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One of the most common conditions affecting cats is allergy. An allergy occurs when the cat's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances called allergens or antigens. Allergens and antigens are simply foreign proteins that the body's immune system tries to remove.
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Most people know someone who is allergic to certain foods, such as strawberries or nuts. Food allergy is one of the five most common allergies or hypersensitivities known to affect dogs. In a pet with an allergy, the immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate.
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Allopurinol is an oral medication typically used to prevent uric acid and calcium oxalate stones in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat leishmaniasis and gout in dogs and other species. Side effects are uncommon but may involve stomach upset. Caution must be taken when allopurinol is used in conjunction with certain other medications. It should not be used in pets with liver or kidney dysfunction or in red-tailed hawks.
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Alprazolam is a medication given by mouth as a tablet or liquid used off label in cats and dogs to treat anxiety and phobias. Common side effects include sedation, increased appetite, or uncoordinated walking. This medication should not be used in pets with a paradoxical reaction and should be used with caution in debilitated, geriatric, pregnant, lactating pets, or in pets with liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Alternative diets cover a range of options that target specific feline nutritional needs. While some alternative diet options include certain ingredients like novel protein sources, others exclude certain ingredients like grains. Determining which diet is best for your cat should include a discussion with your veterinarian, as there is no documented data that alternative diets are any healthier for the average cat compared to conventional diets.
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Alternative diets cover a range of options that target specific canine nutritional needs. While some alternative diet options include certain ingredients like novel protein sources, others exclude certain ingredients like grains. Determining which diet is best for your dog should include a discussion with your veterinarian, as there is no documented data that alternative diets are any better for the average dog compared to conventional diets.
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Aluminum acetate solution, Topical (Burow's solution) + hydrocortisone (Corti-Derm®, Cort/Astrin®, Hydro-B 1020®), is a topical treatment used to relieve inflammation and itchiness in dogs. It is also commonly used to treat ear infections (otitis externa) in dogs due to its antibacterial effects and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Aluminum acetate solution, topical (Burow’s solution) is an astringent and drying agent used for the temporary relief of minor skin irritation in dogs and cats. Burow’s solution is also commonly used to treat ear infections. Burow’s solution is available as an over-the-counter human product but should always be used under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.
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Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used off label to treat high phosphate levels in pets with kidney disease. It is given by mouth, with meals, in the form of a liquid gel, powder, or a compounded capsule. The most common side effect is constipation, and therefore it should be used with caution in pets with a gastrointestinal obstruction or pets prone to constipation. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Amantadine is an antiviral medication given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid, that is mainly used off label for its pain control effects in pets. Common side effects include agitation and gastrointestinal effects. It should not be used in pets that are allergic to it, or that have untreated glaucoma. It should be used with caution in pets with liver, kidney, or heart disease, or in pets with eczema or seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.