Educational Articles
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Mirtazapine is given by mouth or is applied to the skin and is used to treat weight loss in cats and is used off-label to treat inappetence, nausea, and vomiting in cats and dogs. Give as directed. The most common side effects include vocalization, restlessness, vomiting, incoordination, or trembling. Do not use it in pets that are allergic to it or that have recently used an MAOI. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinarian.
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Miscarriage refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy, with the most common cause being bacterial infection. Hormonal shifts or abnormalities may also cause miscarriages. In many cases, there are no visible signs of miscarriage. If miscarriage is suspected, ultrasound is used to assess the pregnancy and determine whether the fetuses are alive. Finding a cause for the miscarriage, especially if that cause is a treatable condition, may improve outcomes in future pregnancies.
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Misoprostol (brand names Cytotec®, Arthrotec®) is a prostaglandin E1 analog drug. It is used off label (extra label) to treat or prevent stomach ulcers due to NSAID use in cats, dogs, and horses. It can also be used in combination with other medications to treat uterine infections, protect the kidneys, treat skin allergies, or to terminate pregnancy.
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Mitotane is primarily used to treat Cushing's disease in dogs. It has also been used to treat adrenal gland tumors. Mitotane reduces the amount of cortisone-like hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. These steroids are important for various body functions; however excessive levels of these hormones can cause problems.
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Mitral valve disease is often one of the earliest indicators of heart disease that could lead to heart failure. It is more common in small dogs than large breeds. This handout discusses mitral valve disease in dogs, a degeneration of the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and the prognosis of this condition are outlined.
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Mole and gopher baits are often flavored to attract pests, but cats and dogs may also ingest them if given the chance. The active ingredients in these baits can cause significant illness if enough is ingested. The most common active ingredients used in mole and gopher baits are zinc phosphide and bromethalin. There is no antidote for bromethalin poisoning, so decontamination within an appropriate time is key to a good outcome.
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Mometasone furoate + gentamicin sulfate + clotrimazole topical ointment is a combination topical ear medication used to treat bacterial and/or yeast ear infections in dogs. It comes as a liquid suspension and is applied topically to the affected ear once daily.
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Mometasone combinations are applied topically to the skin and are used on and off label to treat skin lesions. The most common side effect is inflammation at the application site. It should not be used on pets that are allergic to it, are pregnant, have tuberculosis of the skin, or in pets with a ruptured ear drum. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Pets that have been diagnosed with epilepsy are usually prescribed one or more medications to prevent convulsions or seizures. Careful monitoring of epileptic pets is necessary, not only to make sure the dose of the medicine is right, but also to ensure there are no problems related to the long-term use of the medication. The most important thing to do is follow your veterinarian's instructions closely and give the medication regularly and consistently. This will ensure that the value reported on the blood test is reliable.
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Mothballs are solid pesticides that slowly release a gas vapor to kill and repel moths, their larvae, and other insects from stored clothing and fabric. Mothballs are sometimes also used to repel snakes, mice, and other animals, although this use is not recommended and can be harmful to pets, children, and the environment.
