Educational Articles
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Diltiazem is given by mouth as a tablet, capsule, or compounded liquid, and is used off label to treat abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and other heart conditions. Common side effects include a slow heart rate in dogs and vomiting in cats. This medication should not be used in pets with hypersensitivity, severely low blood pressure, lung congestion, or certain abnormal heart rhythms. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Dimenhydrinate is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat nausea and motion sickness, and occasionally itchiness. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or similar antihistamines, that are very young, or that are undergoing antigen skin testing within the next two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Dimethylglycine is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to enhance racing performance, as well as supplement the treatment for some cancers, diabetes, immune diseases, or cardiovascular diseases. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and unreported. DMG should be used cautiously in pets that are pregnant, nursing, or debilitated. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Dinotefuran/permethrin/pyriproxyfen (brand name Vectra 3D®) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug that is applied directly to the skin. It is used to repel and kill fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, biting flies, sand flies, and biting/chewing lice in dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 2.3 kg (5 lb). NEVER use in cats and avoid using in households with cats, if possible. Permethrin is poisonous to cats and any exposure may be fatal.
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Dinotefuran/pyriproxyfen (brand name Vectra) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas in dogs and puppies that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.14 kg (2.5 lbs) and in cats and kittens that are at least 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lbs). Do not confuse this medication with Vectra 3D®, a similar product labeled for use in dogs only.
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Diphenhydramine is given by mouth or as an injection and is used on and off label to treat allergic reactions, motion sickness, and to induce sedation. Side effects include sleepiness, and less commonly dry mouth and gastrointestinal upset. Diphenhydramine should not be used in pets that are allergic to this medication and should be used cautiously in pets with glaucoma, enlarged prostate, thyroid or heart disease, or are lactating. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Diphenoxylate + atropine (brand name Lomotil) is an opioid combination medication used to treat diarrhea or coughing in dogs and diarrhea in cats. Its use in cats is not generally recommended. Diphenoxylate + atropine is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid. This article discusses administration, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.
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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune condition that causes skin sloughing particularly around the nose causing scabbing and erosions that can become infected with bacteria. It can also affect the ear flaps, genitals and rarely spread through the entire body. DLE is diagnosed by submitting skin biopsies of affected areas for histopathological analysis. As well as antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, treatment involves suppression of the immune system including tacrolimus or steroid ointments/creams applied to the affected area. Some dogs will need tetracycline and niacinamide or stronger anti-inflammatories such as cyclosporine or corticosteroids. These treatments can be weaned once lesions resolve but flare-ups will likely occur, needing rechecks and repeat therapy. Sun exposure must be minimized as UV light can worsen the disease. If untreated, lesions can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
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Discospondylitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disks and the adjacent vertebral bones. It primarily affects dogs, though rarely can affect cats. It affects large breed dogs more often and generally starts clinically as back pain. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are outlined in this handout.
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Dogs exhibit many normal behaviors that can seem unruly. Some dogs are overly active and never seem to settle. Attempts to stop disruptive, normal behaviors using corrections are not typically successful. Effective techniques rely on training desired responses instead. Sometimes, even when trained, dogs do not listen. This is usually due to a lack of understanding rather than deliberate disobedience. Retraining basic skills can be helpful.