Library
-
Medicating or giving oral liquids to small mammals requires some basic guidance. Syringe-feeding rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small rodents may require you to wrap your pet in a "burrito". Knowing the proper location in the mouth to introduce the syringe will be essential to success. Having the right size syringes and the right amount of liquid for your pet is very important.
-
Hyaluronan topical (Optixcare wipes®) are used to remove sticky mucus, eye secretions, and crusty debris from around the eyes of dogs, cats, and other small pets. They contain chamomile and hyaluron, which are gentle cleaning supplements. They are used to manage tear staining around the eyes in pets prone to this condition.
-
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) topical is used for the management of skin conditions such as wounds, abscesses, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, ulcers, post-surgical incision sites, and burns. It may be used to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hypochlorous acid also has antifungal and antiviral properties and is reported to reduce inflammation, pain, and itching.
-
Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (brand names Advantage®II, Advantage Plus®, Provecta®II) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas and lice in dogs and puppies that are at least 7 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). This medication is labeled for treatment of flea infestations in cats and kittens that are at least 7-8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb) or 2.3kg (5 lb), depending on the product. Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin. Do not confuse this medication with K9 Advantix®II, Provecta® Advanced, or Activate®II, similar products labeled for use in dogs only, as those medications contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
-
Meloxicam (brand names Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, OroCAM) is given by mouth in the form of a liquid, capsule, or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial urinary bladder infections. It is typically used as a second-line antibiotic, when broad-spectrum antibiotics have not cleared the infection. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in veterinary medicine. Nitrofurantoin comes in capsule or liquid forms given orally. Never use in food-producing animals or animals intended for food.
-
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.
-
Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B ophthalmic (brand name Terramycin®) is a combination antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). It is used to treat eye infections in cats and dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra-label” to treat eye infections in avian species, hedgehogs, and rabbits. Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B comes in ointment form.