Educational Articles
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Giving pills to cats can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian! The easiest way to give your cat a pill is to hide the pill in food. Some cats will always find the pill and spit it out, so you may need to administer it directly into your cat's mouth. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to do this, along with some other options if it is still too difficult.
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Glipizide is given by mouth and is used off label to treat high blood sugar in cats with mild type 2 diabetes. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include temporary vomiting and a lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other sulfonamides, or in pets with trauma, infection, diabetic coma, low blood sugar, or diabetic ketoacidosis. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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Glucosamine/chondroitin combination is a nutrient supplement that is given by mouth and is used to treat osteoarthritis and feline lower urinary tract disease. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include gastrointestinal upset. Do no use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Glutamine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat gastrointestinal and pancreatic inflammation. It can be prescription or over the counter. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon and are not well documented in pets. Use cautiously in pets that are pregnant or nursing or have severe liver disease, severe behavior disorders, or seizures. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Griseofulvin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat skin, hair, and nail fungal infections. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, pregnant pets, breeding males, pets that have severe liver disease, or in cats with FIV or FeLV. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Hyaluronan topical (Optixcare wipes®) are used to remove sticky mucus, eye secretions, and crusty debris from around the eyes of dogs, cats, and other small pets. They contain chamomile and hyaluron, which are gentle cleaning supplements. They are used to manage tear staining around the eyes in pets prone to this condition.
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Hyaluronate sodium ophthalmic (Remend®, I-drop®, Oculenis®) is a lubricating topical eye drop. It is used in dogs and cats to help lubricate and moisturize the eye and to minimize dryness and irritation. It is often used to support pets with decreased tear production, such as pets with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye). Hyaluronate sodium ophthalmic drops can be used to accelerate healing for pets with eye injuries.
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Hydralazine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat high blood pressure and some causes of heart failure in cats and dogs. Side effects include decreased appetite, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with heart vessel disease, low blood pressure, severe dehydration, or severe blood loss.
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Hydrocodone is an opiate agonist given by mouth as a tablet or liquid and used off label to treat pain and dry cough in dogs. The most common side effects include sedation and constipation. Do not use this medication in pets that are allergic to opiates or that have ingested a toxin. Use with caution in debilitated or geriatric pets, pets with a head injury, or pets that have thyroid, heart, lung, liver, kidney, or adrenal disease. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Hydrocortisone ophthalmic is a topical steroid medication used to treat surface inflammation in the conjunctiva of the eye. It is used to treat inflammatory eye conditions in cats and dogs. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat eye conditions in animals other than cats or dogs. Hydrocortisone ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop form. Avoid use in animals with viral or fungal infections, corneal ulceration, and birds.
