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  • The diaphragm is the muscular partition that separates the abdomen and the chest. Tearing or disruption of this thin muscle is called a diaphragmatic hernia or diaphragmatic rupture. The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is blunt force trauma.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Diarrhea in Cats

  • Diarrhea is not a disease, but rather a sign of many different diseases that may be minor or serious. Some cases may resolve on their own or with minimal treatment, while other cases require in-depth diagnostic testing and more aggressive treatment to address the underlying condition.

  • Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Diazoxide is given by mouth and is used off label in cats, dogs, ferrets, and other small mammals to treat low blood sugar associated with insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas. Diazoxide is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or compounded capsule.

  • Dichlorphenamide is used off label (extra label) to treat glaucoma in dogs, cats and rabbits. This medication also acts to change the pH of the urine to an alkaline state, so it may also be used to treat urinary crystals and stones that form in acidic urine.

  • Diclofenac ophthalmic is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used to treat eye inflammation in cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other animals. Diclofenac ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form, given directly into the eye.

  • Difluprednate ophthalmic is a corticosteroid eye medication used to treat inflammation and provide pain management in the eye following surgery, injury, or in certain cases of inflammation (conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, keratitis). It is recommended for use in all animal species except birds.

  • Digestive lubricants and hairball gels (e.g., Laxatone®) are oil-based lubricants that are given as supplements to help prevent and eliminate hairballs in cats. They come in oral gel format and are available in several flavors.

  • Digoxin is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms and certain types of congestive heart failure. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or behavior changes.