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Medications & Supplements

  • Cyclophosphamide is given by mouth or injection and is used off label in cats, dogs, horses and rabbits to treat various cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, carcinoma, and sarcoma.

  • Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment (brand name Optimmune®) is an immunosuppressant used in the treatment of eye diseases suspected to be immune-related, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and other inflammatory conditions of the eye. Cyclosporine comes as an ophthalmic ointment but may sometimes be compounded into a higher concentration ophthalmic solution for pets not responding to the ointment. It is important to remember that it may take days to weeks to notice improvement. Do not stop giving the medication without asking your veterinarian. If signs of serious side effects or immune suppression occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

  • Cyclosporine (Atopica®) is given by mouth and is used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats. It has also been used off-label to treat other types of immune-mediated conditions. Give as directed. The most common side effects include stomach upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Do not use in pets with severe infections, a history of cancer, allergies to the medication, that are nursing or pregnant, or in pets younger than six months old. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.

  • Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to help relax the urinary tract and improve urine flow in cats and dogs. It has also been used to help prevent muscle contractions caused by certain toxicities in dogs and malignant hyperthermia in miniature pigs and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Dantrolene comes in capsule and injectable forms.

  • Darbepoetin alfa is prescribed off label to treat low red blood cell levels (anemia) caused by progressing kidney disease in dogs and cats. It is administered by injections under the skin.

  • Dasuquin® Advanced is a supplement used to improve joint function, reduce joint pain, and support flexibility and mobility in dogs and cats. Therapeutic ingredients include glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), sodium chondroitin, and sulfate.

  • Topical deltamethrin/deltamethrin combination products (brand names PetArmor®, Sentry®, Zodiac®, others) are synthetic pyrethroid insecticides used to repel mosquitoes and kill fleas and ticks on dogs older than 12 weeks of age for up to 6 months. Products may be also used to repel and kill sandflies. Never use in cats or aquatic species. Deltamethrin/deltamethrin combination products come in an impregnated collar form.

  • Dermaquin® is a supplement for dogs and cats that supports a healthy skin barrier. It contains a blend of nutritional ingredients, including hardy kiwi, omega fatty acids, and beta-glucans. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other skin treatments and medications.

  • Desmopressin is a hormone used off-label to treat diabetes insipidus (not diabetes mellitus) and von Willebrand disease in cats, dogs, and horses. Desmopressin is usually provided in a nasal spray format, but the nasal spray is administered as drops in the eye. Your veterinarian may recommend an oral tablet or an injection given in the clinic.

  • Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) (brand name Percorten-V®, Zycortal®) is a steroid hormone replacement therapy used to treat primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) in dogs. Extra-label (off-label) lower dosages of DOCP (i.e., lower dose, longer dosing interval, or both) can be used to control the balance of blood electrolyte levels. DOCP has also been used extra-label to treat hypoadrenocorticism in cats.