Articles
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Allergies in Cats -
Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions affecting cats. An allergy is a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance, called an allergen. This handout outlines types of allergies, how they occur, symptoms, and treatment options.
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Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species.
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Alprazolam is a medication given by mouth as a tablet or liquid used off label in cats and dogs to treat anxiety and phobias. Common side effects include sedation, increased appetite, or uncoordinated walking. This medication should not be used in pets with a paradoxical reaction and should be used with caution in debilitated, geriatric, pregnant, lactating pets, or in pets with liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Alternative diets for cats may include or exclude certain ingredients, but there is no clear evidence that they are healthier than appropriate conventional diets for most cats. This handout explains the options and what to discuss with your veterinarian when choosing food for your cat.
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Aluminum acetate solution, Topical (Burow's solution) + hydrocortisone (Corti-Derm, Cort/Astrin, Hydro-B 1020) is a topical treatment used to relieve inflammation and itchiness in dogs. It is also commonly used to treat ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs due to its antibacterial effects and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Aluminum acetate solution topical (Burow's solution) is an astringent and drying agent used in dogs and cats for the temporary relief of minor skin irritation such as insect bites, rashes, and allergies. Burow's solution is also commonly used to treat ear infections.
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Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used off label to treat high phosphate levels in pets with kidney disease. It is given by mouth, with meals, in the form of a liquid gel, powder, or a compounded capsule. The most common side effect is constipation, and therefore it should be used with caution in pets with a gastrointestinal obstruction or pets prone to constipation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Amantadine is an antiviral medication given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid, that is mainly used off label for its pain control effects in pets. Common side effects include agitation and gastrointestinal effects. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, or that have untreated glaucoma. It should be used with caution in pets with liver, kidney, or heart disease, or in pets with eczema or seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Amikacin ophthalmic is a topical antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial eye infections that are resistant to other antibiotics in cats, dogs, and other animals. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine. Amikacin ophthalmic comes in liquid drop suspension form.