CAH | Drugs

County Animal Hospital

Shampoos

In this section there are some common drugs, the reasons they are used and possible side effects.

ALWAYS finsh all medicine that is dispensed unless directed otherwise by your veterinarian.

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Amoxicillin- an antibiotic ususally given twice daily. Give amoxicillin with food to prevent gastro-intestinal upset. The suspension should be refrigerated.Shake the bottle before use.

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Baytril (enrofloxacin)- a broad-spectrum antibiotic given 1 or 2 times daily. This antibiotic is frequently used for infections of the urinary, respiratory tracts, and gastro-intestinal tracts.

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Cephalexin- a broad-spectrum antibiotic given 2 or 3 times daily. This antibiotic is commonly used for skin and urinary tract infections. Give this medication with food to prevent gastro-intestinal upset.

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Clavamox- an antibiotic closely related to amoxicillin. It is similar to the human drug Augmentin. This antibiotic is frequently used for skin, urinary and respiratory tract infections. Adverse effects can be gastrointestinal upset and decreased appetite. This drug should be taken twice daily and with food. Use all of the tablets dispensed unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.

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Deramaxx (deracoxib)- Deramaxx is a new non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drug. It is a new type of drug that is reported to be less likely to cause side effects than previoulsy developed drugs. Deramaxx islabled for post-operative and orthopedic pain. This medicine is produced as a chewable tablet that dogs readily accept. Be sure to keep the bottle out of the dog's reach to prevent overdosage with the palatable tablets.

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Dexamethasone- a type of cortisone medication. See prednisolone for further information about this type of medication. Dexamethasone is more potent and longer lasting than prednisolone and is most frequently used for back pain and immune system disorders.

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Etogesic (etodolac)- a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever similar to Rimadyl. Etogesic is given once daily with food. Adverse effects are rare but would be similar to other drugs of this class (vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite and possible kidney and liver damage).

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Conofite lotion (miconizole)- an anti-fungal topical medication most commonly used to treat yeast infections in ears.

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Otomax- a topical combination product usually used for treating ear infections in dogs and cats. It contains a broad-spectrum antibiotic with a steroid (like cortisone-decreases inflammation) and an anti-fungal drug to kill yeast.

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Prednisone/Prednisolone- a steroid used primarily for its anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effects. Steroids can have many detrimental effects if used long term or at high doses. This medication is typically tapered slowly over a few days before discontinuation. Common side effects are increased appetite, thirst, urination and panting.

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Rimadyl (carprofen)- a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Rimdayl should be given with food. Do not use with other NSAID's (i.e. Asprin) or steroids like prednisone. This drug can cause gastro-intestinal bleeding. Very rarely, dogs can develop liver disease. If you note vomiting, diarrhea, not eating or dark stools, call the animal hospital. Do not give this medicine to cats.

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Soloxine- Soloxine is a brand name of L-throxine. This medication is a replacement for thyroid hormone. It is used in dogs who are hypothyroid (i.e.don't make enough thyroid hormone). Medication is given for the rest of the dog's life and blood levels need to be monitored periodically (approximately 3-6 hours after the morning dosage). Cats rarely need this medication because feline hypothyroidism is rare.

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Tapazole- Tapazole is an anti-thyroid drug. It is used to control feline hyperthyroidism. This is a disease caused by the presence of one or more functioning nodules on the cat's thyroid gland. Tapazole suppresses thyroid hormone production by the nodules. Thyroid levels need to be monitored by blood testing periodically. The number of hours between administration of the tapazole tablet and the blood test is not critical. Treatment is for the rest of the cat's life unless the disease is cured by radiation or surgery.Tapazole can be comdounded by a pharmacist into a transdermal gel for cats that are impossible to pill consistantly. Side effects in some cats include loss of appetite, vomiting and anemia and low white blood cell counts.

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Tresaderm- an anti-inflammatory, anti-yeast, anti-bacterial, usually used for ears. This medicine should be used after the ears are cleaned. Place about 10 drops in the infected ear and massage the ear canal. Refridgerate this medication.

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Shampoos

Allerseb T (coal tar shampoo)- potent degreasing effect, can dry-out the skin and coat if used inappropriately. Useful for dogs with really oily skin and coats (for example some cocker spaniels). These shampoos are toxic to cats. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Aveeno (oatmeal shampoo)- moisturizing, soothing, decreases itching. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Dermazole (miconizole)- anti-fungal used for ringworm and yeast infections. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Episoothe (oatmeal shampoo)- moisturizing, soothing, decreases itching. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Etiderm (ethyl lactate)- antibacterial, loosens crusts and scabs, moisturizing, less irritating than benzoyl peroxide shampoos. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Flea shampoos (allethrin, pyrethrin etc)- obsolete and rarely used anymore in favor of topical monthly flea control products like Frontline, Advantage, Revolution or oral products like Program or Sentinel. Flea shampoos do kill fleas, but can be irritating to the skin and provide little residual activity. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Nolvasan (chlorhexidine)- anti-bacterial and anti-fungal shampoo. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Oxydex (benzoyl peroxide)- antibacterial, flushes debris from clogged or infected hair follicles. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Pyoben (benzoyl peroxide)- antibacterial, flushes debris from clogged or infected hair follicles. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Resicort (hydrocortisone)- actually a rinse that is applied after a bath. Application is by running a bead of Resicort along the pet's back and rubbing it into the skin and coat. It is not rinsed off. It provides an anti-itch effect. It is most commonly used in treating allergic patients.

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Sebalyte (sulfur and salicylic acid shampoo)- mildly degreasing, decreases scaling (dandruff), mild antibacterial shampoo. For more information, see medicated shampoos.

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Selsun Blue (selenium shampoo)- anti-dandruff shampoo useful in dogs with chronic yeast infections on their skin. For more information, see medicated shampoos.