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Hepatoprotective agents are receiving attention for their role in the ancillary treatment of liver disease in dogs and cats. These products include both prescription drugs and dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbs, nutraceuticals). A drug is defined as "any substance, food, or nonfood that is used to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent a disease and any nonfood substance that is intended to affect the structure or function of man or animals".

Puppies and kittens are generally considered to be neonates from birth to two weeks of age although some references consider the neonate period to extend to four weeks of age. Neonates pose special problems in husbandry and health care due to their small size and developing organ systems.

Over 90% of the potassium in the body is located within cells. External balance for potassium is maintained by matching output to input. Internal balance is maintained by translocation of potassium between intracellular and extracellular fluid. Any change in plasma potassium concentration must arise from a change in intake, distribution, or excretion.

A number of factors need to be considered in deciding the best approach to decontaminating a toxicant-exposed patient. In animals orally exposed to toxicants, these factors include consideration of the substance and amount ingested, whether multiple agents were ingested, the time since ingestion, whether attempts at decontamination have been undertaken prior to presentation, the species of animal involved, number of individuals exposed and whether there is any known underlying organ dysfunction, especially affecting the liver or kidneys.

Antimicrobials are amongst the most commonly prescribed medications by veterinarians. Understanding how to properly employ these powerful drugs is the key to a successful outcome.

Penn study looks at risks associated with hip dysplasia

National report - Discussions are ongoing regarding a consensus statement in the works regarding heartworm efficacy.

He?s running on a platform to lower taxes and restore "honesty to state government."

Answers to your questions about diabetes mellitus.

A new study in top equine athletes brings nutritional deficiencies into the spotlight.

Charles Thompson, DVM, is running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in Oklahoma?s 2nd District.

A systematic approach can help ensure safety.

Make sure you're taking aim before you implement therapeutic measures.

UC-Davis, TAMU researchers target Salmonella

Interventional radiology helped relieve this cat's ureteral obstruction by uroliths.

National report - The required signing of a form that acknowledges animal use in circuses, rodeos and other events has some veterinarians questioning the American College of Animal Welfare's mandate.

Could this common fracture eventually be a thing of the past?

National Report - Following 10 years of supporting the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) will withdraw its membership and financial support at the end of the year.

Veterinarian and Democrat Les Gerson is running for the Florida Senate with an agenda of infusing common sense back into government.

Veterinary schools are desperately seeking new financial resources.

Stay safe with these restraint tips for working around ill or injured horses.

Veterinarin Kurt Schrader?s (D-Ore.) re-election bid is just too close to call according to the Congressional Quarterly.

The signs, causes and treatment of this condition in dogs and cats.

Dr. Brock shares his comical experience with a nit-picking banker.

Feline pancreatitis is an often thought of diagnosis in the sick cat. Cats suspected of pancreatitis commonly present with non-specific signs such as lethargy, anorexia, and dehydration.

The transfusion of blood products to treat acute blood losses, coagulopathies, and severe anemia has become indispensable in the care of critically ill veterinary patients. As with any therapy, the risks, cost and potential benefits associated with the use of blood products must be carefully considered and every effort should be made to minimize the occurrence of adverse effects.

Dosing regimens for antimicrobials exemplify the integration of pharmacokinetics (what the body does to the drug) and pharmacodynamics (what the drug does to the body). For antimicrobial therapy, the "body" is the microbe.

Many dairy producers use Rumensin? (Elanco Animal Health) in dairy heifers as an aid to controlling coccidiosis and for improved feed efficiency. Rumensin? also is approved for use in lactating cows as a tool for improving milk production efficiency. Monensin, the active compound in Rumensin?, has a very wide safety margin for humans and cattle. But, it can be toxic if not fed according to the FDA-approved label. In other species, such as horses, monensin can be extremely toxic.

VetCentric secures $3 million in new funding

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says a boxed label warning of potential adverse events in cats has been added to two Metacam products.