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  • Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to help relax the urinary tract and improve urine flow in cats and dogs. It has also been used to help prevent muscle contractions caused by certain toxicities in dogs and malignant hyperthermia in miniature pigs and dogs. It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Dantrolene comes in capsule and injectable forms.

  • Darbepoetin alfa is prescribed off label to treat low red blood cell levels (anemia) caused by progressing kidney disease in dogs and cats. It comes as a clear, colorless, liquid solution that is injected under the skin.

  • Dasuquin® Advanced is a supplement used to improve joint function, reduce joint pain, and support flexibility and mobility in dogs and cats. Therapeutic ingredients include glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), sodium chondroitin, and sulfate.

  • Cat food labels can be confusing. These labels are an important way that pet food manufacturers communicate nutritional information to consumers. It is important to understand some of the rules regulating cat food labels to better interpret the information they contain.

  • “Medicalese” is the “language” or specialized terminology of the medical and veterinary professions. This handout provides a starting point for understanding these terms, so that you can understand what your veterinarian is saying, and make good health care decisions for your pet.

  • Degenerative joint disease is arthritis caused by deterioration and degeneration of tissues lining joints. It is an under-recognized condition in cats. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and prevention.

  • Cleaning your cat's teeth every day at home will help prevent plaque and tartar build-up. Use of a pet toothpaste is recommended, but even wiping a Q-tip across your cat's teeth and gums goes a long way to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. For proper dental evaluation and care, your cat must be safely placed under general anesthesia. The examination usually includes dental X-rays and probing to evaluate gum bleeding and periodontal pockets. Tooth scaling will be performed, using both hand and ultrasonic scalers, to remove tartar above and below the gum line.

  • Dental disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition in which the tissues supporting the teeth become inflamed. When a pet develops dental disease, significant quantities of bacteria reside within the mouth and the oral tissues. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas such as the liver and kidneys, causing distant or systemic effects.

  • Dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians. The most common types of dental disease in cats are periodontal disease and tooth resorption. This article discusses the most common dental diseases in cats, signs, diagnostic procedures, treatments, and preventive steps to keep a cat's teeth healthy.

  • Dental pain may take on a variety of appearances, but often, a cat will not show any outward signs of pain. The only effective treatment for dental pain is to address the cat's underlying dental disease. The best way to prevent dental pain is to ensure that your cat receives regular dental care through a home dental care plan and regular veterinary dental care.