Articles
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Fish oil (brand names: Eicosaderm, Dermapet, Welactin, AllerG-3) is a supplement derived from cold-water fish, such as salmon. Fish oil is used to help with inflammatory diseases, including skin allergies (atopy) and dermatitis, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and some types of cancer. Fish oil is used widely in cats, dogs, and other animals.
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Flaxseed oil (also called flax oil) is derived from flax plant seeds and contains high levels of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Flaxseed oil is used as a dietary supplement to treat inflammatory conditions in cats, dogs, and other animals.
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Fleas are the most common nuisance and parasite affecting cats, and an infestation can lead to serious health problems. Homes with carpets and central heating provide ideal conditions for the year-round growth of fleas. This handout outlines flea control options for your cat and your home.
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Florfenicol + terbinafine + betamethasone otic (brand name Osurnia) is a long-acting, topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with certain bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs. It should only be administered by a veterinary professional.
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Florfenicol + terbinafine + mometasone otic (brand names: Claro, Simplera) is a topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with certain bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs. This medication is usually given by veterinary personnel as a single dose.
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Flower essences are extracts from various types of flowers that are used to balance emotions. In animals, they are used to relieve emotional stress and anxiety. Flower essences are used in many different animals, including cats, dogs, horses, fish, birds, and other animals.
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Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used off label in cats, dogs, and small mammals to treat fungal infections, especially those in the brain and spinal cord. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension and is also available as an injection for hospital use. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, or pregnant or lactating pets.
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Flucytosine is an antifungal drug used in combination with other drugs to treat serious fungal infections in pets. No veterinary products are available. Human products (Ancobon®) are used off label in dogs, cats and birds; caution is advised for use in dogs, as they may develop severe skin reactions.
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Fludrocortisone acetate (brand names: Florinef®, Astonin®, Astonin H®, Florinefe®, Lonikan®) is used off-label to treat adrenal gland insufficiency or hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) in cats, dogs, and ferrets. It may also be used with other medications to treat hyperkalemia. Fludrocortisone acetate is given by mouth.
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Fluocinolone + acetonide DMSO (brand name Synotic®) is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear inflammation in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use on pets allergic to corticosteroids or DMSO, on pets with a ruptured ear drum or pets that are pregnant.