Skip to main content

Library

Cats

  • Evan’s syndrome is the term used when a pet has both immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). With this condition, the body destroys its own red blood cells and platelets. Prognosis is variable and depends on the underlying cause and the pet’s general condition at the time of diagnosis. Relapses are common.

  • Exenatide (brand names Bydureon®, Byetta®) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in addition to insulin to achieve better blood sugar control and treat certain types of diabetes in cats. Its use is off label in veterinary medicine. Exenatide comes in an injectable immediate-release and extended-release forms – the forms are not interchangeable.

  • Proprioception is the ability to know where your body is in space. This is what helps reduce falls and injury. Proprioception may be lost suddenly through spinal cord trauma, or it may be reduced with age, joint disease (osteoarthritis), or other orthopedic or neurologic disease. Some specific controlled exercises that can improve proprioception are discussed. Any exercise plan needs to be formulated by a veterinary rehabilitation therapist to avoid injury.

  • All glues containing isocyanate and diisocyanate can expand. Pets exposed to a very small amount of wet or liquid expanding glue may consume enough product to be problematic. Foreign body obstruction due to a mass of expanded glue in the stomach is the most common outcome in dogs ingesting expanding wood glues. After abdominal X-rays confirm the presence of a glue mass and obstruction, surgery is required to remove the mass, or endoscopy in mild cases. The prognosis for recovery from expanding glue ingestion depends on the removal of the mass.

  • Extracorporeal shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a treatment that uses high energy sound waves to exert changes in the target tissues. In specific situations it can decrease pain and increase healing. Conditions that can be treated, types of shockwave therapy, contraindications and adverse effects are discussed.

  • Dogs and cats have different nutrient requirements, which is why separate commercial pet foods are made for each species. Even pets of the same breed or body weight have unique calorie needs, so pet parents should feed them in separate bowls to avoid having any pets gain or lose weight. Diets designed for young growing puppies or kittens are different from adult dog or cat foods, so pups/kittens should be fed separately from adults until around the age of 11-12 months. Body condition scoring should be a part of regular monitoring to make sure each pet does not gain (or lose) weight.

  • Fentanyl is an opioid medication used off-label to treat pain in cats and dogs. It is often given as an injection in hospital, but patches may be prescribed to deliver fentanyl transdermally (through the skin) for pets at home. This handout describes common side effects, risk factors, and drug interactions. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Fipronil with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen, topical (brand name Catego® for cats), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Fipronil with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen comes in topical, spot-on forms.

  • Fipronil with etofenprox and s-methoprene, topical (brand name Frontline® Tritak for cats), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. Avoid use in rabbits and other small mammals.

  • Fipronil with etofenprox, topical (brand names Fiproguard® Max, Pronyl® OTC Max), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. Avoid use in rabbits and other small mammals.