Library
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Megaesophagus is a disorder in which the esophagus dilates and loses motility. When esophageal motility is decreased or absent, food and liquid accumulate in the esophagus and have difficulty getting into the stomach. Regurgitation is the most common sign of megaesophagus. Weight loss or failure to gain weight, as well as aspiration pneumonia, are also common signs. Treatment is focused on managing the symptoms.
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Megestrol acetate is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid and is used in dogs or off label in cats to postpone the heat cycle or to treat false pregnancy. It can also be used off label in male dogs to treat prostatic hypertrophy. It should not be used in pregnant pets or pets with uterine disease, diabetes, or breast tumors.
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Melanomas are cancerous growths of the cells responsible for pigmentation of the skin. They can develop anywhere on the body but those on the toes carry the highest chance for malignancy. They may be painful and you may notice your pet licking at the affected area. Surgery is often the treatment of choice and may be followed up with radiation or chemotherapy.
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Melatonin is given by mouth or as an implant under the skin and is used to treat sleep and behavior disorders, adrenal disease, and non-allergic hair loss, to suppress the heat cycle, and to improve breeding rates. Give as directed. Side effects are not common but may include sleepiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that is typically associated with tropical regions. The bacteria that causes melioidosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is usually found in soil and water. The clinical signs of this condition, along with transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined in this handout.
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Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever in dogs and cats. It is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs and cats. Meloxicam is also used to treat pain associated with surgery. Annual blood testing before and after starting the use of meloxicam is recommended to monitor liver and kidney function primarily or to detect other signs consistent with gastrointestinal ulceration. It is common for your veterinarian to recommend or require annual blood tests to assess for effects on organ function.
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This handout summarizes the many options available to help celebrate your pet’s life and ways to help deal with your grief following the loss of your beloved pet.
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This handout discusses meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, in dogs. The numerous potential causes, along with the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the condition are outlined.
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Meningoencephalitis is a term referring to inflammation of the brain and the surrounding fluid and tissues. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin is a term used to describe those cases of meningoencephalitis in which MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis indicate the disease but diagnosis through histopathological analysis is not possible. Treatment typically involves immunosuppressant drugs, sometimes with the addition of antibiotics. The prognosis depends on several factors, which are also explained in this handout.
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Metaldehyde toxicity occurs when a dog (or a cat, less commonly) eats slug bait that contains metaldehyde. Signs of metaldehyde toxicity include vomiting, anxiety, ataxia (due to muscle incoordination), stiffness, muscle tremors, elevated heart rate and respiratory rate, increased salivation, and increased sensitivity to touch. These signs often progress to continuous muscle tremors and seizures. Prognosis is good with aggressive treatment.