Articles
-
Cats have an instinct to hide or mask pain, making pain difficult to diagnose. A cat’s human family members are in the best position to identify subtle changes in behavior that may signal pain. This handout outlines key pain signs to look for, which signal the need to visit your veterinarian.
-
Sildenafil (brand name: Viagra®) is a vasodilator used off label to treat high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) in dogs and sometimes cats. It is also used to treat megaesophagus. In cattle, it may be useful in treating uterine conditions such as endometritis.
-
Silver sulfadiazine topical is an antimicrobial used to treat skin infections and burns in cats, dogs, and exotic pets. It is used off label in veterinary medicine. Silver sulfadiazine topical comes in a topical cream.
-
Silymarin, also called milk thistle, is a nutritional supplement used to treat a variety of liver conditions, diseases, and toxicities in cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, horses, and other companion animals. It may also have some efficacy in helping to prevent certain cancers, preventing chemotherapy side effects, and protecting the kidneys.
-
Simethicone is an anti-gas agent used to help treat pain, bloating, and flatulence caused by excessive gas in the gastrointestinal tract of cats, dogs, and other animals. It works as an anti-foaming agent by reducing surface tension on gas bubbles.
-
Sirolimus delayed-release (Felycin-CA1) is a medication used in cats that have early signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a thickened heart muscle). The medication is given before symptoms develop (subclinical) to help manage the condition.
-
A biopsy is one of the more common diagnostic procedures performed in cats. Biopsies provide valuable insight into the type of cells in an abnormal area of skin or a skin growth and whether the growth poses a more serious health threat to your pet. Either the entire mass or a small representative section of skin is removed and submitted to a veterinary pathologist, who will perform a histopathology analysis. The pathologist will attempt to determine the nature of the lesion, identify the type of cells and their relationship to each other, as well as any evidence of malignancy.
-
Slippery elm is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat cough and stomach upset in dogs and cats. Give as directed by your veterinarian.
-
Smectite (Bio-Sponge®) is an intestinal support supplement used in various animal species, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and small ruminants. It has adsorbent properties may help bind toxins, bacteria, viruses, and free-radicals in the intestinal tract.
-
Smoke inhalation injuries are caused by a combination of heat and airborne toxins. Clinical signs of smoke inhalation vary, depending on the materials contained within the smoke and how much smoke the cat inhales. Common signs include coughing, shortness of breath, eye injuries, and burns. Neurologic signs can also occur, especially in cases of carbon monoxide inhalation. Treatment typically involves oxygen therapy and other supportive care measures.