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.
Dogs
Kennel cough, also known as infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), is a contagious disease of dogs. A large number of organisms are believed to play a role in the syndrome. Kennel cough most often is caused by simultaneous infection with a mild respiratory virus (there are many such viruses) in combination with a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica. The infection usually is limited to the windpipe (trachea) and major air passages in the lungs.
Dogs
Damaged toenails are very common, especially in active dogs. Most nail injuries occur as a result of a nail catching or snagging on plant matter, carpet, or other material while the dog is running.
Damaged toenails are extremely painful at the moment of injury. In many cases, pain will persist until the damaged portion of the nail is removed by a veterinarian. However, the vast majority of dogs with injured nails make complete recoveries.
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.
Dogs
Hot spots are areas of skin that rapidly become irritated and infected, resulting in hair loss, moistness, and inflammation of the area. They are called “hot” because they develop very quickly–in many cases overnight. Often, self trauma such as excessive licking or scratching is involved in the development of hot spots. However, hot spots can occur in the absence of licking or scratching.
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.