Library
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A cataract is an increase in opacity of the eye’s lens. Any type of inflammation or damage to the lens can lead to a cataract. The clinical signs of cataracts vary depending on the size of the cataract; many cataracts are asymptomatic at the time they are diagnosed during a veterinary exam. The ideal treatment for cataracts is surgery, but not all cats are candidates for surgical treatment. In these cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be used to prevent glaucoma and other secondary complications of cataracts.
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Cefadroxil is an antibiotic (first-generation cephalosporin) used to treat bacterial infections of the skin, respiratory tract, and urinary tract in cats and dogs. It may be used off label in other cases. Cefadroxil comes in tablet and powder forms that may be compounded into liquid.
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Cefovecin (brand name: Convenia®) is a cephalosporin antibiotic used off label in cats and dogs for skin infections, periodontal disease, and urinary tract infections. It has also been used as a part of outpatient treatment for parvovirus and other bacterial infections. Cefovecin is given by injection under the skin.
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Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections in dogs. It is also used off-label in cats and to treat other types of infection. It is given orally in tablet or liquid form. Side effects are uncommon.
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Ceftriaxone is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain serious susceptible bacterial infections in cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals. This medication is used off-label in veterinary medicine. Ceftriaxone comes in an injectable form.
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Cephalexin (brand names Rilexine®, Keflex®, Vetolexin®) is an oral antibiotic used to treat pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections in dogs and is used off label (extra-label) in cats, horses, ferrets, reptiles, and birds to treat pyoderma and some other skin infections. It is sometimes used off label (extra label) to treat some urinary tract infections in cats and dogs.
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Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid (fat) molecules that make up a large portion of the outer skin layer. Ceramide skin care products are available as over-the-counter veterinary products in various topical forms. They are used to help manage skin conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets.
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Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used off label to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. It may also be used for respiratory allergy symptoms.
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Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease of smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.
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Chemotherapy is the therapeutic use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells. Usually, chemotherapy is used when tumors are widespread or when there is significant or immediate risk of spread from the primary location. It is often used following the surgical removal of tumors. In some cases, chemotherapy is started prior to surgery. The side effects of chemotherapy are related to the effects of chemotherapy on normal -as well as cancerous- cells. The principal goal of cancer care in pets is to provide cancer control without reducing quality of life.
