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• Quality of Life at the End of Life for Your Cat

  Quality of life is a way to refer to and discuss the day-to-day life and lifestyle of a cat reaching the end of its life. A quality-of-life scale for cats can help owners and veterinarians work together to maintain a healthy human-animal bond. The scale looks at seven different categories including hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, more good days than bad. The scale can help clarify the decisions and anxiety related to your cat’s end of life care.

• Rehabilitation Modalities

  This handout provides a brief overview of the most common evidence-based modalities used in veterinary medicine. Pet owners need to discuss the risk of recommended modalities for their specific pet with a trained and certified rehabilitation therapist before starting a rehabilitation program.

• Retinal Detachment in Cats

  Retinal detachment can cause sudden blindness or vision changes. It is generally secondary to an underlying condition like high blood pressure. Diagnostics and treatment are discussed. Prognosis is guarded to good depending on the underlying cause.

• S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe) + Silybin

  SAMe or S-adenosyl-methionine + Silybin (brand name: Denamarin®) is a combination supplement commonly used to support liver health in cats and dogs. The body uses SAMe for many important functions, such as brain, heart, hormone, antioxidant, detoxifying, and other metabolic functions. The combination of SAMe and Silybin is used to support liver and brain health. This article discusses side effects, interactions, monitoring, and storage.

• Salicylic Acid Topical

  Salicylic acid topical (brand name Solva-Ker®, BioSeb®, Cerasoothe® SA, others) is an antimicrobial and antipruritic (anti-itching) agent used in the treatment of seborrheic (dry or greasy dandruff) disorders in cats, dogs, and other animals. It may be specially compounded and/or combined into a formulation with other medications. It comes in cream, gel, ointment, and shampoo forms.

• Seboliance

  Seboliance (brand name Douxo®S3 SEB) is a natural extract from the pomegranate plant (Punica granatum) used to help control dandruff, reduce odor, and help hydrate dry skin in cats and dogs. Seboliance may be part of a combination product containing ophytrium. Seboliance comes in mousse and shampoo forms.

• Serum, Autologous: Ophthalmic

  Ophthalmic autologous serum is a blood-derived product used to treat corneal ulcers in animals. Ophthalmic autologous serum is part of the blood and is collected directly from the patient. It is in liquid form.

• Should I Feed My Pet an Ancestral Diet?

  The "ancestral diet" for dogs and cats is a broad term for a feeding plan that generally mimics what a wolf or wild cat might consume in the wilderness. In practice, there is great variability in nutrients, ingredients, and safety considerations for food sold or produced as an ancestral diet. This article reviews these considerations, so that pet owners, along with their veterinary care teams, can make informed decisions for their pets.

• Silver Sulfadiazine Topical

  Silver sulfadiazine topical is an antimicrobial used to treat skin infections and burns in cats, dogs, and exotic pets. It is used off label in veterinary medicine. Silver sulfadiazine topical comes in a topical cream.

• Sodium Chloride (Hypertonic) Ophthalmic

  Sodium chloride (hypertonic) ophthalmic is a topical medication used to reduce surface (corneal) swelling of the eye in cats and dogs. Sodium chloride is available without a prescription but should only be used under the direction of a veterinarian. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat eye conditions in animals other than cats or dogs. Sodium chloride (hypertonic) ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop form. Avoid use in animals with corneal ulceration or dry eye.