Illustrated Articles
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Moxidectin topical is applied to the skin and is commonly used to prevent heartworms and to treat topical and intestinal parasites. It has also been used off-label to treat adult heartworms. Side effects are uncommon but may include lethargy, vomiting, uncoordinated walking, anorexia, diarrhea, and itching. It should not be used in sick, debilitated, or underweight animals.
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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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Mupirocin topical, also known as pseudomonic acid A (brand names Muricin, Bactroban, Centany), is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections. It is labeled for use in dogs to treat skin infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphlococcus and other gram-positive bacteria. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat skin infections in other species and acne in cats. Mupirocin comes in cream or ointment form.
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Muscle tears are direct or indirect traumatic injuries that cause damage to muscle tissue. The most common cause is an indirect injury or strain caused by overstretching during athletic activities, such as running or jumping. This handout discusses muscle tears in cats and reviews the causes of these injuries, the clinical signs, diagnostic testing, therapy, and expected prognosis.
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Mushroom toxicity can run the gamut from irritating illness to severe toxicity to death. The species of mushroom and amount ingested determine the severity of the toxicity. Since mushrooms are difficult to identify, it is best to discourage your pet from eating any mushrooms growing in the wild. In the event of mushroom ingestion, prompt treatment is critical to successful treatment. Pet owners need to be alert to the possibility of mushroom toxicity and work to eliminate their pet’s access to mushrooms.
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Picky eaters are often created by their humans offering too much variety of food. Cats can become picky eaters for medical reasons that need to be determined by your veterinarian. It is safe for an otherwise healthy cat to not eat for a few days; beyond this however, they can develop a possibly fatal condition called hepatic lipidosis. To decrease pickiness, having food available for only 30 minutes4-5 times a day can be beneficial. Human food should not be used as a diet as it will lead to nutrient deficiencies. Certain foods are okay to mix with cat food to make them more appealing but check with veterinarian before including these in your dog’s diet. Many cats work on their own schedule and prefer to eat very small amounts frequently (grazing).
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Mycophenolate is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off-label to treat autoimmune disease in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to mycophenolate, are pregnant, or nursing. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Naloxone (brand name Narcan®) is a drug used to reverse the effects of opioids. It is used primarily under direct supervision of a veterinarian. It is used off-label in veterinary medicine. Naloxone comes in nasal spray and injectable forms.
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Polyps are benign fleshy growths that originate from the cells lining a cat's nasal passages, leading to a variety of clinical signs such as sneezing, difficulty breathing, and recurrent ear infections. The various diagnostic tools and treatment approaches are explained in this handout.
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Nasal tumors are an uncommon type of cancer but when they do occur, they tend to be malignant and locally aggressive. Staging can be done to determine the type of cancer and if it has affected anywhere else in the body. Treatment can be done in some cases to help relieve clinical signs, most often with radiation therapy.