Articles
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Obesity in Cats -
In North America, obesity is the most common preventable disease in cats. Just over 60% of domestic cats are overweight. Scientific evidence now shows that fat tissue is not benign; it actively secretes inflammatory hormones and creates oxidative stress, both of which contribute to increased risks for several diseases, as well as a decreased quality of life. Treating obesity as a chronic, inflammatory condition means regular veterinary assessments and strict attention to portion control.
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If your cat has a complicated condition or is not getting well, you may want to seek a specialist referral or a second opinion. Your veterinarian will likely help you get this set up as they want what is best for your pet. You will likely need to travel in many situations for a specialty referral.
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Oclacitinib (brand name Apoquel®) is an oral medication used to manage itching associated with allergic dermatitis (including atopy) in dogs at least 12 months of age. It may also be effective for treating other skin conditions in dogs and is used occasionally to treat certain skin conditions in cats.
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Octreotide is a medication given by injection that acts like a natural hormone called somatostatin. It may be used in addition to other treatments to help manage the effects of certain tumors (insulinomas and gastrinomas) in cats, dogs, and ferrets. In cats, it has been used to help treat chylothorax (buildup of lymphatic fluid in the chest). Injections are given by your veterinary team.
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Ocular lubricants (brand names OptixCare® Eye Lube Plus, Remend® Eye Lubricating Drops, I-Drop® Vet Plus Lubricant/Gel) are tear replacement agents used to add moisture to the eyes in cats, dogs, and exotic companion animals. Ocular lubricants come in gel and liquid drop forms.
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Ofloxacin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections in cats, dogs, and exotic species. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Ofloxacin ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form.
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Olive leaf extract is a supplement made from the Olea europaea tree. It is mainly used to help fight viruses and bacteria that cause infections (antiviral and antimicrobial). In cats, it has been used as an additional therapy to treat feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). It has also been used in the treatment of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and inflammation.
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Olopatadine ophthalmic is an antihistamine medication used to treat pruritus (itchiness) of the eyes caused by allergies in animals. Olopatadine ophthalmic comes in liquid drop suspension form.
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Omeprazole (brand names Gastrogard®, Losec®, and Prilosec®) is used in the treatment of ulcers occurring in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine in dogs and cats. It is also used to treat or prevent gastric erosions caused by drugs, to treat Helicobacter infections and acute gastritis in dogs, and to treat gastroenteritis in ferrets.