Educational Articles
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Dextromethorphan is given by mouth and is used off label to treat compulsive behaviors and occasionally used to treat cough. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, sleepiness, drooling or anxiousness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it.
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Diazepam is given by mouth, injection, or into the rectum and is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects include sleepiness, increased appetite, incoordination, weakness, agitation, drooling, and aggression. Do not give to cats by mouth, and do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines, or in pets with severe liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Digoxin is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms and certain types of congestive heart failure. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or behavior changes.
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Dimethylglycine is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to enhance racing performance, as well as supplement the treatment for some cancers, diabetes, immune diseases, or cardiovascular diseases. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and unreported. DMG should be used cautiously in pets that are pregnant, nursing, or debilitated. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Diphenhydramine is given by mouth or as an injection and is used on and off label to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and to induce sedation. Side effects include sleepiness, and less commonly dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset.
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Dorzolamide is applied to the eye and is used off label to treat glaucoma (increased eye pressures). Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include stinging sensation, eye redness, watery eyes, and light sensitivity. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or sulfonamides. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Doxepin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat psychogenic dermatoses such as excessive grooming and psychogenic alopecia. Give as directed. The most common side effect is sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, in pets currently using an MAOI or flea/tick collar, or in pets undergoing skin allergy testing within two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Ephedrine is most commonly given by injection (and rarely by mouth) and is used off label to treat low blood pressure and certain types of urinary incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include restlessness, fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with severe heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Erythromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility problems in many animal species. Common side effects include diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have liver disease or dysfunction, or in pets such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, or hamsters. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Eyebright is an over the counter supplement, given by mouth or used topically as an adjunctive treatment for infection and inflammation of the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect is a sensitivity reaction that may include redness, itching, or irritation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, have had eye surgery, or have diabetes. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
