Pet Health Articles
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There are many health and behavioral benefits associated with spaying your rabbit, such as preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing her risk for reproductive cancers, and minimizing the stress associated with sexual frustration. This handout explains the surgical procedure, post-operative care at home, and, although rare, possible complications that may occur.
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Spaying is a surgery that prevents a female rat from becoming pregnant. An ovariohysterectomy is when the veterinarian removes both ovaries and the uterus. In an ovariectomy, the veterinarian removes only the ovaries. Spaying at an early age eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer and reduces the risk of breast and pituitary gland cancers in rats.
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Stanozolol (brand names: Winstrol®, Menabol®, Neurabol®, Stanol®, Stromba®, Stombaject®) is an anabolic steroid that no longer commercially marketed in the US. It is currently used off label as a compounded medication to treat weight loss, anemia, poor appetite, and other issues in pet animals (not farmed animals). It may be effective in treating tracheal collapse in dogs.
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Sterile eye wash is a sterile solution that can be used to cleanse the eyes and skin around the eyes in animals. It is safe for use in all species and is useful for many purposes, including the removal of debris, contaminants, and irritants from the eyes, as well as assisting with the management of underlying eye conditions.
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Sucralfate (brand names Carafate® and Sulcrate®) is used in the treatment of ulcers and erosions that occur in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, including those caused by certain medications. Sucralfate creates a coating or barrier over the ulcer, protecting it from stomach acids and allowing it to heal.
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Sugar gliders have become popular pets over the last decade. There are several well-known diseases or conditions that owners of sugar gliders should be aware of. Tooth decay from tartar build-up can lead to tooth root abscesses. Improper diets can lead to low blood calcium, obesity, and tooth decay. Intestinal problems may be caused by an improper diet, a bacterial infection, or a flagellated protozoal infection. It is essential to consult a veterinarian familiar with sugar gliders to select a proper diet and keep your sugar glider healthy.
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Sugar gliders are opportunistic omnivores, which means they eat a wide range of food items, depending on what is available. Improper nutrition is one of the most prominent causes of illnesses in sugar gliders. This handout provides the information needed to feed your sugar glider a balanced and healthy diet.
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Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal mammals with a social and curious nature. They are also marsupials, meaning they possess a pouch in which the female raises her young. This handout describes the sugar glider's physical and behavioral characteristics along with recommendations for choosing one as a pet.
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Sulfacetamide ophthalmic is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial eye infections. It is useful in infections that are not susceptible to other antibiotics. There are no veterinary formulations available, so human brands may be prescribed off-label in all species of animals. Its use is restricted in food animals.
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Sulfadiazine/trimethoprim is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or is given by injection in the hospital. It is commonly used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, sometimes off label, in dogs, cats, small mammals and other exotics. Common side effects include a decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, although more serious side effects are possible, such as dry eye, or liver, blood, or urinary problems. Do not use in pets that have severe liver damage, blood cell problems, dehydration, or sulfa allergies. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.