Pet Health Articles
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Terbinafine + betamethasone otic (brand name Duotic®) is a long-acting, topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with susceptible yeast ear infections in dogs. It contains a combination of anti-fungal (terbinafine) and steroid anti-inflammatory (betamethasone) ingredients.
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Terbinafine oral tablets or granules are commonly used off label to treat skin or systemic fungal infections in dogs and cats. Common side effects are primarily gastrointestinal, such as vomiting, inappetence, and diarrhea, and should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease. If treating with this medication long-term, your veterinarian will perform periodic blood tests to check liver function and monitor for any changes or elevations.
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Terbinafine cream or spray is occasionally used off label to treat skin fungal infections in dogs, or in a veterinary combination product to treat ear infections. It is ineffective for treating fungal skin infections in cats. When given as directed, side effects are rarely noted, but could include skin irritation.
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Terbutaline is a bronchodilator used to treat symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions in cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and other animals. Terbutaline should be used with caution in pets with heart disease, heart arrhythmias/high blood pressure, who have diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism or epilepsy. Your veterinarian may assess baseline heart and lung function (e.g., rate, rhythm, X-rays, blood pressure) and/or check baseline blood work before starting this medication.
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Testicular tumors are generally not aggressive and have a low metastatic rate. Pets with undescended testicles (cryptorchid) are predisposed to the development of certain testicular tumors. Hyperestogenism is possible with Sertoli cell tumors. In any cryptorchid pet, removal of both testicles should be pursued. Intraabdominal tumors in cryptorchid pets may cause lethargy, decreased appetite, and fever. Standard staging is recommended in all cases, including a rectal exam. Surgery is typically the treatment of choice and may be combined with radiation therapy or chemotherapy if metastasis is evident.
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Wellness testing, performed routinely on apparently healthy birds, screens for underlying, hidden problems. Veterinarians also use test results in conjunction with physical examination findings and the owner's account of the bird's history to diagnose illnesses. Blood tests include the complete blood count and chemistry profile. Other tests your veterinarian may use to assess your bird's health and diagnose disease are discussed.
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Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, results from decreased corticosteroid and mineralocorticoid production from the adrenal glands. This results in non-specific signs of illness that mimic many other diseases. This article outlines screening and diagnostic tests for Addison’s disease.
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Abdominal enlargement may develop for many reasons depending on the age and gender of the cat. It can be a simple problem and even a normal condition in some pets. However, abdominal enlargement can also indicate serious underlying disease. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
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Abdominal enlargement may develop for many reasons depending on the age and gender of the dog. It can be a simple problem and even a normal condition in some pets. However, abdominal enlargement can also indicate serious underlying disease. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
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Coughing can have many different causes, including infectious disease, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, anatomical abnormalities, or cancer. Important for the diagnosis is a thorough history, physical exam, and screening tests, outlined here. More advanced diagnostics are also summarized.