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Educational Articles

Medications & Supplements

  • Atopivet® topical products are formulated to help maintain a healthy skin barrier and support skin health in cats and dogs. These skin care products are available over-the-counter in the forms of a mousse, spot-on, and skin-care collar.

  • Atovaquone (brand names: Mepron, Malanil, Wellvone) is a drug used to treat infections caused by protozoa (single-celled organisms that cause disease). It is often combined with other drugs to treat specific infections.

  • Atracurium is an injectable neuromuscular blocking agent used during general anesthesia to produce complete muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation in cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other animals. It may also be used when placing a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) or used in the urethra to help manually express the bladder.

  • Atropine ophthalmic (brand name Isopto Atropine) is an eye medication used to enlarge the pupil. It is used off label (extra label) only, in all veterinary species of animals. Atropine ophthalmic comes in a drop, solution, or ointment form, which is placed directly into the eye.

  • Attapulgite (brand name Toxisorb™ Bolus) is an anti-diarrhea clay supplement used in pets like dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. It works by binding bacteria and toxins to help restore a healthy intestinal system.

  • Auranofin is a gold salt that is given orally to treat certain skin conditions and immune-mediated conditions in cats and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Auranofin comes in capsules to be given orally.

  • Avenanthramides with ceramides and chlorhexidine (brand name CeraSoothe CHX) is an antiseptic, antifungal, and skin nourishing agent used in the treatment of surface skin infections and skin reactions in cats and dogs. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” in other animals and to treat other conditions.

  • Avocado and soybean unsaponifiable (ASU) is a nutritional supplement derived from avocados and soybeans. It is used to help manage cartilage inflammation and support cartilage repair in dogs, cats, and horses with osteoarthritis. ASU may be part of a combination supplement.

  • Azathioprine is an immune suppressing medication given by mouth or as an injection and is mainly used off label to treat immune-mediated diseases in dogs. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and bone marrow suppression. This medication should not be used in pets that are allergic to azathioprine or are pregnant. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Azithromycin (brand name Zithromax® or Zmax®) is a broad spectrum antibiotic used for a variety of infections in dogs and cats. It is also used for certain infections in horses, cattle, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. Azithromycin is given by mouth or injection.