Educational Articles
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Cloxacillin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain bacterial infections, most commonly staphylococcal infections. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that have an allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins.
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Codeine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat mild to moderate pain, cough, and occasionally diarrhea. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other opioids, in pets with inflammatory bowel disease, or in pets that have ingested a toxic substance. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Coenzyme Q-10 is an over the counter supplement given by mouth and is used off label to treat heart, nerve, or inflammatory conditions in dogs and cats. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and have not been documented. Use cautiously in pregnant or nursing pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Colchicine is given by mouth and is used off label to primarily treat amyloidosis and Shar-Pei fever. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are not well documented and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, skin rash, incoordination, severe tiredness, weakness, infections, bleeding, or bruising. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with severe kidney, gastrointestinal, or heart disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Colloidal oatmeal topical (brand name DermAllay®, Epi-Soothe, others) is an anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (anti-itching), and emollient (softening, soothing) agent used in the treatment of surface skin disorders and skin reactions in cats and dogs. It is made from oat grains (Avena sativa). Colloidal oatmeal topical comes in spray, cream rinse, and shampoo forms.
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Colostrum is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat various immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and may include gastrointestinal upset in pets with a dairy allergy. There are no known contraindications. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Crofelemer CA1, also known as Crofelemer (brand name Canlevia®-CA1), is an antidiarrheal drug used to treat diarrhea caused by chemotherapy in dogs. Crofelemer CA1 comes in delayed release tablet form.
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Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12 or cobalamin) is a vitamin supplement used to treat systemic deficiencies. It can be given through a subcutaneous injection or oral tablet. The injection may sting temporarily, but otherwise is very safe. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Cyclophosphamide is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat various cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, carcinoma, and sarcoma. Common side effects include hair loss and hair coat changes. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that cannot be sufficiently monitored during treatment, are pregnant or lactating, have urinary obstruction, infection, bone marrow dysfunction, or have had an episode of blood in the urine that is not associated with a bladder infection. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Cyclosporine ophthalmic ointment is an immunosuppressant used in the treatment of eye diseases suspected to be immune-related, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and other inflammatory conditions of the eye. Cyclosporine comes as an ophthalmic ointment but may sometimes be compounded into a higher concentration ophthalmic solution for pets not responding to the ointment. It is important to remember that it may take days to weeks to notice improvement. Do not stop giving the medication without asking your veterinarian. If signs of serious side effects or immune suppression occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.
