Illustrated Articles
-
Good management is the key to preventing or controlling the spread of disease. Good management practices aim to keep horses in good condition and in a healthy environment, in order to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of disease, to identify individuals especially at risk and to promote rapid recovery if disease does occur.
-
Medroxyprogesterone acetate is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat reproductive conditions, sexual behaviors, and certain types of dwarfism and alopecia. Give this medication as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include increased appetite, increased thirst, weight gain, sleepiness, or changes in personality. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, pets with diabetes or uterine bleeding, or prior to puberty, during pregnancy, 1-2 months after a heat cycle, or to treat false-pregnancy. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
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.
-
Methocarbamol is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat muscle spasms due to injury, inflammation, or certain toxicities. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effect includes sleepiness. Do not use methocarbamol in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Methylprednisolone is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat inflammatory, immune-mediated, or hormonal conditions. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination, and appetite, dull/dry haircoat, and/or weight gain. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, receiving NSAIDs, that are recovering from a recent surgery, or in pets with systemic fungal or viral infections, diabetes, Cushing’s disease, stomach or intestinal ulcers. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Methylsulfonylmethane is given by mouth and is used over the counter and off label to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include stomach upset, restlessness, or tiredness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
-
Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for its sedative, anti-anxiety, and muscle relaxant properties. It is primarily used as a sedative before surgery and to stop seizures. It is used “off label” or “extra label” in animals. This medication is a controlled substance primarily given via injection by your veterinary team, though it may be prescribed to your pet for intranasal or intrarectal administration at home.
-
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.
-
Mupirocin otic, also known as pseudomonic acid A, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of ear infections. It is used “off label” or “extra label” to treat ear infections in animals. Mupirocin comes in ointment or liquid drop suspension forms that may be specially compounded.
-
When a farrier shoes a horse, accurate placement of each nail through the insensitive epidermal laminae of the hoof is essential. The nail must penetrate deep enough to hold firm, but not deep enough to penetrate the sensitive laminae of the hoof.