Library
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Dog food labels can be confusing. These labels are an important way that pet food manufacturers communicate nutritional information to consumers. It is important to understand some of the rules regulating cat food labels to better interpret the information they contain.
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“Medicalese” is the “language” or specialized terminology of the medical and veterinary professions. This handout provides a starting point for understanding these terms, so that you can understand what your veterinarian is saying, and make good health care decisions for your pet.
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Decoquinate is given by mouth and is used off label in dogs to prevent coccidia infections. Side effects are uncommon. Do not use in animals that are allergic to it or to treat coccidia infections (only use as a preventive).
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This handout describes and illustrates this condition, and discusses the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for degenerative disc disease in dogs. Surgical intervention is specifically outlined and rule-outs for other conditions causing similar signs are also discussed.
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Degenerative joint disease is arthritis caused by deterioration and degeneration of tissues lining joints. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and prevention.
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Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a disease affecting the spinal cord, results in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. DM is like some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, and it is a progressive, incurable disease.
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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.
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Demecarium ophthalmic (demecarium bromide) is an eye medication used off label to prevent the onset of glaucoma in the healthy eye of dogs and rabbits who have glaucoma in one eye. It is occasionally prescribed for the treatment of active glaucoma, but is not as effective as other eye medications for this purpose.
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Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites (Demodex canis or Demodex injal) that live in the hair follicles of dogs. These mites occur normally in dogs, and cause no harm if the body's immune system is functioning properly. Topical and oral medications are available to treat demodectic mange.
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Plaque and tartar forms on teeth daily and, if allowed to accumulate, will cause progressive periodontal disease. Cleaning your dog's teeth every day at home helps prevent plaque and tartar build-up. For proper dental evaluation and care, your dog must be safely placed under general anesthesia. The examination usually includes dental X-rays and probing to evaluate gum bleeding and periodontal pockets. Tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers, to remove tartar above and below the gum line. Removing plaque and tartar before disease occurs is the foundation of preventative dentistry.
