Educational Articles
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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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Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) that focuses on restoring the energy balance in the body to promote healing. The technique requires the insertion of fine needles into the dog's body at specified points, called acupuncture points, where nerves and blood vessels converge. It is often used to treat dogs with arthritis and joint inflammation and may reduce the amount of medication a dog needs for these conditions. This handout explains how the treatment works and what to expect when your pet sees a veterinary acupuncturist.
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Acute caudal myopathy results from overuse of the tail, causing a strain or sprain of the muscle groups used for tail wagging. Possible causes of limber tail include hard/vigorous play within the previous 24 hours, and prolonged swimming or hunting, often with exposure to cold water or weather. The tail may droop limply between your dog's rear legs, or it may stick straight out behind him for a short distance before drooping. This can be a painful condition for your dog. Uncomplicated acute caudal myopathy is treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medication, and typically resolves within a few days.
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Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS), formerly known as hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, is characterized by vomiting and bloody diarrhea in dogs. AHDS is believed to be caused by a bacterium that is part of the normal gut flora and can produce toxins and enzymes that can damage the intestinal lining and blood vessels.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. Clinical signs, potential causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined in this handout.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. Clinical signs, potential causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined in this handout.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in cats, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the cat's compromised lung function.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in dogs, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the dog's compromised lung.
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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.
