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Pet Health Education Handouts

Treatment

  • Bandages and splints protect an injured or wounded area of the body. It is important to closely monitor your cat's bandage or splint to ensure it does not slip or become wet or soiled and to ensure there is no discharge or foul odors indicating infection. This handout explains optimal bandage and splint care for your cat at home as well as possible complications that will require veterinary attention.

  • Bandages and splints protect an injured or wounded area of the body. It is important to closely monitor your dog’s bandage or splint to ensure it does not slip or become wet or soiled and to ensure there is no discharge or foul odors indicating infection. This handout explains optimal bandage and splint care for your dog at home as well as possible complications that will require veterinary attention.

  • Biological response modifiers (BRMs) are naturally occurring substances that are used to treat diseases, infections, or chronic itchiness or pain, by affecting the immune system and how it works. They are mostly used to treat some cancers, immune-mediated diseases, and infections. Most BRMs are administered in the hospital under veterinary supervision. Side effects vary but may include fever, stomach upset, tiredness, or allergic reactions.

  • Sometimes, the location of your cat's wound or the amount of skin lost can prevent surgical closure or bandaging. This handout describes general guidelines for proper care of your cat's open wound at home, though your veterinarian can provide you with specific instructions.

  • Sometimes, the location of your dog’s wound or the amount of skin lost can prevent surgical closure or bandaging. This handout describes general guidelines for proper care of your dog's open wound at home, though your veterinarian can provide you with specific instructions.

  • The general instructions for incision care are the same for all surgical incisions. There may be some differences, however, depending on the type of surgery and the material used to close the incision. This handout is a guide to caring for your cat's surgical incision(s) at home for optimal recovery.

  • The general instructions for incision care are the same for all surgical incisions. There may be some differences, however, depending on the type of surgery and the material used to close the incision. This handout is a guide to caring for your cat's surgical incision(s) at home for optimal recovery.

  • When your cat is being treated for an illness, it is important that you follow your veterinarian's advice and instructions precisely. Take your cat for re-examination requested. If your cat's condition worsens unexpectedly, contact your veterinarian for advice immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best outcome for your cat's recovery.

  • Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections in dogs. It is also used off-label in cats and to treat other types of infection. It is given orally in tablet or liquid form. Side effects are uncommon. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.

  • Cephalexin (brand names Rilexine®, Keflex®, Vetolexin®) is an oral antibiotic used to treat pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections in dogs and is used off-label in cats to treat pyoderma and other types of skin infections. It is sometimes used off-label to treat urinary tract infections in cats and dogs. Side effects of cephalexin are rare and usually mild.