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.
Furosemide is a medication that is commonly prescribed for heart disease in dogs and cats. It is infrequently used to treat other medical conditions, including high blood pressure or, rarely, certain kidney and urinary disorders.
Furosemide is in a class of medications called diuretics. Medications in this class work by causing increased urine production.
Cats and dogs
Fever of unknown origin is a common syndrome in cats and dogs. Affected animals experience an elevated body temperature, usually accompanied by lethargy, weakness, and lack of appetite.
As the name implies, the cause of fever of unknown origin is not determined in most cases. However, most pets with the syndrome are treated for bacterial infections. This treatment usually is successful.
Dogs and cats
Foxtails, or grass awns, are arrow-shaped stickers that are produced by some types of grasses that have gone to seed. Foxtails carry grass seeds. They evolved to embed in the skin and be spread by animals.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens.
Ear mites are parasitic organisms that infest pets. They may cause intense irritation and itching in the ears, accompanied by production of large amounts of ear wax.
Ear mites are a leading cause of ear problems in kittens and cats. They can infest dogs and puppies as well, but are a less frequent cause of problems in this species.
Foaming at the mouth and drooling have similar causes. Most cases of foaming or frothing at the mouth simply involve drooling combined with panting (cats, dogs) or rapid breathing. Drooling is also known as hypersalivation.
More common causes are listed first. Less common causes are listed later.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic related to tetracycline. It is effective against a variety of organisms, and is often used to treat bacterial infections. It is the antibiotic of choice for many diseases (such as Lyme disease) that are spread by ticks and some diseases caused by organisms known as Mycoplasma. It is commonly employed in the treatment of respiratory infections and fever of unknown origin in cats.
Dogs
Dietary indiscretion describes gastrointestinal upset that occurs when a dog ingests something that its body cannot tolerate. Consumption of table scraps, garbage, or spoiled food may results in symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and weakness in dogs. The syndrome is similar to food poisoning in humans.