Penicillin was the first clinically applied antibiotic in medicine, and compounds related to it are in wide use today. Amoxicillin and Clavamox® (also known as amoxicillin-clavulanate or Augmentin®) are frequently prescribed for home use in cats and dogs. The two medicines are related. Clavamox® is more potent than amoxicillin.
Metronidazole has several uses in veterinary medicine. It is effective against Giardia parasites. It is employed in the treatment of many forms of diarrhea, including diarrhea caused by colitis and inflammatory bowel disease. It aids in the treatment of certain liver disorders. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that may be used in the treatment of certain types of bacterial infections.
Primarily dogs; rarely cats
Marijuana intoxication may occur in pets that have access to marijuana plants, dried portions of the plants, or foodstuffs containing marijuana.
Lactulose is a very effective laxative that is commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is frequently used in the treatment and prevention of constipation in pets.
Lactulose also is used to treat some types of liver disease.
Lactulose is available as a liquid suspension for oral administration. Lactulose may be administered as an enema by veterinarians.
Corticosteroids are a class of medicines related to cortisone. Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone.
Corticosteroids should not be confused with anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids promote body and muscle growth. Corticosteroids are used in pets to treat inflammation, allergies, itching, immune system irregularities, pain, back or spinal trauma, and eye, ear, or skin problems.
Common Causes
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Laxatone® and Petromalt® are commonly prescribed to prevent and eliminate hairballs in cats. They are laxatives that promote the passage of intestinal contents through the rectum as feces. Although the two products (and other, similar products) primarily are marketed as hairball remedies, they also are used to treat and prevent constipation.
Cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine are related medicines. They are in a class of drugs called H2 blockers. They have similar effects and uses in veterinary medicine.
H2 blockers cause decreased production of stomach acid. In pets, these medicines are prescribed mainly to treat or prevent gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite). They also may be used to prevent or treat ulcers or irritation of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.