Library
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Winter cold weather poses several risks for our pets. This article outlines some of the key risks and how to avoid them, to keep your pet safe year-round.
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Probiotics (brand names: Fortiflora®, Prostora™, Proviable®, Advita™, and others) are given by mouth and are used over the counter to treat gastrointestinal upset. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are rare but may include gas or mild discomfort. Do not use in pets that are very sick and immunocompromised, or in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Pyrantel pamoate (Strongid) is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat intestinal parasites in many species. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Rabbits can make wonderful pets for those willing to understand their unique characteristics and needs. They are very intelligent and always adorable, but require special handling and more supervision than some other pet species. As it is with all pets, though, rabbits require a healthy diet, lots of activity, social interaction, and routine veterinary care to live happy and healthy lives.
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Reproductive disease in ferrets is rare today, as most pet ferrets are spayed or neutered at a young age. One disease that is still occasionally seen in pet ferrets occurs in females that are not spayed. This is called hyperestrogenemia and is a result of persistently high blood levels of estrogen in unspayed females that are not bred or fails to ovulate.
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Respiratory disease in ferrets is common. Several infectious/contagious conditions like distemper and influenza can be life threatening for ferrets. Like dogs and cats, ferrets can develop heartworm disease, even indoors. Lymphoma, a cancerous condition of lymph organs can cause disease in the chest cavity.
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Do you have medications stored in the bathroom cabinet, kitchen drawer, and pantry shelf? Are random bottles haphazardly tossed into the “pharmacy”? Medications are meant to help us and our pets, but they can do more harm than good if stored or administered incorrectly. You can protect your family and pets by safely handling and disposing of medications.
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Salicylic acid topical (brand name Solva-Ker®, BioSeb®, Cerasoothe® SA, others) is an antimicrobial and antipruritic (anti-itching) agent used in the treatment of seborrheic (dry or greasy dandruff) disorders in cats, dogs, and other animals. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications. It comes in cream, gel, ointment, and shampoo forms.
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Selemectin (brand name: Revolution®) is used topically on the skin to treat various parasites, both on and off label. Side effects are rare but may include hair loss at application site, gastrointestinal upset, skin reactions, or neurologic signs. Use with caution in sick or underweight pets, or dogs with the MDR1 mutation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.