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  • Ophytrium is an ingredient extracted from Japanese mondo grass (Ophipogon japonicus) that is used in several topical treatments (i.e., Douxo® S3 products). It is used on dogs and cats with oily to flaky skin. It is believed to help control odor and dandruff, soothe and hydrate the skin, maintain the skin barrier, untangle the fur, and soften the coat.

  • Oxytetracycline is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat infections in cats, dogs, and fish. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat bacterial infections in exotic animals. Oxytetracycline comes in oral tablet or compounded liquid forms.

  • Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B ophthalmic (brand name Terramycin®) is a combination antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). It is used to treat eye infections in cats and dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra-label” to treat eye infections in avian species, hedgehogs, and rabbits. Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B comes in ointment form.

  • Oxytocin is a hormonal agent used to induce or enhance uterine contractions at the time of birth in cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other mammals. Oxytocin is also used in mammals to help start milk production, control uterine bleeding, and help shrink the uterus to normal size after birth. It has been used in birds and reptiles to help resolve egg binding.

  • Most cats instinctively hide their pain as a survival mechanism which can make detecting pain in cats a challenge. Although the signs may be subtle, careful observation of a cat’s everyday behaviors will often reveal pain when it is present. These signs may include changes in behavior, mobility, elimination, and grooming habits. Common pain medications include NSAIDs and opioids. Your veterinarian will choose the appropriate drugs based on your cat's specific needs.

  • Palliative care can be as easy or complex as necessary, to meet the needs of the pet and human family. Some palliative care patients benefit from massage, therapeutic laser, temperature therapy (heating or cooling devices), acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical rehabilitation techniques. Palliative care creates a bridge of care to support a pet as the time for humane euthanasia approaches. It is not a substitute for euthanasia, but it often helps us postpone euthanasia, allowing our pets to remain with us for whatever quality time remains for them.

  • Palliative medicine is care that is delivered as a cat approaches the end of life. The first step in creating a palliative care plan is to discuss with your veterinarian the expected course of the disease and how it will affect your cat's quality of life. Once a cat's daily life activities have been identified, it is important to define family beliefs, family needs as care unfolds, and the goals for the cat as death approaches. An essential part of establishing goals of palliative therapy is understanding the expected course of the life-limiting disease. Knowledge about disease allows for the development of a personalized palliative care plan.

  • Pandora syndrome affects multiple organ systems, including the urinary tract. The term is often used synonymously with Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC), but FIC is only one component of Pandora syndrome. It is believed to be related to chronic stress. This article discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for cats with this condition.

  • Penicillin G (brand names VetriPen G, PenOne Pro, others), is an antibiotic used to treat susceptible infections in cats, dogs, chickens, horses, livestock, ferrets, hedgehogs, rabbits, and other animals. It is used off label (extra label) in cats, dogs, and other companion animals. Penicillin G comes in injectable suspension form. Caution when using in rabbits and other animals sensitive to penicillin-like drugs.

  • Pet-Tinic® is a liquid dietary supplement for dogs and cats that contains iron, copper, and essential vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12).