Pet Health Articles
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Dental pain may take on a variety of appearances, but often, a dog will not show any outward signs of pain. The only effective treatment for dental pain is to address the dog's underlying dental disease. The best way to prevent dental pain is to ensure that your dog receives regular dental care through a home dental care plan and regular veterinary dental care.
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If a tooth is unerupted, it is at risk of forming a destructive dentigerous (odontogenic) cyst in the bone. Although unerupted or broken teeth can be painful, dogs rarely show obvious signs of pain. Dentigerous cysts, including and the original tooth must be removed carefully as to avoid compromising the bone, which can easily fracture during the extraction. Dentigerous cysts are preventable if unerupted teeth are addressed early in life.
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Deracoxib (brand name Deramaxx) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used in dogs after surgery to reduce the pain associated with surgery (e.g., orthopedic and dental surgeries), as well as for the treatment of osteoarthritis. This article discusses possible side effects, risk factors, drug interactions, monitoring, and proper storage.
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Dermaquin® is a supplement for dogs and cats that supports a healthy skin barrier. It contains a blend of nutritional ingredients, including hardy kiwi, omega fatty acids, and beta-glucans. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other skin treatments and medications.
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Dermatomyositis is a hereditary, immune-mediated disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that causes dramatic inflammation of these tissues. Signs are usually first recognized in puppies but can present in young adulthood. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
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Designer dogs are a mix of registered, pure dog breeds. Intentional mixing of breeds creates the possibility of combining the best characteristics of each parent. Sometimes a designer dog mix includes more than two pure breeds, but the lineage can be identified, unlike a mutt.
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Deslorelin (brand name Suprelorin-F®) is a synthetic hormonal agent used to manage adrenocortical disease in ferrets. Deslorelin has also been used as a temporary contraceptive in intact male dogs or ferrets, to suppress estrus in small mammals, to decrease reproductive behavior in pet birds, and to induce ovulation in horses. Caution when handling if pregnant or child-bearing age.
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Desmopressin is a hormone used off-label to treat diabetes insipidus (not diabetes mellitus) and von Willebrand disease in cats, dogs, and horses. Desmopressin is usually provided in a nasal spray format, but the nasal spray is administered as drops in the eye. Your veterinarian may recommend an oral tablet or an injection given in the clinic.
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Desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) (brand name Percorten-V, Zycortal) is a steroid hormone replacement therapy used to treat primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease) in dogs. Lower dosages can be used to help balance blood electrolyte levels. DOCP has also been used extra-label to treat hypoadrenocorticism in cats.
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Parasitic worms live in the intestines of horses and ponies. Small numbers of worms can be tolerated, causing no effect on well-being.