Educational Articles
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Betamethasone + gentamicin topical, also known as gentamicin/betamethasone topical (brand names GenOne Otic, Betagen, Vet Beta-gen, Gentacalm), is a combination antibiotic and steroid used to treat superficial skin infections and ear infections. It is labeled for use in cats and dogs to treat infections of the anal glands, ears, and skin. This medication comes in liquid drop solution, spray, and ointment forms. Avoid use in pets with ruptured ear drums.
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Bethanechol chloride is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to increase urinary or intestinal movement/activity. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, or have urinary obstruction, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal obstructions, intestinal inflammation, or recent intestinal, stomach, or bladder surgery. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Bexagliflozin (brand name Bexacat®, Brenzavvy®) is an oral glycemic control medication used in cats with diabetes mellitus. It is used to lower blood sugar levels in cats with diabetes mellitus not previously treated with insulin. Bexagliflozin comes in tablet form.
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Bilberry is an over the counter supplement given by mouth, and is used off label to treat conditions of the eyes, heart and blood vessels, diabetes, and tumors. Give as directed by your veterinarian. There are no known side effects, but information is limited. There are no known contraindications. Certain medications should be used with caution in combination with bilberry. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Bismuth compounds are given by mouth and are used on and off label to treat diarrhea and upset stomach. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects include discolored stools and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other NSAIDs, or in pets that have a stomach or intestinal ulcer. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Green and black tea is given by mouth, over the counter, and is used off label to treat cancers and inflammation. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects of caffeinated green/black tea include nervousness, sleeplessness, increased heart rate, and anxiety. Based on human studies, green and black tea should be used cautiously in pets that have kidney disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers, heart disease, insomnia, glaucoma, or high blood pressure. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Bromides are given by mouth and are used off label to treat seizures in dogs. Common side effects include sleepiness, mild vomiting, restlessness, increased or decreased appetite, constipation, increased thirst, and increased urination. Do not use bromides in cats or in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Budesonide is a glucocorticoid (steroid) most often given by mouth in the form of a capsule to treat inflammatory bowel disease off label in dogs and cats. Common side effects include increased appetite, thirst, or urination, as well as lack of energy, weakness, panting, skin and haircoat changes, and weight gain. Do not use this medication in pets allergic to it, and use with caution in pets with gastrointestinal ulcers, diabetes, infection, or cataracts. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Buprenorphine is used on and off label and is given by mouth into the cheek or injection to treat pain or as a preanesthetic. The most common side effect is sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other opioids, or in pets being treated with amitraz. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Buprenorphine long-acting transdermal (brand name Zorbium) is an opioid analgesic (pain relieving) medication. It is labeled for use in treating post-surgery pain in cats. This medication is a controlled narcotic available in the United States. Buprenorphine long-acting transdermal comes in a liquid form applied topically directly to the skin once (one time) by the veterinary team.