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Pet Health Articles

Horses + English

  • Folic acid (also known as folate or folacin) is a B vitamin (B9) used to treat folic acid deficiency in dogs, cats, horses, and other species. Folic acid is necessary for normal metabolic functions such as DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.

  • Unfortunately, it is occasionally necessary to try to foster a foal onto a mare that is not its natural mother. This may be for any one of a number of reasons.

  • A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. Just about every bone in the body can be fractured but fractures of the bones of the limbs are of major importance in horses and ponies.

  • Furosemide is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat many conditions, including congestive heart failure and fluid retention. Common side effects include increased urination, diarrhea, or constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in those that are unable to make urine.

  • Ganciclovir ophthalmic is a topical antiviral drug used to treat herpes virus eye infections (herpes keratitis) in cats, horses, and other animals. Ganciclovir ophthalmic comes in ointment gel form.

  • Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a long molecule that contains an organism’s entire genetic code. Every cell in the body contains two identical strands of DNA, and this DNA contains the “instructions” (genes) needed to create and run every part of the body. This handout summarizes how DNA works and how it directs the overall appearance, health, and actions of an animal.

  • Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic (Gentocin Durofilm) is a steroid anti-inflammatory eye medication with antibiotics used to treat external eye infections and eye inflammation in dogs. It is also sometimes used to manage pannus or pigmentary keratitis in dogs, and used off-label in cats and horses.

  • 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.

  • Griseofulvin (brand names: Fulvicin®, Gris-Peg®, Grisovin®) is an antifungal used to treat ringworm and other skin, hair, and nail fungal infections in cats, dogs, small mammals, and horses. Griseofulvin is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension.

  • A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that originates from the heart valves and can be heard with a stethoscope skillfully placed over the heart valves.