Educational Articles
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Echinococcosis refers to being infected with a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus and is primarily a parasite of coyotes and foxes. Infected cats are usually asymptomatic, but in both cats and humans the parasite can cause large cysts to form within the lungs and liver. E.multilocularis is treated with praziquantel and in most cases the prognosis is good.
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An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a test that is used to assess the heart. More specifically, an ECG records the transmission of an electrical impulse through the heart. This test is not painful and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Analyzing the electrical impulses produced as the heart beats can help identify a number of different abnormalities within the heart.
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Emodepside/praziquantel (brand name Profender®), is an antiparasitic drug used to treat and control hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms in cats. Empodepside with praziquantel comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin.
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Endocarditis is an infection of a heart valve, most often affecting the mitral or aortic valve. It can arise any time that bacteria enter the bloodstream, though it is more common when the heart valve has already been damaged for some other reason. The clinical signs of endocarditis are often nonspecific in the early stages, but may progress to include signs of heart failure later in the course of the disease. The diagnosis and treatment of endocarditis can present a challenge, requiring multiple tests and prolonged courses of antibiotic therapy.
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Enilconazole is a topical wash/dip used to treat dermatophytosis (ring worm) in dogs and sometimes in cats. Side effects are uncommon as it is relatively well-tolerated, but in cats may include drooling, vomiting, lack of appetite, weight loss, muscle weakness, and elevated liver enzymes. Do not use in cats unless directed by your veterinarian. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Many veterinarians, including nutritionists and behaviorists, believe it is important for dogs and cats to express their natural foraging and hunting behaviors. For pets living indoors, this can be difficult, and the lack of this stimulation can sometimes lead to behavior problems. Enriching a pet's environment with food toys and puzzles at mealtimes can fulfill the need to forage. The use of toys, puzzles and other novel methods of food delivery can also be effective ways to increase daily movement in overweight or inactive pets.
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Enrofloxacin otic is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear infections 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 with pets allergic to quinolones or sulfonamides, with young animals, or with those with central nervous system disorders. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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Enzymatic toothpaste (brand name C.E.T., others) is a product used at home by pet owners to aid in tooth brushing that minimizes plaque and tartar formation on the exterior of the tooth (the crown), and also assists in the maintenance of good oral hygiene. It can be used on both dogs and cats.
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Feline eosinophilic keratitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the cornea that results in the surface of the eye appearing pink, white, or chalky. It is caused by an accumulation of inflammatory cells called eosinophils. The clinical signs, appearance, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition are explained in this handout.
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Epineprhine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). It may be added to local anesthesia drugs due to its ability to cause veins to constrict, thus delaying the body’s absorption of the drugs and prolonging the duration of the local anesthetic duration.