Acute Caudal Myopathy (Limber Tail)
Acute caudal myopathy results from overuse of the tail, causing a strain or sprain of the muscle groups used for tail wagging. Possible causes of limber tail include hard/vigorous play within the previous 24 hours, and prolonged swimming or hunting, often with exposure to cold water or weather. The tail may droop limply between your dog’s rear legs, or it may stick straight out behind him for a short distance before drooping. This can be a painful condition for your dog. Uncomplicated acute caudal myopathy is treated with rest and anti-inflammatory medication, and typically resolves within a few days.
Abnormal Weight Loss in Dogs
An unplanned weight loss of more than 10% of a dog’s body weight is considered abnormal. Weight loss occurs because calories absorbed from the diet are less than the calories being used by the body. This can occur due to many factors, including decreased appetite (anorexia), excessive cold or physical activity, disease states that heighten the metabolic rate, insufficient calories or poor diet, inability to ingest the diet, inability to digest and/or absorb the nutrients from the diet, and loss of nutrients from vomiting, diarrhea, or increased urination. As well as a thorough history and physical exam, your veterinarian may perform testing such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and imaging to determine the underlying cause and institute targeted treatment.
Amantadine
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.
Aluminum Hydroxide
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.
Aluminum Acetate Solution: Topical
Aluminum acetate solution, topical (Burow’s solution) is an astringent and drying agent used for the temporary relief of minor skin irritation in dogs and cats. Burow’s solution is also commonly used to treat ear infections. Burow’s solution is available as an over-the-counter human product but should always be used under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.
Aluminum Acetate Solution, Topical + Hydrocortisone
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.
Alprazolam
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.
Allopurinol
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. Side effects are uncommon but may involve stomach upset. Caution must be taken when allopurinol is used in conjunction with certain other medications. It should not be used in pets with liver or kidney dysfunction or in red-tailed hawks.
Albuterol Sulfate
Albuterol sulfate is a bronchodilator, used off label, to treat asthma and cough related to bronchoconstriction. It is administered as an inhalant in cats and by mouth, as a tablet, in dogs. The most common side effects include nervousness, shaking, fast heartbeat, and dizziness. Use with caution in pets with diabetes, hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or pregnancy. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
Afoxolaner/Moxidectin/Pyrantel
Afoxolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel (brand name Nexgard Plus) is a prescription combination parasiticide used in dogs. It is labeled for use as a preventative for heartworm caused by Dirofilaria immitis in dogs; to treat and control tick infestations in dogs caused by black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and lone star ticks; to treat and control adult roundworm and hookworm infections in dogs; to kill adult fleas on dogs and to treat and prevent flea infestations.
