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  • Acetazolamide is a diuretic used off label and given by mouth to treat glaucoma or alkalosis. The most common side effect is stomach upset, but other side effects of the central nervous system, blood, kidneys, electrolytes, blood sugar levels, liver, or skin are possible. Do not use this medication in pets with liver or kidney disease, or low sodium or potassium blood levels. Use with caution in pets with acidosis, diabetes, pregnancy or lactation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Acetic acid/boric acid topical (brand name Malacetic) is an antibacterial and antifungal medication used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria and/or yeast in cats and dogs. Some formulations may be used to treat ear infections. This medication may be part of a combination product. Acetic acid/boric acid topical comes in shampoo, liquid (spray and dropper), and wipe form.

  • Acetic acid/boric acid otic (brand name Malacetic) is an antibacterial and antifungal medication used as an ear cleanser and drying agent in cats and dogs with ear infection. This medication may be part of a combination product. Acetic acid/boric acid otic comes as a liquid ear cleanser.

  • Acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA (brand name Aspirin®), is used off label and is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat abnormal clotting. Do not use this medication in pets with bleeding disorders, in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs.

  • Canine acne is an inflammatory disorder of the lips and the skin of the muzzle. Dogs with mild cases of acne often have red bumps or pustules on their skin. This can, in more severe cases, lead to generalized swelling of the lips and muzzle, bleeding wounds, or scabs on the face. Commonly affected breeds include Boxers, English Bulldogs, Great Danes, German Shorthaired Pointers, and others. A variety of treatments are available and depend on the underlying cause of the acne.

  • Activated charcoal (ToxiBan) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal binds poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them and may be used as part of treatment for certain poisonings.

  • The combination of activated charcoal, kaolin, and sorbitol (ToxiBan® suspension with sorbitol) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal and kaolin bind poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them. Sorbitol accelerates defecation, and so gets the poison out of the body faster.

  • Acute caudal myopathy results from overuse of the tail, causing a strain or sprain of the muscle groups used for tail wagging. Possible causes of limber tail include hard/vigorous play within the previous 24 hours, and prolonged swimming or hunting, often with exposure to cold water or weather. The tail may droop limply between your dog's rear legs, or it may stick straight out behind him for a short distance before drooping. This can be a painful condition for your dog. Uncomplicated acute caudal myopathy is treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medication, and typically resolves within a few days.

  • Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome, also known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, is an acute disorder of dogs characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea. There are several possible causes and contributing factors involved and diagnosis is often a process of eliminating other causes of bloody stools and gastrointestinal distress. Affected dogs will appear severely ill and, if left untreated, may die. In most cases, the disorder appears to run its course in a few days if the dog is given appropriate supportive care.

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome, also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in dogs, such as systemic infection or disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while also supporting the dog's compromised lung function with the use of an oxygen cage, an oxygen line direct to the dog's nasal passages, or in severe cases, a mechanical ventilator. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this condition is poor.