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Pet Health Articles

Horses

  • Diarrhea means the production of feces that are softer than normal. Normal equine feces are produced in formed, non-offensive smelling, greenish-brown, semi-solid portions that will break up in the hand, revealing varying degrees of fibrous content depending upon diet.

  • Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Dimethylglycine is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to enhance racing performance, as well as supplement the treatment for some cancers, diabetes, immune diseases, or cardiovascular diseases. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and unreported. DMG should be used cautiously in pets that are pregnant, nursing, or debilitated. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Diphenhydramine is given by mouth or as an injection and is used on and off label to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and to induce sedation. Side effects include sleepiness, and less commonly dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset.

  • Dipyrone (Zimeta®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in horses to treat fever. It may also be used off-label for the treatment of pain in dogs and cats, as well as cattle and rabbits.

  • Docusate (Docusate Sodium Bloat Preparation, DSS, Dioctynate®, Pet-Enema®, Enema SA®, Docu-Soft®, Anti Gaz, Bloat Eze, Bloat Go, Bloat Release, Bloat Treatment, Bloat-Lax) is a laxative medication used to soften dry or hard stools and assist with constipation and bloating in animals. It is prescribed for use in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and rabbits, but is not recommended for reptiles due to potential fatalities.