common causes of infertility along with how they are diagnosed and, when possible, treated.
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Male infertility refers to the inability of a sexually mature tomcat (intact male cat) to impregnate a fertile female. This handout explains the possible causes of infertility in male cats as well as how they may be diagnosed and, when possible, treated.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a syndrome affecting the stomach and/or intestines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. It is considered a chronic condition that may have a good prognosis, though a diagnosis is not always easy. Treatment may involve a diet change, medications, or both and will need to be closely followed to prevent relapses.