Library
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Medicinal mushrooms are a group of fungi that are used to treat and prevent several different diseases or to promote general health. Examples of medicinal mushrooms include maitake, shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail mushrooms. They are primarily used in dogs and cats but may be used in many species.
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Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) oil is a lipid (fat) used as a nutritional supplement to provide calories and fatty acids to dogs on fat-restricted diets. It has also been used to help with cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats, as well as a supportive treatment for epilepsy in dogs. MCT oil comes in an oral form to be given with food. Avoid use in animals with severe liver disease.
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Medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand names: Provera®, Meprogest®, Proclim®) is a progestin hormone used to treat sexually driven behavior problems in cats, such as male-male aggression, spraying, roaming, and mounting. In dogs, it has been used for conditions including certain dwarfisms, skin conditions, reproductive conditions, and behaviors.
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Megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus dilates and loses motility. When esophageal motility is decreased or absent, food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. Regurgitation is the most common sign of megaesophagus. Weight loss or failure to gain weight, as well as aspiration pneumonia, are also common signs. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.
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Megestrol acetate is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid and is used in dogs or off label in cats to postpone the heat cycle or to treat false pregnancy. It can also be used off label in male dogs to treat prostatic hypertrophy. It should not be used in pregnant pets or pets with uterine disease, diabetes, or breast tumors.
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A meibomian gland adenoma is a benign tumor that arises from the epithelial tissue of the eyelid. These tumors start out quite small and can expand into a thick, nodular (bumpy) mass. Removal is considered curative, but the tumor can grow back if not all the affected tissue is removed during surgery.
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Melanomas are cancerous growths of the cells responsible for pigmentation of the skin. They can develop anywhere on the body but those on the toes carry the highest chance for malignancy. They may be painful and you may notice your pet licking at the affected area. Surgery is often the treatment of choice and may be followed up with radiation or chemotherapy.
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Melatonin (brand names: Regulin, Circadin) is a hormone supplement commonly used in humans to regulate the sleep cycle. In veterinary medicine, it is used off label to treat a variety of conditions, including sleep and behavior disorders in dogs and cats, non-allergic hair loss (alopecia) in dogs, and adrenal disease in ferrets. It also may be used to suppress the heat cycle (estrus) in cats.
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Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that is typically associated with tropical regions. The bacteria that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is usually found in soil and water. The clinical signs of this condition, along with transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined in this handout.
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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.
