Library
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Cetirizine is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting and increased salivation. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or hydroxyzine. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Corneal dystrophy is a term used to describe several conditions that occur in dogs and cause the corneas to become opaque. There are three major categories of corneal dystrophy: epithelial, stromal, and endothelial. Each is named by the anatomic location of the abnormal tissue and opacity.
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Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. In animals, the technique is used to treat tumors in locations where conventional surgery would be difficult or impossible. Cryosurgery is sometimes also used for the removal of aberrant or extra eyelashes (distichiasis).
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Treatment for Cushing’s disease using mitotane involves two phases: initiating phase and maintenance phase. Monitoring your dog’s food and water intake is very important. This handout provides detailed treatment instructions for dogs prescribed mitotane. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and report changes in your dog’s behavior to your veterinarian.
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Treatment for aggression toward unfamiliar dogs is available, and the outcome can be positive. An accurate medical and behavioral assessment is needed as treatment plans are designed based on the context and underlying motivation for the behavior. To start, management is used to prevent aggressive encounters. Behavior modification is always needed and may include desensitization, counterconditioning, and response substitution. Medication is sometimes used to lower anxiety and frustration.
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An E-collar or cone may be needed after your dog has surgery or if he has a wound. It can prevent your dog from licking their wound or scratching a wound on their head. Your dog should wear the E-collar following the directions provided by your veterinarian. You may need to make a few adjustments in your home to ensure your dog does not get stuck in confined spaces. Also, you may need to adjust his feeding station to assist with eating. It is not recommended to let your dog outdoors unsupervised while wearing the cone. If your dog will not tolerate the E-collar, discuss other options with your veterinarian.
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Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, and printer cartridges. Ethylene glycol is poisonous to dogs: as little as half a teaspoon per pound of a dog's body weight can result in death. Immediate treatment is essential.
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Exercise restriction refers to the act of intentionally limiting a pet’s physical activity. Veterinarians often recommend exercise restriction to allow a pet to heal after a surgical procedure or injury, although it may also be recommended to prevent worsening of a medical condition. Your veterinarian’s guidance is essential when implementing exercise restriction.
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Proprioception is the ability to know where your body is in space. This is what helps reduce falls and injury. Proprioception may be lost suddenly through spinal cord trauma, or it may be reduced with age, joint disease (osteoarthritis), or other orthopedic or neurologic disease. Some specific controlled exercises that can improve proprioception are discussed. Any exercise plan needs to be formulated by a veterinary rehabilitation therapist to avoid injury.
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Controlled, regular physical exercise is one of the core treatments of canine osteoarthritis, along with weight control, physical rehabilitation, and pain management. Exercise increases circulation to the muscles and joints, decreases stiffness in the joint capsule and soft tissues, reduces pain, maintains strength, and benefits the cardiovascular system. Left untreated, the chronic pain of arthritis causes a continually worsening cycle of less movement, weight gain, muscle loss, decreased strength, and loss of cardiovascular fitness.