Skip to main content

Articles

Content Library

  • Metronidazole (brand name Flagyl®) is used off label in the treatment of certain infections, such as those caused by Giardia and Trichomonas, in dogs, cats, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other animals. It is often used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal problems.

  • Metyrapone is an adrenal enzyme blocking drug mainly used to treat cats with hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease). It is most useful as a short-term treatment to stabilize cats with Cushing's disease before surgery. It may also be used in ferrets and hamsters.

  • Mexiletine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat abnormal heart rhythms and muscle disorders in dogs. Common side effects include stomach upset such as vomiting, trembling, or dizziness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it.

  • Miconazole + chlorhexidine + tris-EDTA topical (brand name MiconaHex+Triz) is an antifungal and antimicrobial cleansing agent used in the treatment of surface skin infections and to enhance the effectiveness of other topical antibiotics in cats and dogs. It comes in spray, mousse, shampoo, and wipe forms.

  • Miconazole ophthalmic is an eye medication used to treat fungal infections on the surface of the eye. It is used in dogs, cats, horses, cattle and reptiles. It is only available through compounding pharmacies and should not be confused with other forms of miconazole products meant to be used in humans.

  • Miconazole otic is an antifungal medication used to treat external ear infections caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, and other animals. It may be specially compounded or combined into a formulation with other medications. Miconazole otic comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms.

  • Miconazole topical is an antifungal medication used to treat surface skin infections caused by yeast in cats and dogs. It may be used off label (extra label) to treat other conditions in cats and dogs. It may be specially compounded or combined into a formulation with other medications.

  • Testing for microalbuminuria has some use in detecting early kidney disease but can also be an indicator of multiple other diseases. A positive test gives your veterinarian suspicion to carry out further testing; however, it can have false positives if not used properly. It is a simple test that can give you a jump on treating a condition to help your cat live a happier life for longer.

  • If microalbuminuria is detected, your veterinarian will likely recommend further testing to look for hidden disease. The choice of tests may vary but could include routine blood tests and urinalysis (see handouts “Complete Blood Count”, “Serum Biochemistry”, and “Urinalysis” for more information). If there is no evidence of underlying illness, then regular check-ups every 3-6 months, including microalbuminuria testing, may be recommended to monitor your dog’s health status and to watch for any changes.

  • Microchips contain a unique identification number, and they are inserted with a needle under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades. The number is registered to your name, so if your cat gets lost, the number connects your cat to you. Microchips provide reliable, permanent identification for your pet.