Skip to main content

Illustrated Articles

Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Gabapentin (brand names: Neurontin®, Aclonium®, Equipax®, Gantin®, Gabarone®, Gralise®, Neurostil®, Progresse®) is an anti-seizure and pain medication that is used with other medications to treat seizures and chronic pain, primarily nerve pain, in dogs and cats. It has also been used in cats to treat fear and anxiety associated with veterinary visits. It is given by mouth in the form of a capsule, tablet, or compounded liquid.

  • Gemfibrozil is a medication prescribed off-label by veterinarians to treat high levels of fat (lipids) in the blood of dogs and cats when dietary modifications have not been effective. Occasionally, it is also used in birds for the same purpose. As a relatively new drug in veterinary medicine, its benefits, side effects, and adverse effects are still being determined.

  • Gentamicin + betamethasone ophthalmic is a steroid anti-inflammatory eye medication with antibiotic used for the treatment of external eye infections and inflammation of the eye in dogs. It is also sometimes used to manage pannus or pigmentary keratitis in dogs. It may be used off-label in cats and horses.

  • GMHa (brand name: Easotic) is a combination antibiotic, antifungal, and corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drug used to treat certain bacterial and yeast ear infections. GMHa is a suspension used once daily to treat ear infections. This article discusses dosage, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.

  • Gentamicin ophthalmic is used in the eye to treat bacterial infections and end-stage glaucoma. Side effects may include increased redness or eye irritation. Do not use this medication if your pet is allergic to it or has a full thickness wound to the eye. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.

  • Gentamicin topical formulations are used to treat bacterial infections. The ophthalmic formulation is 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. If these effects occur, discontinue the medication and call your veterinarian. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.

  • Ginger is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to treat nausea, vomiting, inflammation, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but might include mild stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or gas. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that have gallbladder disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ginkgo is given by mouth and is used on and off label and over the counter to treat cognitive dysfunction, vascular problems, retinal disease, or breathing problems. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or skin allergic reactions. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have a bleeding disorder, or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ginseng is given by mouth and is used off label and over the counter to treat a variety of conditions including low energy, heart problems, Addison’s disease, cognitive function, and low immune system. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include diarrhea, restlessness, or increased blood pressure. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant or are nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • 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.