Pet Health Articles
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Marbofloxacin + terbinafine + dexamethasone: otic (brand name Otiserene) is a topical medication consisting of an antimicrobial (marbofloxacin), an antifungal (terbinafine), and a steroid (dexamethasone). It is used in the treatment of otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast and bacteria in dogs.
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Maropitant citrate (brand name Cerenia®) is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or injected under the skin and used to treat nausea and vomiting in dogs and cats. Common side effects include vomiting and increased salivation, or pain at the injection site. It is contraindicated in pets with a GI obstruction, GI toxicity, or in pets under 8 weeks old. Use caution in pets with heart or liver disease, or in pets under 16 weeks old.
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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.
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Medicinal mushrooms are a group of fungi that are used to treat and prevent several different diseases or to promote general health. Examples of medicinal mushrooms include maitake, shiitake, reishi, cordyceps, and turkey tail mushrooms. They are primarily used in dogs and cats but may be used in many species.
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Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) oil is a lipid (fat) used as a nutritional supplement to provide calories and fatty acids to dogs on fat-restricted diets. It has also been used to help with cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats, as well as a supportive treatment for epilepsy in dogs. MCT oil comes in an oral form to be given with food. Avoid use in animals with severe liver disease.
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Medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand names: Provera®, Meprogest®, Proclim®) is a progestin hormone used to treat sexually driven behavior problems in cats, such as male-male aggression, spraying, roaming, and mounting. In dogs, it has been used for conditions including certain dwarfisms, skin conditions, reproductive conditions, and behaviors.
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Megestrol acetate is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid and is used in dogs or off label in cats to postpone the heat cycle or to treat false pregnancy. It can also be used off label in male dogs to treat prostatic hypertrophy. It should not be used in pregnant pets or pets with uterine disease, diabetes, or breast tumors.
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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.
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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.
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Meropenem is an antibiotic used to treat multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections in cats and dogs, particularly infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Its use in veterinary medicine is limited to susceptible infections with documented resistance to other antimicrobials. Its use is off label in veterinary medicine. Meropenem comes in an injectable form.