Educational Articles
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Marbofloxacin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections including leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, and hemoplasmosis. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other quinolones, or in small and medium breed dogs before 8 months of age, in large breed dogs before 12 months of age, in giant breed dogs before 18 months of age, or in cats before 12 months of age. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Meloxicam (brand names Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, OroCAM) is given by mouth in the form of a liquid, capsule, or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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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.
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Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.
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Mupirocin otic, also known as pseudomonic acid A, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of ear infections. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat ear infections in animals. Mupirocin comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded.
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Nitenpyram is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat adult flea infestations and fly larvae infestations. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is itchiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, in pets that weigh less than 2 pounds, or in pets younger than 4 weeks old. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Nystatin is an antifungal, given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension, and used off label to treat Candida fungal infections in dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Side effects are rare, but at high doses could cause stomach upset or mouth irritation. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Olopatadine ophthalmic is an antihistamine medication used to treat pruritus (itchiness) of the eyes caused by allergies in animals. Olopatadine ophthalmic comes in liquid drop suspension form.
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Several species of snakes are commonly kept as pets, including king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, corn snakes, various pythons, and various boa constrictors. Young, captive-raised animals make the best pets. This handout discusses key features of snakes and how to choose a snake as a pet. Within one week of your purchase, your snake should be examined by a qualified reptile veterinarian.
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The red-eared slider is probably the most popular pet aquatic turtle. They are semi-aquatic turtles, meaning they like to leave the water to bask in the sun. This article outlines general information about aquatic turtles, including how to choose a healthy turtle, what they like to eat, turtle anatomy, salmonella concerns, and recommended veterinary care.