Articles
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This handout discusses the pros and cons of feeding a raw food diet to your dog. Topics included are nutritional imbalances, potential bacterial contamination, the risk of foodborne illnesses involving both you and your pet, and other concerns that may arise from feeding a raw food diet.
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There are many environmentally friendly ways that owners can care for their pets. Waste disposal can involve biodegradable or compostable bags or careful composting. Cat litter can be transitioned to recycled newspaper or sawdust pellets. Any toys, beds, houses and other accessories can be biodegradable and/or recycled such as cotton or rubber. Cats should be kept indoors to reduce their impact on the ecology of their surrounding environment. A nutritionally adequate diet composed of organic food can be provided.
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Abscesses are firm or compressible, often painful swellings that contain pus. They can develop in many areas of the body including around tooth roots, anal glands, under the skin, or in the liver. Abscesses are caused by the introduction of bacteria through wounds, injuries, or bloodborne in the case of an internal organ abscess. Any area of the body that becomes infected can eventually cause an abscess to form such as anal gland abscess, bite wound abscess, prostatic abscess, or brain abscess from inner ear or sinus infection. Treatment depends on severity and location and usually involves removal of the pus either through drainage or surgical removal, the use of antibiotics based on the type of bacteria and location of the abscess, and pain control medications. Monitoring after initiating treatment includes watching the site for additional drainage if the abscess was superficial or monitoring the pet for improvement of clinical signs. Delayed treatment of abscesses can lead to chronic draining tracts or worse.
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Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is an analgesic (pain reliever) and fever-reducing medication. It is used to treat pain and fever in dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in some avian species, rabbits, miniature pigs, and some rodent species. Acetaminophen comes in capsule, tablet, or liquid suspension form. NEVER USE in cats or ferrets as it is potentially fatal at even miniscule doses.
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol), a common human drug used to control pain in fever, can be poisonous to dogs if inappropriate doses are given. Acetaminophen is occasionally recommended by veterinarians and should only be given under their direction. Young and small dogs have a higher risk for toxicity.
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Acetaminophen with codeine (brand name Tylenol with Codeine, Tylenol #3) is a combination drug that is used for pain management in humans. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is not often used in animals and, when done so, must only be used in dogs. It is often combined with the drug codeine which is a narcotic pain reliever. Acetaminophen/codeine comes in a variety of formulations.
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Acetaminophen with hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Nortab®) is a combination drug used for severe pain in humans. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is not often used in animals and, when done so, must only be used in dogs. In this case, it is combined with hydrocodone, which is a potent, narcotic pain reliever. Acetaminophen/hydrocodone comes in a variety of different formulations.
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Acetic acid/boric acid topical (brand name Malacetic) is an antibacterial and antifungal medication used to treat skin infections caused by bacteria and/or yeast in cats and dogs. Some formulations may be used to treat ear infections. This medication may be part of a combination product. Acetic acid/boric acid topical comes in shampoo, liquid (spray and dropper), and wipe form.
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Acetic acid/boric acid otic (brand name Malacetic) is an antibacterial and antifungal medication used as an ear cleanser and drying agent in cats and dogs with ear infection. This medication may be part of a combination product. Acetic acid/boric acid otic comes as a liquid ear cleanser.
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Canine acne is an inflammatory disorder of the lips and the skin of the muzzle. Dogs with mild cases of acne often have red bumps or pustules on their skin. This can, in more severe cases, lead to generalized swelling of the lips and muzzle, bleeding wounds, or scabs on the face. Commonly affected breeds include Boxers, English Bulldogs, Great Danes, German Shorthaired Pointers, and others. A variety of treatments are available and depend on the underlying cause of the acne.
