Pet Health Articles
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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.
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Diclofenac ophthalmic is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) used to treat eye inflammation in cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other animals. Diclofenac ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form, given directly into the eye.
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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.
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Doxepin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat psychogenic dermatoses, especially those with an anxiety component. Examples of these conditions include tail biting, anal licking, excessive grooming, psychogenic alopecia, and feather plucking.
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Doxycycline is an antibiotic given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid, used off label to treat certain infections. Common side effects include stomach upset, sun sensitivity, and increases in liver enzymes. Serious side effects include liver failure, seizures, and trouble swallowing. Do not use in pregnant pets and use cautiously in pets with liver disease or in young pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Edetate calcium disodium (CaEDTA) is used for the treatment of lead and zinc toxicities when oral treatment is not possible. It may be used in all species of animals. Prior to treatment with edetate calcium disodium, it is imperative that the source of lead or zinc is removed from the animal through gastrointestinal decontamination.
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Egg binding is not uncommon in birds and may be resolved easily if treated early; if not, the bird may become critically ill. Egg binding occurs when the female bird is unable to expel the egg from her body. Egg-bound birds are usually weak, not perching, often sitting low on the perch or on the bottom of the cage and are straining as if trying to defecate or to lay an egg. Treatment varies depending upon how sick the bird is, as well as the location of the egg and the length of time the bird has been egg bound.
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Egg yolk peritonitis (also called coelomitis) occurs when yolk from a developing egg, an incompletely shelled egg, or a ruptured egg is deposited inside the body cavity. Affected birds often stop laying, become less active, have distended abdomens, and have difficulty breathing.
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Elizabethan collars are designed to help prevent self-mutilation and as a supplementary therapy for feather-destructive birds. Collars should only be used when prescribed by an avian veterinarian, and they are not always safe for every bird.
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Enalapril is used on and off label and is given by mouth or injection to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, or proteinuria. Common side effects include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have an acute kidney injury, or have certain heart conditions.