Educational Articles
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a slowly progressing cancer of a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. It can develop at any age but is more typically detected in middle-aged to senior dogs. It also seems to be more prevalent in German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. This disease is often asymptomatic and detected on routine lab screening. Further diagnostic procedures, as well as treatments and prognoses, are described in this handout.
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Ciprofloxacin is a systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is often given by mouth, but an injectable form is also available. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal distress, but other side effects are possible. It is contraindicated in young or dehydrated pets, or in pets with liver or kidney disease. It should not be the first-choice fluoroquinolone for veterinary patients.
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Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various forms of cancer and solid tumors in animals. It is prescribed off-label for use in dogs, horses, birds, and reptiles. It should not be used in cats due to potentially fatal side effects. Cisplatin is administered by injection, typically IV into the vein, by trained veterinary staff.
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Clarithromycin is given by mouth and used off label to treat certain bacterial infections in several animal species. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other macrolide antibiotics, in rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, or horses more than four months old.
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Clindamycin topical (brand names ClinzGard®, others) is an antimicrobial used to treat bacterial skin infections, acne, anal sac abscesses, and other wounds in cats and dogs. Clindamycin topical comes in variety of forms.
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Clonazepam is given by mouth and is used off label to treat seizures and certain behavioral disorders in dogs and cats. Common side effects include sleepiness, incoordination, drooling, excitement, or increased appetite.
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Clonidine is a medication that is used to treat behavioral disorders in dogs, particularly anxiety or phobia-related. Give as directed. Side effects are generally mild if present and include sedation, lethargy, agitation/excitation, aggression, and constipation. Monitoring blood pressure as well as heart rate and rhythm is recommended with chronic use. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Clopidogrel is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or compounded liquid and is used off label to prevent abnormal blood clots in dogs, cats, and horses. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that have bleeding problems. If a negative reaction or bleeding occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Clostridial enterotoxicosis is a complex and poorly understood syndrome characterized by diarrhea that is associated with the bacteria Clostridium perfringens (CP). It is associated with acute or chronic diarrhea. Clostridial enterotoxicosis is not caused by the bacteria directly, but by a toxin produced by the bacteria.
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Clotrimazole topical is an antifungal used in the treatment of surface skin infections caused by fungal organisms in cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other animals. Clotrimazole topical comes in a variety of forms that may be specially compounded and/or be combined with other medications. All forms are applied topically.