Articles
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Serum contains many proteins that perform diverse functions, which include providing cellular nutrition, defending against infections, playing a role in inflammation, and acting as hormones or enzymes. Protein electrophoresis is a specialized test that analyzes specific groups of proteins in the blood serum and measures how much of each group of protein is present. The results of the analysis help diagnose specific diseases, such as infection and some types of cancer.
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Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.
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Sevelamer is a drug used to control high blood levels of phosphorus (hyperphosphatemia) in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease. It acts as a phosphate binder in the intestines (it attaches to extra phosphates to keep them from entering the blood).
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Your pet's medical records provide a complete, organized history of their health. They include previous illnesses, test results, treatments, medications, and responses to treatment. This handout outlines why these records are so important for your pet's veterinary care.
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The "ancestral diet" for dogs and cats is a broad term for a feeding plan that generally mimics what a wolf or wild cat might consume in the wilderness. In practice, there is great variability in nutrients, ingredients, and safety considerations for such food. This handout reviews these considerations.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.