Educational Articles
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Melatonin is given by mouth or as an implant under the skin and is used to treat sleep and behavior disorders, adrenal disease, and non-allergic hair loss, to suppress the heat cycle, and to improve breeding rates. Give as directed. Side effects are not common but may include sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Methocarbamol is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat muscle spasms due to injury, inflammation, or certain toxicities. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect includes sleepiness. Do not use methocarbamol in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Methylprednisolone is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat inflammatory, immune-mediated, or hormonal conditions. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination, and appetite, dull/dry haircoat, and/or weight gain. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, receiving NSAIDs, that are recovering from a recent surgery, or in pets with systemic fungal or viral infections, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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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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Misoprostol (brand names Cytotec®, Arthrotec®) is a prostaglandin E1 analog drug. It is used off label (extra label) to treat or prevent stomach ulcers due to NSAID use in cats, dogs, and horses. It can also be used in combination with other medications to treat uterine infections, protect the kidneys, treat skin allergies, or to terminate pregnancy.
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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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Neomycin, isoflupredone, and tetracaine (brand names Neo-Predef with Tetracaine, Tritop), is a combination antibiotic (neomycin), steroid (isoflupredone), and local anesthetic (tetracaine) used in the treatment of certain superficial infections. It is labeled for use in cats, dogs, and horses to treat certain types of skin and ear infections. It may be used"off label" or "extra label" to treat other conditions or in other species.
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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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Omeprazole is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat ulcers and erosions in the stomach and upper small intestine. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or gas. Do not use in pets with a history of allergies to this class of drugs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Orbifloxacin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain susceptible bacterial infections. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other quinolones, in growing pets, or in conjunction with cyclosporine. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
