Pet Health Library
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Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial urinary bladder infections. It is typically used as a second-line antibiotic, when broad-spectrum antibiotics have not cleared the infection. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in veterinary medicine. Nitrofurantoin comes in capsule or liquid forms given orally. Never use in food-producing animals or animals intended for food.
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Olopatadine ophthalmic is an antihistamine medication used to treat pruritus (itchiness) of the eyes caused by allergies in animals. Olopatadine ophthalmic comes in liquid drop suspension form.
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If properly handled and socialized, rabbits make curious, sociable, pleasant, docile, quiet, and gentle pets. They rarely bite but can scratch if improperly handled. Their average life span is 10-12 years and they reach breeding age at 5-6 months. Providing your rabbit with unlimited amounts of hay and blocks of wood to chew helps prevent overgrown teeth, a common condition in pet rabbits. Vaccinations are available to prevent rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) in the US and Europe. Vaccination for myxomatosis is available only in Europe.
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Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B ophthalmic (brand name Terramycin®) is a combination antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). It is used to treat eye infections in cats and dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra-label” to treat eye infections in avian species, hedgehogs, and rabbits. Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B comes in ointment form.
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Penicillin G (brand names VetriPen G, PenOne Pro, others), is an antibiotic used to treat susceptible infections in cats, dogs, chickens, horses, livestock, ferrets, hedgehogs, rabbits, and other animals. It is used off label (extra label) in cats, dogs, and other companion animals. Penicillin G comes in injectable suspension form. Caution when using in rabbits and other animals sensitive to penicillin-like drugs.
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The common rabbit pinworm, Passalurus ambiguus, is an intestinal parasite. It does not posea serious health threat to rabbits, but it can cause uncomfortable itching and skin inflammation or redness around the anus. Rabbits become infected with pinworms by eating feces that contain pinworm eggs. Pinworms are challenging to treat because rabbits are coprophagic, so can potentially reinfect themselves during treatment.
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Piroxicam (brand name: Feldene) is given by mouth in the form of a capsule to treat pain and some types of cancer in dogs. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Praziquantel is given on and off label and by mouth or injection to treat various internal parasites in cats, dogs, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and large animals. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, in puppies less than 3 weeks old, or kittens less than 6 weeks old.
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Rabbits can make wonderful pets for those willing to understand their unique characteristics and needs. They are very intelligent and always adorable, but require special handling and more supervision than some other pet species. As it is with all pets, though, rabbits require a healthy diet, lots of activity, social interaction, and routine veterinary care to live happy and healthy lives.
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.