Educational Articles
-
Milbemycin oxime is a heartworm disease preventive and treats internal parasites in dogs and cats (e.g., hookworms and roundworms). It is also used off label to treat infestations in dogs. Milbemycin is given by mouth with a flavored oral tablet.
-
Feline miliary dermatitis is a skin condition that typically results from an underlying allergic reaction, most commonly to fleabites. An affected cat will have a very itchy rash and may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin, quickly progressing to small lesions with scabs on them. The offending allergen must be removed for long-term resolution.
-
Silymarin is an over-the-counter nutritional supplement that is used off-label and is given by mouth to treat liver and cancer conditions. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting or diarrhea. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
-
Minocycline is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat certain bacterial infections and as a part of the heartworm treatment protocol. Give as directed. Common side effects include stomach upset, such as vomiting, decreased appetite, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant, nursing, or are very young. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
-
Mirtazapine is given by mouth or is applied to the skin and is used to treat weight loss in cats and is used off-label to treat inappetence, nausea, and vomiting in cats and dogs. Give as directed. The most common side effects include vocalization, restlessness, vomiting, incoordination, or trembling. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or that have recently used an MAOI. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
-
Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy, with the most common cause being infection. It may also be caused by hormonal shifts or abnormalities. In many cases, there are no visible signs of miscarriage. If miscarriage is suspected, ultrasound is used to assess the pregnancy and determine whether the fetuses are alive. Finding a cause for the miscarriage, especially if that cause is a treatable condition, may improve outcomes in future pregnancies.
-
Misoprostol is used to treat or prevent stomach ulcers, especially when they may be caused or aggravated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Misoprostol helps the stomach protect itself against acid damage. It also decreases the amount of gastric acid produced by the stomach. This medication may be used for other conditions as determined by your veterinarian.
-
Mole and gopher baits are often flavored to attract pests, but cats and dogs may also ingest them if given the chance. The active ingredients in these baits can cause significant illness if enough is ingested. The most common active ingredients used in mole and gopher baits are zinc phosphide and bromethalin. There is no antidote for bromethalin poisoning, so decontamination within an appropriate time is key to a good outcome.
-
Mometasone combinations are applied topically to the skin and are used on and off label to treat skin lesions. The most common side effect is inflammation at the application site. It should not be used on pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant, have tuberculosis of the skin, or in pets with a ruptured ear drum. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Pets that have been diagnosed with epilepsy are usually prescribed one or more medications to prevent convulsions or seizures. Careful monitoring of epileptic pets is necessary, not only to make sure the dose of the medicine is right, but also to ensure there are no problems related to the long-term use of the medication. The most important thing to do is follow your veterinarian's instructions closely and give the medication regularly and consistently. This will ensure that the value reported on the blood test is reliable.