Pet Health Library
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Cyproheptadine is given by mouth and is used off label to treat allergic skin conditions, certain toxicities, and to stimulate appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, increased appetite, and dry mouth. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or pets undergoing skin allergy testing within the next two weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Dexamethasone is given on and off label, by mouth or injection, to treat various inflammatory, autoimmune, and adrenal gland conditions. It can also be used off label as a diagnostic test. Common side effects include increased drinking, urination and/or appetite, dull/dry haircoat, weight gain, pot-bellied appearance, muscle weakness, panting, vomiting, or diarrhea. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, have systemic fungal infections, diabetes, or stomach or intestinal ulcers, or are taking NSAIDs. It should not be used in rabbits or in surgical pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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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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Palliative care can be as easy or complex as necessary, to meet the needs of the pet and human family. Some palliative care patients benefit from massage, therapeutic laser, temperature therapy (heating or cooling devices), acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical rehabilitation techniques. Palliative care creates a bridge of care to support a pet as the time for humane euthanasia approaches. It is not a substitute for euthanasia, but it often helps us postpone euthanasia, allowing our pets to remain with us for whatever quality time remains for them.
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Palliative medicine is care that is delivered as a dog approaches the end of life. The first step in creating a palliative care plan is to discuss with your veterinarian the expected course of the disease and how it will affect your dog's quality of life. Once a dog's activities of daily living have been identified, it is important to define family beliefs, family needs as care unfolds, and the goals for the dog as death approaches. An essential part of establishing goals of palliative therapy is understanding the expected course of the life-limiting disease. Knowledge about disease allows for the development of a personalized palliative care plan.