Articles
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Buspirone is given by mouth and is used off label to treat behavior disorders in dogs and cats. Common side effects include increased friendliness or aggression, sleepiness, decreased appetite, nausea, or a slower heart rate. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or have recently worn a flea/tick collar. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Butorphanol is a partial opiate agonist/antagonist that is used as an analgesic, pre-anesthetic, antitussive, or antiemetic. The injectable form is used subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously, and the tablet is given by mouth. Side effects include sedation, ataxia, anorexia, or rarely diarrhea. Caution should be used in pets with liver or kidney disease, Addison's disease, head trauma, or other CNS dysfunction, or in geriatric or severely debilitated patients.
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Caffeine is a chemical that can be toxic to pets. Many foods and drinks contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, diet pills, gum, coffee grounds, over-the-counter medications, energy boosting products, and even some herbal supplements. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
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Cairn Terriers are small, sturdy terriers known for intelligence, independence, and a lively personality. The breed was originally developed in Scotland to hunt vermin among rocky terrain. These dogs are alert, curious, and highly independent, often making their own decisions during activity.
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These two conditions occur when calcium is deposited within the skin. They are usually of minor significance in young dogs and cats but can indicate serious underlying diseases in older pets. This handout outlines causes, signs, and treatment of these conditions.
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Calcitriol is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat low blood calcium levels associated with low parathyroid hormone, as well as chronic kidney disease, certain cancers, and certain skin diseases. Side effects are uncommon if the dose is appropriate.
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Calcium acetate (brand names: PhosLo, Calphron, Eliphos) is a medication used to bind (attach to and remove) excess phosphate. This medication is used off label, primarily in patients with chronic kidney disease, as abnormally high phosphate levels occur with this disease.
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Calcium carbonate + chitosan (brand name Epakitin®) is a phosphorus binder and calcium supplement. It is used to treat high blood phosphorus levels in cats and dogs with chronic kidney disease and to treat low blood calcium levels in cats, dogs, and other species.
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Calcium oxalate bladder stones are composed of a mineral called calcium oxalate. Cats are more likely to develop oxalate stones when their urine contains high levels of calcium and oxalate. Additionally, a low urine pH promotes the formation of oxalate stones. Bladder stones can cause significant inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall. Signs may include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litterbox. Male cats especially are at risk of a life-threatening urinary obstruction. Treatment options and prognosis are discussed.
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One of the more common uroliths in the dog is composed of calcium oxalate crystals. Current research indicates that acidic urine high in calcium, citrates, or oxalates predisposes a pet to developing calcium oxalate urinary crystals and stones. The most common signs that a dog has bladder stones are increased frequency of urination, painful urination, and blood in the urine. Male dogs are more commonly affected and may be at risk of a life-threatening urinary obstruction. Treatment options and prognosis are discussed.