- Common diseases of dogs, cats and rabbits
- Myxomatosis
- Dental disease in rabbits
- Flystrike in rabbits
- Sore hocks in rabbits
- 'Conjunctivitis' in rabbits (dacryocystitis)
- Arthritis
- Kennel cough
- Abscesses, cats
- FeLV
- FIV
- Anal gland disease
- Flea allergy dermatitis
- Hyperthyroidism in cats
- Diarhoea
- Feline stomatitis
- Feline cystitis
- Diabetes
- Heart failure, dogs
- Kidney disease in cats
- Poisons
- Parasites
- Travelling abroad
- Behind the scenes
- Positive health
- Medications
- Giving medication
- This section provides information on a number of subjects. It should be realised that it is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Clavaseptin
Active ingredient
Amoxicillin/Clavulanate
Action
Amoxicillin is a bacteriocidal drug which prevents bacterial cell wall synthesis. Active against a wide range of bacteria. The beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanate increases the spectrum of bacteria affected by blocking bacterial enzyme breakdown of the amoxicillin.
Use
Used against a wide range of bacterial infections. Note that some bacteria may be resistant such as Pseudomonas.
Possible side effects
Nausea and diarrhoea are the commonest adverse reactions.
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Felimazole
Active ingredient
Methimazole
Action
Interferes with the synthesis of thyroid hormones
Use
Control of thyroid hormone levels in cats with hyperthyroidism.
Possible side effects
Vomiting and inappetence which is often transient. Itchiness. Rare effects on liver and blood cells.
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Fortekor
Active ingredient
Benazepril
Action
Inhibits conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This causes dilation of blood vessels reducing the resistance against which the heart has to pump. Also results in reduced salt and water retention reducing blood volume and pressure. Reduces glomerular pressure in the kidney. Raised glomerular pressure is thought to have a role in the progression of kidney failure and renal protein loss.
Use
Reduce backward regurgitaion of blood in hearts with valvular damage by reducing resistance to forward motion. See canine heart disease. Treatment of hypertension. Slowing progression of renal disease especially in cats with chronic renal failure. Reducing protein loss in protein losing nephropathy.
Possible side effects
Weakness due to hypotension usually in combination with other drugs. Reduced kidney function usually in combination with other drugs. Anorexia, vomiting and diarrhoea are rare.
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Prednisolone
Active ingredient
Prednisolone
Action
Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and antifibrotic
Use
Management of allergies such as atopy. Control of immune mediated conditions such as immune mediated anaemia or thrombocytopenia. Management of inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Management of certain cancers such as lymphoma or mast cell tumours.
Side effects
Increased appetite and thirst. Muscle loss and thinning of skin with long term use. Stomach ulceration especially if used with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Worsening of diabetic conditions. Suppression and atrophy of the adrenal glands with long term use.
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Metacam
Active ingredient
Meloxicam
Action
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Inhibits COX-2 enzyme thereby limitng the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammation
Use
Control of acute and chronic pain including arthritis and perioperative pain.
Possible side effects
Diarrhoea and vomiting. Stop drug if persists for more than 1 day and seek advice. Vomiting of blood or the passing of black stools (melena) is indicative of gastrointestinal ulceration. Stop medication and seek immediate veterinary advise.
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Rimadyl
Active ingredient
Carprofen
Action
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Inhibits COX-2 enzyme thereby limitng the production of prostaglandins involved in inflammation
Use
Control of acute and chronic pain including arthritis and perioperative pain.
Possible side effects
Diarrhoea and vomiting. Stop drug if persists for more than 1 day and seek advice. Vomiting of blood or the passing of black stools (melena) is indicative of gastrointestinal ulceration. Stop medication and seek immediate veterinary advise.
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Vetmedin
Active ingredient
Pimobendan
Action
Increases the strength of heart contraction. Dilation of blood vessels reducing the resistance against which the heart has to pump.
Use
Reduce backward regurgitaion of blood in hearts with valvular damage by reducing resistance to forward motion. See canine heart disease. Increase force of cardiac contraction in dogs with valvular heart disease or dilated cardiomyopathy.
Possible side effects
Vomiting may occur.
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Vetoryl
Active ingredient
Trilostane
Action
Blocks synthesis of glucocorticoid and mineralcorticoid steroids.
Use
Treatment of Cushings syndrome. Doseage is to effect. Steroid levels need to measured 10 days after starting medication and 4-6 hours after dosing using an ACTH stimulation test protocol. Doseage is adjusted as a result of test results. Further testing is performed until control appears stable.
Side effects
Depression, weakness and anorexia due to overdoseage.
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Vivitonin
Active ingredient
Propentofylline
Action
Xanthine derivitive that increases blood flow to heart, muscle and brain. Also has a bronchodilatory effect.
Use
Treatment of age related behavioural problems such as canine cognitive dysfunction ("senility").
Side effects
No information available.
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Vidalta
Active ingredient
Carbimazole
Action
Drug is metabolized to methimazole which interferes with the production of thyroid hormones.
Use
Control of thyroid hormone levels in cats with hyperthyroidism. Once daily dosing.
Possible side effects
Vomiting and inappetence which is often transient. Itchiness. Rare effects on liver and blood cells.
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Clavaseptin
.
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