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  • Severe heart disease in cats can lead to congestive heart failure, a condition that occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the body, and fluid starts to back up. With right-sided heart failure, fluid backs up in body cavities, whereas with left-sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs. The most common type of heart disease in cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Difficulty breathing is the number one clinical sign.

  • Cornifying epitheliomas are benign skin tumors that are secondary to keratin buildup. They can develop anywhere but may be most troubling if they affect the skin around the nail, causing swelling, discomfort, and lameness. Surgical removal is curative in most cases.

  • There are many ways we can change our dog's home environment to help them more easily move around and avoid injuries. This handout reviews some key points to improve your dog's comfort at home and on car trips.

  • Crofelemer CA1, also known as Crofelemer (brand name Canlevia®-CA1), is an antidiarrheal drug used to treat diarrhea caused by chemotherapy in dogs. Crofelemer CA1 comes in delayed release tablet form.

  • Cryptosporidium is a species of single-celled parasite that can infect your dog through the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical signs such as diarrhea and weight loss may only be seen in immunosuppressed patients, including puppies. These patients may need supportive care and other treatment to control disease. Certain Cryptosporidium species can be spread between pets and humans, making this parasite zoonotic.

  • Cushing's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands over-produce certain hormones. It may be caused by a pituitary gland tumor, an adrenal tumor, or prolonged corticosteroid use. Clinical signs include poor haircoat, pot-bellied appearance, increased drinking, and increased urination. Medical and surgical treatment options are discussed. Prognosis varies but is improved with intervention.

  • Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to help relax the urinary tract and improve urine flow in cats and dogs. It has also been used to help prevent muscle contractions caused by certain toxicities in dogs and malignant hyperthermia in miniature pigs and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Dantrolene comes in capsule and injectable forms.

  • Darbepoetin alfa is prescribed off label to treat low red blood cell levels (anemia) caused by progressing kidney disease in dogs and cats. It is administered by injections under the skin.

  • Dasuquin® Advanced is a supplement used to improve joint function, reduce joint pain, and support flexibility and mobility in dogs and cats. Therapeutic ingredients include glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), sodium chondroitin, and sulfate.

  • Topical deltamethrin/deltamethrin combination products (brand names PetArmor®, Sentry®, Zodiac®, others) are synthetic pyrethroid insecticides used to repel mosquitoes and kill fleas and ticks on dogs older than 12 weeks of age for up to 6 months. Products may be also used to repel and kill sandflies. Never use in cats or aquatic species. Deltamethrin/deltamethrin combination products come in an impregnated collar form.