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Pet Health Articles

Medications & Supplements

  • Gentamicin topical formulations are used to treat bacterial infections. The ophthalmic formulation is used off label to treat external ear infections by topically applying the medication directly to the ear canal. Side effects may include increased redness or inflammation. If these effects occur, discontinue the medication and call your veterinarian. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.

  • Gentamicin topical is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections of the skin. It is approved for use as a spray in dogs to treat surface bacterial infections of the skin. It can be found in combination medications to treat other types of surface infections in dogs, including ear infections. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in other animals.

  • Ginger is a well-known tropical plant (Zingiber officinale) whose root is used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western herbal medicine in cats, dogs, and other animals. It is used most as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting supplement, but has also been used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, and for cognitive support.

  • Ginkgo is an herbal supplement derived from the Ginkgo biloba tree. The ginkgo seed is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat respiratory disorders; it must be roasted, as the raw seed is toxic. The ginkgo leaf is used in Western medicine to stimulate blood flow to the extremities and to the brain.

  • Ginseng is an herbal supplement used to boost energy and promote health and longevity in cats, dogs, and other animals. Ginseng is believed to increase blood flow to the heart muscle, decrease resting blood sugar levels, and increase adrenal gland activity. It has also been used for respiratory issues, depleted immune system, obesity (triglyceride blood levels), cancer, and reproductive problems.

  • Medicating or giving oral liquids to small mammals requires some basic guidance. Syringe-feeding rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small rodents may require you to wrap your pet in a "burrito". Knowing the proper location in the mouth to introduce the syringe will be essential to success. Having the right size syringes and the right amount of liquid for your pet is very important.

  • Glipizide (brand name: Glucotrol®) is an anti-diabetic medication used off label to treat type 2 diabetes in cats that are responsive to the medication, or when an alternative to needles is preferred. Glipizide is given by mouth in the form of a tablet.

  • Glucosamine + chondroitin combination is a nutritional supplement used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs, cats, miniature pigs, and other animals, as well as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats. Glucosamine acts as a mild anti-inflammatory and is used by the joints to make cartilage components and by the urinary tract for protection. Chondroitin inhibits destruction and promotes production of cartilage components.

  • Glutamine (L-glutamine, glutamate, glutamic acid) is an amino acid supplement used in cats and dogs to prevent and treat stomach and intestinal damage, or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). It may be helpful for conditions such as parvovirus and bowel disease, and during chemotherapy.

  • Grapiprant is given by mouth in the form of a chewable tablet to treat pain and inflammation in dogs. 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.