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Illustrated Articles

  • Epileptic seizures in pets are a diagnosis of exclusion and may be found in any dog but there may be some breed predispositions that are more common. The cause is often unknown. A variety of medications are available to help control the seizure activity if an underlying cause is not found.

  • Epineprhine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). It may be added to local anesthesia drugs due to its ability to cause veins to constrict, thus delaying the body’s absorption of the drugs and prolonging the duration of the local anesthetic duration.

  • Epinephrine is a drug used most often in emergency situations for animals (e.g., anaphylaxis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR). Automatic injection devices for epinephrine (EpiPen®, EpiPen® Jr) are used off-label in pets to treat anaphylactic (allergic) reactions that occur away from the veterinary hospital.

  • Epsiprantel (Cestex®) is an oral deworming medication used to treat and kill tapeworms in dogs and cats. It comes as oral tablets that should be given with food. The medication typically takes effect within 1-2 days, but laboratory tests are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.

  • Erythromycin is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat bacterial infections and gastrointestinal motility problems in many animal species. Common side effects include diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vomiting. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have liver disease or dysfunction, or in pets such as rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, or hamsters. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Erythromycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat certain types of eye infections. It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat other eye conditions. Erythromycin ophthalmic comes in ointment form. Caution when using this medication in pocket pets as fatal diarrhea may occur if ingested orally.

  • Esophageal tumors are extremely rare but more often than not malignant type tumors. The cause is unknown but cases in tropical environments may be due to infection by the worm Spirocerca lupi. Treatment options are limited as surgical complications are high due to the advanced nature of the disease at time of diagnosis.

  • Esophagostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the neck into the esophagus to enable ongoing nutrition in dogs that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A diet will be recommended by your veterinarian but must be liquefied with water before it can pass through the tube. Medications can also be administered through the tube. Step-by-step instructions are provided. The decision to remove the tube will be determined by your veterinarian.

  • Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

  • Estriol (brand name Incurin®) is a natural estrogen used to treat urinary incontinence and other diseases responsive to estrogen. Estriol is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or a compounded capsule, liquid tablet, or chewable tablet. This article discusses how this medication is given, potential side effects, risks, and monitoring.