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The iliopsoas is an important core muscle. Injury can occur due to trauma, but it is usually caused by chronic stress. Signs that your dog has a painful iliopsoas can include reduced performance (if a sporting dog), very subtle weight-shifting away from the affected side when standing, or an obvious limp. The initial treatment for acute iliopsoas injuries is activity restriction and pain control for 10-14 days. Rehabilitation therapy can also help.
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Imatinib is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain types of cancers in dogs and cats. Give as directed. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, diarrhea, skin rash, or lack of energy. Do not use in pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, call the veterinary office.
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Imidacloprid is given by mouth to treat flea infestations in dogs only. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, soft stools, decreased appetite, or difficulty walking. Do not use this medication cats, in puppies less than 10 weeks old or weighing less than 4 pounds, or in pregnant or lactating dogs. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Imidacloprid is used on and off label and is applied topically to the skin to treat flea infestations. It is frequently used in combination with other medications to treat a variety of parasites. Side effects are uncommon but may include irritation at the application site, or, if the medication is accidentally ingested, drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Do not use combination products in young pets. Certain combination products should be used in cats. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Imidocarb dipropionate is an injectable medication that is administered by a veterinarian to treat babesiosis in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat other protozoal infections in dogs, cats, and horses. Most common side effects include mild drooling, tearing, vomiting, or nasal drip. Do not use in pets with exposure to cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs, pesticides, or chemicals. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Imipramine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat behavior disorders, sudden loss of muscle tone, urinary incontinence, cancer pain, and other conditions. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other tricyclic antidepressants, pets currently using MAOIs, or pets that are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Skin and gut issues are problematic and can be caused by many things, including food allergies. The best way to identify food allergies is through an elimination-challenge diet trial, in which you eliminate potentially allergenic foods and treats for the length of the diet trial, then methodically add foods back into the diet to determine response. If a food allergy is identified, avoiding the food usually results in a good outcome, although some dogs develop new allergies in later years.
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Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in dogs. Even dogs that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing, therefore infecting your dog without him coming into contact with another animal. Your veterinarian is your most important resource in determining what vaccinations you need to give your dog to keep him protected.
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Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a viral infection caused by a member of the adenovirus family. Young dogs are at the highest risk of contracting this virus and signs of disease usually occur within two to five days after exposure. In severe cases, usually in young puppies, along with the fever, depression, and loss of appetite, there is abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, edema (fluid swelling under the skin) of the head and neck, and possibly jaundice. Such cases are often fatal. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms and giving time for the dog's immune system to respond, including hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and medications. Vaccination has been very successful at reducing the prevalence of this disease.
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Infertility in a female dog is defined as the inability to conceive and deliver viable puppies, even when mated multiple times with a known fertile male surrounding the time of ovulation. This handout outlines the varying causes of infertility in female dogs and how they may be diagnosed and treated.
