Educational Articles
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Acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA (brand name Aspirin®), is used off label and is given by mouth in the form of a tablet to treat abnormal clotting. Do not use this medication in pets with bleeding disorders, in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs.
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Activated charcoal (ToxiBan) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal binds poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them and may be used as part of treatment for certain poisonings.
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The combination of activated charcoal, kaolin, and sorbitol (ToxiBan® suspension with sorbitol) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal and kaolin bind poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them. Sorbitol accelerates defecation, and so gets the poison out of the body faster.
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Acyclovir is an antiviral used to treat herpesvirus infections in cats, birds, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Acyclovir comes in several oral forms, as well as injectable and topical forms. Monitor complete blood count in cats.
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Acyclovir ophthalmic is a topical antiviral used in cats to treat herpes infections in the eyes. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Acyclovir ophthalmic comes in an ointment form. Monitor for signs of kidney problems and unusual bruising or bleeding.
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Afoxolaner is a chewable tablet used to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs. It has also been used off-label to treat certain types of mange and mites.
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Afoxolaner + moxidectin + pyrantel (brand name Nexgard Plus) is a prescription combination parasiticide used in dogs. It is labeled for use as a heartworm preventative; to treat and control tick infestations, roundworm, and hookworm; to kill adult fleas, and to treat and prevent flea infestations.
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Albuterol sulfate is a bronchodilator, used off label, to treat asthma and cough related to bronchoconstriction. It is administered as an inhalant in cats and by mouth, as a tablet, in dogs. The most common side effects include nervousness, shaking, fast heartbeat, and dizziness. Use with caution in pets with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or pregnancy. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Alendronate is a bone resorption inhibitor used to treat high levels of calcium in the blood in cats and dogs. It may also be used as part of the treatment plan for some types of bone cancer. It has been used to treat feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs or tooth resorption) in cats.
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Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species.
