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Gentamicin ophthalmic is used in the eye to treat bacterial infections and end-stage glaucoma. Side effects may include increased redness or eye irritation. Do not use this medication if your pet is allergic to it or has a full thickness wound to the eye. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Gentamicin topical formulations are used to treat bacterial infections. The ophthalmic formulation is used off label to treat external ear infections by topically applying the medication directly to the ear canal. Side effects may include increased redness or inflammation. If these effects occur, discontinue the medication and call your veterinarian. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic protozoan. The parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall and the damage causes an acute, sudden onset of foul-smelling diarrhea. Diagnosis may be by routine fecal flotation or presumptively based on clinical signs. Fenbendazole and metronidazole are the drugs most commonly used to kill Giardia. Giardiasis is the most common intestinal parasitic infection of man and can potentially be passed from cats to humans.
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Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums. Stomatitis may involve the gums, tongue, inner surfaces of the lips, and/or the floor and roof of the mouth. Gingivitis may be caused by a bacterial infection from plaque on the teeth and is usually associated with poor oral hygiene. It can lead to more severe periodontal disease and tooth loss. Diagnosis and treatment are discussed. The prognosis for stomatitis varies depending on the pet, and tooth extractions may be required. A consistent homecare program and regular evaluation by your veterinarian will improve your cat's prognosis.
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Certain medical conditions require drugs that are available only in an injectable format. In many cases, cat owners can administer these medications at home. Most cats do not mind routine injections that are given in the subcutaneous tissue. This handout provides step-by-step instructions for giving an injection. Dispose of used needles and syringes properly.
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The easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. In some cases, this is not possible, and you will have to administer the medication directly into the cat's mouth using a syringe. Before starting, make sure you prepare the syringe with the correct amount of medication. If the medication was refrigerated, you may want to warm it up by holding the syringe tightly in your hand for a minute or two. It may be helpful to have someone assist you the first few times you administer the medication. Try wrapping your cat in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. Detailed directions for administering the medication are provided in this handout. Make sure you give your cat plenty of praise throughout the procedure and offer a special treat after giving the medication.
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Giving pills to cats can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some cats will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your cat's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to do this, along with some other options if it is still too difficult.
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Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), is increased. Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid. Glaucoma is classified as primary or secondary. High intraocular pressure causes damage to occur in the retina and the optic nerve. Blindness can occur very quickly unless the increased IOP is reduced. Analgesics to control the pain and medications that decrease fluid production and promote drainage are often prescribed to treat glaucoma. The prognosis depends to a degree upon the underlying cause of the glaucoma.
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Glipizide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat high blood sugar in cats with mild type 2 diabetes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include temporary vomiting and a lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other sulfonamides, or in pets with trauma, infection, diabetic coma, low blood sugar, or diabetic ketoacidosis. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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Griseofulvin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat skin, hair, and nail fungal infections. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, pregnant pets, breeding males, pets that have severe liver disease, or in cats with FIV or FeLV. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.