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Pet Health Articles

Small Mammals + English

  • Ketoprofen is given by mouth in the form of a capsule or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs and horses. It’s use in animals is off label. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Lactated Ringer's solution (also known as LRS or Ringer's Lactate) is a fluid and electrolyte (salt) replacement solution used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances in cats, dogs, birds, pocket pets (small mammals), and other animals. Lactated Ringer's solution comes in injectable form.

  • Lime sulfur topical (brand name LimePlus® Dip) is a leave-on agent used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm (dermatophytosis) and topical yeast infections (Malassezia dermatitis) in dogs, cats, and horses. Lime sulfur topical can also be useful in the treatment of several species of skin and fur mites and lice.

  • Loperamide (brand names: Imodium®, Anti-Diarrheal®, Diamode®) is used to treat the signs of diarrhea in dogs, rabbits, rodents, and small mammals. It is available over the counter but should only be used as directed by your veterinarian. Loperamide is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid.

  • The loss of a loved one is one of the greatest sorrows in life. When someone we love – such as a beloved pet – dies, the loss can cause intense grief and sorrow. This handout discusses loss, grief, and when to look for help.

  • Ferrets can suffer from tumors in any part of their body, ranging from benign cancers of the skin to aggressive malignant tumors of internal organs. The clinical signs depend on the type of tumor, the organ involved, and the stage of the disease. For a dedicated owner with an otherwise healthy-looking patient, treatment with chemotherapy is a very good option.

  • Meclizine (brand names Antivert®, Dramamine® Less Drowsy Formula, Bonine®, Bonamine®, Postafen®, Univert®) is an antihistamine used off label to prevent and treat motion sickness and vomiting associated with it, in cats, dogs, and other small mammals. The most common side effect is sedation and sleepiness.

  • Melatonin (brand names: Regulin, Circadin) is a hormone supplement commonly used in humans to regulate the sleep cycle. In veterinary medicine, it is used off label to treat a variety of conditions, including sleep and behavior disorders in dogs and cats, non-allergic hair loss (alopecia) in dogs, and adrenal disease in ferrets. It also may be used to suppress the heat cycle (estrus) in cats.

  • Meloxicam (brand names Metacam, Meloxidyl, Loxicom, OroCAM) is given by mouth in the form of a liquid, capsule, or tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs, cats, and other small mammals. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to it, or in pets concurrently using corticosteroids or other NSAIDs. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Losing a pet is difficult. Take time to grieve, focusing on the good things you shared with your pet. This handout discusses memorial ideas that can help you remember the good times and celebrate your pet’s life.