Pet Health Library
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Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure in cats and off-label to treat kidney disease in both cats and dogs. This medication is given by mouth in the form of a liquid or tablet. It may be given with or without food but is better absorbed if given on an empty stomach. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, low blood pressure, and decreased energy. There are several drugs that can contribute to adverse effects when given with telmisartan. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Diarrhea can be a simple diagnosis or a complex one. A thorough history and physical exam may be enough to determine the cause; however, in less obvious cases, various tests may be needed. Pending the results, a treatment plan can be developed.
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Various conditions can cause increased thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria). Based on your pet's history and a thorough physical examination, your veterinarian will recommend diagnostic testing to determine the cause. This handout describes several tests that can be performed along with the conditions the results from these tests may indicate.
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A pet with vomiting may suffer from an isolated incident, or it could be a sign of more severe problems. If the cause for vomiting is not obvious from history and examination, screening tests may be done to eliminate possible causes and determine a treatment plan. Results can also provide a prognosis for recovery and long-term outlook.
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Weakness can be caused by many different problems and can involve a variety of body systems. Finding the cause of your pet’s weakness starts with a complete history and physical examination. The most commonly recommended screening tests for weakness include complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and in a dog, total thyroxine. Additional tests may be recommended based on the results of these screening tests.
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Nutrition plays an essential role in treating and preventing urinary stones (uroliths). Since the diet can affect urine dilution, composition and pH, pet foods can be critical to the success or failure of treatment and prevention. Important factors are covered, such as the importance of water intake, diet composition, relative supersaturation (RSS) testing, and urinary diets.
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Thrombocytopenia is a condition of low blood platelets, resulting in abnormal hemorrhage and possible anemia. There are many causes, including severe or prolonged blood loss, increased internal destruction of platelets, or impaired bone marrow production. Several diseases and medications are also associated with thrombocytopenia. Treatment may require the replacement of platelets along with treatment of the specific underlying cause.
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Topical Corticosteroids are medications applied to the skin that come in many forms such as creams, ointments, shampoos and sprays, and are used to treat itchiness and inflammation. Side effects may include irritation at the application site, and with long-term use can include thin skin, skin bumps, and blackheads. Use this medication with caution in pregnant pets or in pets with skin tuberculosis. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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This handout summarizes the various forms of treatment for cats with asthma and includes a list of treatment instructions for home care. Treatment options include corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and inhaler use. Warning signs for cat owners to watch out for are included.
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A trichobezoar, or hairball, can form when a pet ingests hair that does not pass through the intestinal tract. When this occurs, the hairball may be vomited up uneventfully or it may lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction. If a trichobezoar causes an obstruction, surgical management is necessary.