Skip to main content

Illustrated Articles

Cats + Medications & Supplements

  • Ophytrium is an ingredient extracted from Japanese mondo grass (Ophipogon japonicus) that is used in several topical treatments (i.e., Douxo® S3 products). It is used on dogs and cats with oily to flaky skin. It is believed to help control odor and dandruff, soothe and hydrate the skin, maintain the skin barrier, untangle the fur, and soften the coat.

  • Orbifloxacin is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat certain susceptible bacterial infections. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other quinolones, in growing pets, or in conjunction with cyclosporine. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Oxazepam is given by mouth and is used off label to stimulate appetite and to treat behavior-related disorders. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and drooling. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines, nursing pets, or those that have glaucoma. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Oxytetracycline is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections. It is used to treat infections in cats, dogs, and fish. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat bacterial infections in exotic animals. Oxytetracycline comes in oral tablet or compounded liquid forms.

  • Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B ophthalmic (brand name Terramycin®) is a combination antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of bacteria (gram-positive and gram-negative). It is used to treat eye infections in cats and dogs. It is used “off label” or “extra-label” to treat eye infections in avian species, hedgehogs, and rabbits. Oxytetracycline/polymyxin B comes in ointment form.

  • Pancrelipase is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat exocrine pancreatic enzyme deficiency in dogs, cats, and birds. It is also used to treat fur balls in rabbits. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects at higher doses include diarrhea, cramping, gas, or vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to pork. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Paroxetine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain behavior disorders such as aggression, anxiety, and urine-marking. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and decreased appetite. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other SSRIs, or pets currently taking MAOIs. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Penicillin G (brand names VetriPen G, PenOne Pro, others), is an antibiotic used to treat susceptible infections in cats, dogs, chickens, horses, livestock, ferrets, hedgehogs, rabbits, and other animals. It is used off label (extra label) in cats, dogs, and other companion animals. Penicillin G comes in injectable suspension form. Caution when using in rabbits and other animals sensitive to penicillin-like drugs.

  • Pentoxifylline is given by mouth and is used off label to treat skin disorders and poor perfusion due to inflamed blood vessels. Give as directed. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, excitement, or restlessness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, allergic to xanthines, or in pets with bleeding in the brain or eye. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Perna is given by mouth and is used over the counter to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis in cats, dogs, and horses. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other shellfish, or in pregnant or nursing pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.