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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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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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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Codeine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat mild to moderate pain, cough, and occasionally diarrhea. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other opioids, in pets with inflammatory bowel disease, or in pets that have ingested a toxic substance. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Coenzyme Q-10 is an over the counter supplement given by mouth and is used off label to treat heart, nerve, or inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and have not been documented. Use cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Colostrum is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat various immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and may include gastrointestinal upset in pets with a dairy allergy. There are no known contraindications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12 or cobalamin) is a vitamin supplement used to treat systemic deficiencies. It can be given through a subcutaneous injection or oral tablet. The injection may sting temporarily, but otherwise is very safe. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.