Educational Articles
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Activated charcoal (ToxiBan) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal binds poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them and may be used as part of treatment for certain poisonings.
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The combination of activated charcoal, kaolin, and sorbitol (ToxiBan® suspension with sorbitol) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal and kaolin bind poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them. Sorbitol accelerates defecation, and so gets the poison out of the body faster.
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Acupuncture is one aspect of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) that focuses on restoring the energy balance in the body to promote healing. The technique requires the insertion of fine needles into the dog's body at specified points, called acupuncture points, where nerves and blood vessels converge. It is often used to treat dogs with arthritis and joint inflammation and may reduce the amount of medication a dog needs for these conditions. This handout explains how the treatment works and what to expect when your pet sees a veterinary acupuncturist.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI), previously referred to as acute renal failure, is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. AKI leads to accumulation of toxins and other metabolic wastes in the bloodstream, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and disturbances in the acid-base balance of the blood. AKI is potentially reversible if diagnosed early and treated aggressively.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in dogs, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the dog's compromised lung.
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Afoxolaner is a chewable tablet used to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs. It has also been used off-label to treat certain types of mange and mites.
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Afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime is a heartworm disease preventive that also treats certain internal parasites and controls fleas and ticks in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat mite infestations in dogs. Certain dog breeds are more sensitive to milbemycin oxime than others; your veterinarian will advise you on the safety of milbemycin oxime use in your dog.
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Afoxolaner/moxidectin/pyrantel (brand name Nexgard Plus) is a prescription combination parasiticide used in dogs. It is labeled for use as a preventative for heartworm caused by Dirofilaria immitis in dogs; to treat and control tick infestations in dogs caused by black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and lone star ticks; to treat and control adult roundworm and hookworm infections in dogs; to kill adult fleas on dogs and to treat and prevent flea infestations.
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Aggression may be defined as any threatening or harmful behavior directed toward another individual or group. There are many causes of aggression in dogs, including underlying illness, pain, fear, anxiety and frustration. Aggression at any age and any level should be discussed with your veterinarian.
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An agility trial is a competitive canine sporting event where dogs of various breeds navigate obstacles and are judged on speed and accuracy. Agility training can be a fun activity with many benefits for you and your dog.