Articles
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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.
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Interactive feeders that require a pet to think and work for their food call upon the natural instinct to hunt or forage. Besides being fun, these food puzzles may help both physical and behavioral problems in cats and dogs. When used correctly, interactive feeders may benefit pets that eat too quickly, become bored when alone, or suffer from separation anxiety.
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This handout discusses the need for ensuring your pregnant dog is receiving adequate nutrition to make sure both she and her puppies thrive during this time of increased demands on her body. Feeding and diet suggestions are provided.
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Feeding your dog can be easily accomplished with mealtimes on a set schedule. At least two meals per day are best for your dog. The use of food toys or interactive feeders adds interest to your dog’s mealtimes. Routines help your dog adjust to changes that may occur in your home as well as allow you to monitor his health.
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Felbamate is an anticonvulsant used to treat seizure disorders in dogs. It may be used when initial anticonvulsants are not effective or stop working. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Felbamate comes in tablet and liquid suspension forms.
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An FHO, or femoral head ostectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to restore pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip by removing the head and neck of the femur (the long leg bone or thighbone). This procedure is commonly recommended for smaller dogs, especially those who are at a healthy weight. Active dogs often experience better results with FHO than less-active dogs. It is important to follow your veterinarian's post-operative instructions. Most dogs will show signs of complete recovery approximately six weeks post-operatively.
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Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative used as an anti-lipemic agent to lower triglycerides (a type of fat or lipid) in dogs. Its use in cats and other animals has not been studied. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Fenofibrate comes in capsule and tablet forms.
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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.
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Ferrous sulfate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat iron-deficiency. Use as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as discomfort, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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To be classified as a fever of unknown origin (FUO), the body temperature must be above 103.5°F (39.7°C) for longer than a few days, with no obvious underlying cause based on history and physical examination. A fever is beneficial to the body, but if a fever remains above 106°F (41.1°C) for more than a few days, several consequences occur within the body and can be life threatening. If your pet has a fever, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, perform diagnostic blood tests, urine culture, and possibly other diagnostic tests. Antibiotics are often prescribed.
