Educational Articles
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Successful flea control involves both eliminating fleas from your dog and controlling fleas in your environment. Dogs and cats share the same fleas, and fleas can travel from one animal to another. Thus, it is important that all pets in your home are on a flea preventive program.
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Florfenicol/terbinafine/betamethasone otic (brand name Osurnia®) is a long-acting, topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with certain bacterial ear infections in dogs. It is labeled for use in dogs and not intended for use in cats. Florfenicol/terbinafine/betamethasone otic should only be administered by a veterinary professional.
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Florfenicol/ terbinafine/mometasone otic (brand names: Claro®, Simplera®) is a long-acting, topical ear medication used to treat the itching and inflammation associated with certain bacterial and/or ear infections in dogs. It is not intended for use in cats. This medication is usually given by veterinary personnel as a single dose.
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Flow cytometry is a laboratory technique that can be used for counting, examining, and sorting cells. A sample is passed through a light source and as the cells move through the path of the light source, they scatter the light in different ways.
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Flower essences are an over the counter supplement given by mouth or applied topically to treat stress or anxiety. Give as directed by your veterinarian. There are no known side effects. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant or nursing. Flower essences should be used cautiously in debilitated pets or pets in organ failure. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used off label in cats, dogs, and small mammals to treat fungal infections, especially those in the brain and spinal cord. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid suspension and is also available as an injection for hospital use. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease, or pregnant or lactating pets.
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Fludrocortisone acetate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) and hyperkalemia. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in lactating pets without using a milk replacer. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Fluocinolone + acetonide DMSO (brand name Synotic®) is applied topically and is labeled to treat ear inflammation in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat ear infections in cats. Give as directed. Side effects are rare but may include temporary hearing loss or skin reactions. Do not use on pets allergic to corticosteroids or DMSO, on pets with a ruptured ear drum or pets that are pregnant.
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Fluoroquinolone topical formulations are used to treat bacterial infections. They are used off label to treat external ear infections by topically applying the medication directly to the ear canal. Side effects may include increased redness or inflammation and should be discontinued and call your veterinarian if this occurs.
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Fluoxetine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat various behavioral conditions. Common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
