Articles
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Sneezing and nasal discharge can occur for many different reasons, including infection, allergy, foreign body, and tumors. A thorough history and physical exam is the first step in diagnosing the cause of sneezing/nasal discharge. Initial screening tests are outlined, including CBC, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and coagulation testing. Specific tests and more advanced diagnostics are also summarized.
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Unexplained bleeding is worrisome because it suggests a problem with the body’s blood clotting or coagulation system. Disorders of the coagulation system can arise for many reasons, including shortages of coagulation factors (clotting proteins), a shortage of platelets (a type of blood cell), defective platelets, and serious systemic disease affecting the whole body.
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A pet with vomiting may suffer from an isolated incident, or it could be a sign of more severe problems. If the cause for vomiting is not obvious from history and examination, screening tests may be done to eliminate possible causes and determine a treatment plan. Results can also provide a prognosis for recovery and long-term outlook.
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Weakness can be caused by many different problems and can involve a variety of body systems. Finding the cause of your pet’s weakness starts with a complete history and physical examination. The most commonly recommended screening tests for weakness include complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and in a dog, total thyroxine. Additional tests may be recommended based on the results of these screening tests.
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Weight loss can be due to simple problems of feeding and nutrition, or it can be due to a variety of medical conditions that result in poor digestion, decreased absorption of nutrients, or loss of nutrients from the body. This handout outlines the procedures used to investigate the causes.
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Tetanus is a medical condition caused by a toxin. This toxin affects the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, leading to hyperexcitability resulting in muscle spasms. Cats are less susceptible to the effects of tetanus toxin than humans and horses.
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Tetracaine ophthalmic is a topical anesthetic (numbing agent) used in the eyes before diagnostic procedures and as an adjunctive anesthetic for eye surgeries in cats, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine.
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Tetracycline (brand names: Achromycin®, Medicycline®, Sumycin®, Tetracyn®) is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections and inflammatory skin conditions in dogs (such as lupus) and off label in cats, dogs, small mammals, horses, or birds to treat bacterial infections.
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Pets can develop THC or CBD poisoning after inhaling or ingesting cannabis plants or cannabis-containing products. THC can cause serious effects even at low doses, while CBD has a wider margin of safety but can still cause illness. Some CBD products may also contain enough THC to cause THC poisoning.
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This handout summarizes the differences between brand-name and generic medications, explains cost differences, and provides guidance on how to decide between the various options.