Library
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Liver fluke (Heterobilharzia americana) is a parasitic worm that affects dogs in the southern Atlantic and Gulf states and causes a disease called schistosomiasis. The fluke’s lifecycle is complex and involves a freshwater snail. Dogs can become infected by swimming or wading in water that has the larval stages of the fluke. The flukes cause granulomas (inflammatory nodules) to form in the liver, intestines, and other abdominal organs. Symptoms of gastrointestinal and liver disease may be present.
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Lokivetmab is given by injection and is used on and off label to treat itchiness in dogs. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, sleepiness, lack of appetite, or pain at the injection site. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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Lorazepam (brand names Ativan®, Lorazepam Intensol®) is a benzodiazepine medication used off label to treat behavior problems such as anxiety, fears, and phobias in cats and dogs. It can also be used to treat seizures or to stimulate appetite in cats. It is given by mouth or injection. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines, or that have severe breathing problems, or liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Lotilaner is used to treat and prevent flea infestations and treat and control tick infestations in dogs and cats. After being administered to a pet, lotilaner is distributed throughout the body. When fleas or ticks bite the dog or cat, they are exposed to the drug and killed during their blood meal.
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Lotilaner + moxidectin + praziquantel + pyrantel (brand name Credelio Quattro®) is a combination antiparasitic used to protect against ticks, fleas, heartworm disease, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 3.3 lb (1.5 kg). It comes in a chewable tablet to be given monthly. Its use is currently only approved for dogs.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymphatic system. This cancer may be localized to one particular region, or may spread throughout the entire body. Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer, accounting for 15-20% of new cancer diagnoses in dogs. The prognosis for lymphoma varies, depending on various characteristics that can only be determined by specialized testing.
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Lysosomal storage diseases are a rare collection of conditions that are inherited. Many of them are more prevalent in certain breeds and are seen in the first few months of life. Clinical signs vary depending on the type of disease, but commonly include failure to thrive, incoordination, vision loss, and seizure. Prognosis is usually poor for long-term survival.
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While macadamia nuts are edible for humans, they are poisonous for dogs. Initial signs of macadamia nut poisoning include vomiting, fever, and lethargy, and will progress to incoordination, reluctance to use the rear limbs, inability to stand, joint stiffness, and muscle tremors. Macadamia nuts can also lead to pancreatitis.
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Once a pet has lost some weight, the new goal is to make sure that excess weight stays off. Pet parents who partner with their veterinary health care team for support and who focus on changing their behaviors often have the most success. Examples of some changes include using a different food or a different feeding method, focusing more on portion control, and incorporating some movement or activity time into each day. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).
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Mastitis is a term used to describe inflammation of a mammary gland. In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Trauma to the mammary gland, or prolonged periods of milk accumulation without milk removal, can lead to inflammation within the mammary gland. Most dogs with mastitis can be treated on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics and pain medications, though severe cases may require hospitalization or surgery.
