Library
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Xanthine bladder stones are an uncommon type of urinary stone that can occur in both dogs and cats. Xanthine is produced when purines (a component of animal proteins) are broken down within the body. Most dogs can further break down xanthine into other substances that are easily excreted, but some dogs are deficient in an enzyme that is required for this breakdown to occur. These dogs develop elevated levels of xanthine in the urine, resulting in xanthine stones forming within the urinary tract. They can also form secondary to administration of a medication called Allopurinol. Xanthine urinary tract stones are typically removed surgically. Affected dogs require long-term care with specialized diets to prevent recurrence.
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Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. It is found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other fruits. It may also be called wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.
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Yeast dermatitis (Malassezia dermatitis) is a common skin disease in dogs caused by a fungus. This fungus is normally found on the skin, but when it grows abnormally, it can cause inflammation of the skin. Signs include itchiness, redness, scaly or crusty skin, and foul odor.
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Yorkshire Terriers are small companion dogs known for a silky coat, bold personality, and strong attachment to their owners. This small but confident breed was originally developed for catching rodents before it became favored as a lapdog. Yorkies are alert, energetic, and often act much larger than their size.
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Yunnan Baiyao is a Chinese herbal blend used to control bleeding in many species, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and horses. It is recognized as a herbal supplement in the U.S.
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Zinc is a mineral agent used to nutritional zinc deficiency, copper hepatopathies, hepatic fibrosis, hepatic lipidosis, and zinc-responsive skin diseases in cats and dogs. Zinc comes in a variety of oral forms and an injectable form.
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Zinc gluconate (neutralized) topical (brand name Maxi/Guard®Zn7 Derm) is an anti-irritant that may provide relief from the dry skin and itching associated with irritating skin conditions in cats, dogs, and other animals. Zinc gluconate (neutralized) topical comes in gel and liquid spray forms.
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Zinc is an essential mineral needed for DNA production, growth, wound healing, and immune function. Since zinc is not made in the body, it must be consumed in the diet. The body requires very small amounts of zinc and ingesting too much can cause poisoning.
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Zinc-responsive dermatosis in dogs is a skin condition that results from zinc deficiency in the body. The deficiency can be due to an inability to adequately absorb zinc from the diet, zinc binders in dietary supplements, excess calcium (juvenile large breeds) or less commonly, an inadequate amount of zinc in the diet. Signs and treatment are discussed.
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Zonisamide is an off-label, oral, systemic medication used to treat seizures alone or with other anticonvulsants. Side effects include sedation, uncoordinated walking, inappetence, liver disease, urinary stones, and metabolic acidosis. It is contraindicated in patients with liver disease or in pregnant or breeding animals.