Educational Articles
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Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) topical is used for the management of skin conditions such as wounds, abscesses, cuts, abrasions, skin irritations, ulcers, post-surgical incision sites, and burns. It may be used to prevent or treat bacterial skin infections, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hypochlorous acid also has antifungal and antiviral properties and is reported to reduce inflammation, pain, and itching.
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Idoxuridine (brand names Dendrid®, Herplex®, Stoxil®) is an antiviral topical medication used to treat viral infections of the eye, such as feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) in cats. It may also be useful for treating canine herpesvirus-1 in dogs and equine herpesvirus-2 in horses. Pregnant women should NOT handle this medication.
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Imatinib (brand name: Gleevac®) is used to treat certain types of cancer in humans. In dogs and cats, it is used off label to treat mast cell tumors, hypereosinophilic syndrome, fibrosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
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Imepitoin (brand name Pexion®) is a behavior modification medication used to treat noise aversion in dogs. It may also be used to treat noise phobias in dogs or as an anticonvulsant to treat idiopathic epilepsy in cats and dogs. Its use may be off label depending on condition, species, and jurisdiction. Imepitoin comes in tablet form.
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Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (brand names Advantage®II, Advantage Plus®, Provecta®II) is a topical (spot-on) antiparasitic drug used to repel and kill fleas and lice in dogs and puppies that are at least 7 weeks of age and weigh at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). This medication is labeled for treatment of flea infestations in cats and kittens that are at least 7-8 weeks of age and weigh at least 0.9 kg (2 lb) or 2.3kg (5 lb), depending on the product. Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen comes in topical solution form that is applied directly to the skin. Do not confuse this medication with K9 Advantix®II, Provecta® Advanced, or Activate®II, similar products labeled for use in dogs only, as those medications contain permethrin, which is toxic to cats.
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Imidacloprid topical is used on and off label and is applied topically to the skin to treat flea infestations in cats, dogs, and ferrets. 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 drooling, shaking, vomiting, and decreased appetite if the medication is accidentally ingested. Do not use combination products in young pets. Certain combination products should not be used in cats.
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Imidacloprid with flumethrin (brand name Seresto® collar) is a topical antiparasitic drug contained in a collar used for control of fleas, ticks, and chewing lice on dogs and puppies at least 7 weeks of age. This medication is labeled for control of fleas and ticks in cats and kittens that are at least 10 weeks of age. Imidacloprid with flumethrin comes in a collar impregnated with the medication that, if used properly, is effective for 8 months.
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Imidocarb dipropionate (brand name Imizol®) is a drug used to treat infections caused by protozoa (single-celled organisms that sometimes cause disease), such as babesiosis infection in dogs. It is also used off-label to treat other protozoal infections in dogs, cats, and horses. Imidocarb dipropionate is given by injection by a veterinarian.
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Imipramine (brand names: Tofranil®, Impril®) is a tricyclic antidepressant used in cats, dogs, and horses to treat urinary incontinence, sudden muscle weakness, and certain behavior disorders. It may also be used in conjunction with other medications to treat chronic pain. Imipramine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label.
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Immunotherapy (oral and injectable) is a treatment that involves using a pet’s own immune system to fight health conditions, such as certain allergies or certain types of cancer. Immunotherapy is specially formulated for each individual. It comes in injectable and oral forms.
