Pet Health Articles
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Dichlorphenamide is used off label (extra label) to treat glaucoma in dogs, cats and rabbits. This medication also acts to change the pH of the urine to an alkaline state, so it may also be used to treat urinary crystals and stones that form in acidic urine.
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Diclofenac ophthalmic is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used to treat eye inflammation in cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other animals. Diclofenac ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form, given directly into the eye.
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Diclofenac topical (brand name Surpass®) is a topical, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat joint inflammation and pain in horses. This medication is used off label in other animals. Diclofenac topical comes in ointment, gel, and spray forms.
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Diethylstilbestrol is given by mouth and is used off label to treat urinary incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon when using a low dose, but may include mild vaginal spotting. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, in females with estrogen-sensitive tumors, in pets with anemia or low white blood cell counts, or in food production animals. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Difluprednate ophthalmic is a corticosteroid eye medication used to treat inflammation and provide pain management in the eye following surgery, injury, or in certain cases of inflammation (conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, keratitis). It is recommended for use in all animal species except birds.
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Digestive lubricants and hairball gels (e.g., Laxatone®) are oil-based lubricants that are given as supplements to help prevent and eliminate hairballs in cats. They come in oral gel format and are available in several flavors.
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Digoxin is used off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat certain abnormal heart rhythms and certain types of congestive heart failure. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, tiredness, or behavior changes.
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Diltiazem is given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions. Common side effects include a slow heart rate in dogs and vomiting in cats. This medication should not be used in pets with hypersensitivity, severely low blood pressure, lung congestion, or certain abnormal heart rhythms.
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Dimenhydrinate (brand names: Dramamine®, Gravol®, Travtabs®, Driminate®, Triptone®) is an antihistamine used to prevent motion sickness and to treat nausea, especially in dogs with vestibular disease. It has also been used for its sedative properties and to reduce itchiness associated with allergies.
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Dimethyl sulfoxide, otherwise known as DMSO, topical (brand name Domoso®) is a topical, free-radical scavenger agent used to treat certain skin conditions in dogs and for certain types of inflammation in horses. It is approved for use in horses and dogs to treat acute swelling due to trauma. It is used off label (extra label) in other animals and for other uses.