Educational Articles
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Calcium is a mineral that is found in small quantities throughout the body and plays an important role in muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and bone growth. Hypocalcemia means that the level of calcium in the bloodstream is low. Early signs of hypocalcemia include restlessness, stiffness, weakness, irritability, muscle tremors and hypersensitivity (exaggerated responsiveness) to touch and sound. Calcium and phosphorus levels are closely inter-related and when phosphorus levels increase as a result of chronic kidney disease, calcium levels decrease. With hypocalcemia due to chronic renal failure, treatment is directed at lowering the serum phosphate concentrations by dietary restriction of phosphorus and administration of intestinal phosphate binders. Hypocalcemia may also occur with lactation in a nursing mother cat, low blood protein levels, pancreatitis, certain drugs and toxins, and as a post-operative complication following surgical treatment for hyperthyroidism. If the hypocalcemia is severe, immediate correction of the decreased levels will require calcium injections.
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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) topical is used for the management of skin conditions such as wounds, abscesses, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, ulcers, post-surgical incision sites, and burns. It may be used to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hypochlorous acid also has antifungal and antiviral properties and is reported to reduce inflammation, pain, and itching.
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Hypokalemia is a term that refers to a low blood concentration of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte within the body and is vital for the normal function of muscles and nerves. Mild to moderate hypokalemia often does not cause clinical sigs, but severe hypokalemia can result in generalized muscle weakness, lack of appetite, and some cats may become constipated. The underlying cause of hypokalemia is often chronic kidney failure. Hypokalemia and its associated clinical signs may be quickly corrected by potassium supplementation. Depending on the cause, it may be necessary to continue supplementing potassium permanently.
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Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in humans. Ibuprofen poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of ibuprofen, either through misuse or by accident. Ibuprofen poisoning causes many different clinical signs because many different organ systems can be affected. Most commonly, cats show signs related to kidney problems.
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Icterus is also known as jaundice is an excessive accumulation of a yellow pigment in the blood and tissues, most easily seen in the gingivae and sclerae. Icterus can be caused by hemolysis, liver disease, or obstruction of the bile duct. Your veterinarian will perform screening tests to determine the root cause of icterus. Based on the preliminary tests, your veterinarian may recommend fine needle aspiration, needle biopsy, or a surgical biopsy. Icterus will resolve once the underlying disease is identified and treated. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
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Idoxuridine is an antiviral topical medication used to treat viral infections of the eye, such as feline herpesvirus-1 in cats. Idoxuridine comes as eye drops or can be compounded by your veterinarian into an eye ointment. Give as directed. Side effects of idoxuridine include eye irritation. Pregnant women should NOT handle this medication.
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Imatinib is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain types of cancers in dogs and cats. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, diarrhea, skin rash, or lack of energy. Do not use in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, call the veterinary office.
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Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (brand names Advantage®II, Advantage Plus®, Provecta®II) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas and lice in dogs and puppies that are at least 7 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). This medication is labeled for treatment of flea infestations in cats and kittens that are at least 7-8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb) or 2.3kg (5 lb), depending on the product. Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin. Do not confuse this medication with K9 Advantix®II, Provecta® Advanced, or Activate®II, similar products labeled for use in dogs only, as those medications contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
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Imidacloprid topical is used on and off label and is applied topically to the skin to treat flea infestations in cats, dogs, and ferrets. It is frequently used in combination with other medications to treat a variety of parasites. Side effects are uncommon but may include irritation at the application site or drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite if the medication is accidentally ingested. Do not use combination products in young pets. Certain combination products should not be used in cats.
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Imidacloprid with flumethrin (brand name Seresto® collar) is a topical antiparasitic drug contained in a collar used for control of fleas, ticks, and chewing lice on dogs and puppies at least 7 weeks of age. This medication is labeled for control of fleas and ticks in cats and kittens that are at least 10 weeks of age. Imidacloprid with flumethrin comes in a collar impregnated with the medication that, if used properly, is effective for 8 months.
