Xin Yi San for Mucous Mucus and What Snot

I got some new Chinese herbs, Xin Yi San a nasal decongestant,  to help relieve some of her mucous symptoms she has redeveloped with her nasal cancer. She is somewhat stuffy on her left side.  She had been in complete remission since 8/1/2011 on just the Tippner Protocol.
She starts Xin Yi San today 2 capsules per day 03/10/2014. I will note changes.


The chinese herbs she was given are below.  (She takes alot of other things as well)  These aren't regular herbs that you can purchase on the internet, they have to be prescribed by a licensed Chinese herbalist. Yup. 

Here is a lookup for vets in your area that use and prescribe them:
https://www.tcvmherbal.com/   left middle of page

If you cannot fnd a vet anywhere near you in the above vet pharmacy database-
 If your vet is not familiar with this veterinary herbal pharmacy, tell your vet that they do patient consults for free. But you still actually have to get your vet to order them for you.


Stasis Breaker to shrink the tumor - taken since 4/1/2011

Wei Qi Booster to boost immunity - taken since 4/1/2011

Xin Yi San a nasal decongestant - starts 4/10/2014

Ok for dogs and humans and horses and cats according to google:

http://books.google.com/books?id=vH6igOcDAZgC&pg=PT732&lpg=PT732&dq=xin+yi+san+for+dogs&source=bl&ots=Q1pn4xA5S7&sig=zSYbeMxBV88SrgL2eC5IQZkbb_c&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WVYfU6DCIIaGogSI2oK4DQ&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=xin%20yi%20san%20for%20dogs&f=false

http://lexysfight.blogspot.com/2012/11/chinese-herbs.html

http://brenewed.com/healthy-living/beaus-holistic-anti-cancer-lifestyle

http://www.justanswer.com/pet-cat/31afb-11-year-old-cat-sinus-congestion-type-symptoms.html

http://www.tcvmherbal.com/store/topFormula.asp?cid=6






I buy most of the stuff when possible from Swanson Vitamins. They are cheaper, in capsules for dosage changes, and carry almost everything I give to Lucy except for the Chinese Herbs Stasis Breaker prescription, and the Low Dose Naltrexone prescription. Here is a $5 off coupon link I found

Cancer Article I found that is very helpful

The good news is that many of the 4 million people being treated for cancer in America will survive the disease and go on to live full and productive lives.

While the numbers that survive are far too low (about 44%), many of the more than 1500 daily cancer deaths occur because patients and their families are unaware of the depth of the resources currently available. Unfortunately, some die avowing they would never resort to natural medicine, while others are interested but lack the expertise to implement the program to their best advantage. Regrettably, some turn to alternative care fairly late in the course of the disease process, weakening the probability of recovery.

Mainstream medicine (relying upon surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) may initially appear successful, but the indications of the disease process are less often addressed. Conventional cancer treatments are not for those individuals who are frail in body or spirit. For the past 30 years, cancer therapies have experienced tremendous setbacks because of an associated toxic response, resulting in significant numbers of treatment-induced deaths rather than disease-induced fatalities. Awareness regarding historic numbers of unsuccessful outcomes has forced patients to look for alternatives to bolster survival odds. Many who use alternative therapies report doing so without their oncologist's knowledge, fearful of criticism or rejection by a physician (Richardson et al. 2000). (this is because   it happens alot...)
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (Houston) found that 99.3% of patients had heard of complementary medicine, and 68.7% of patients reported having used at least one unconventional therapy (Richardson et al. 2000). About 75% of the patients surveyed, however, yearned for more information concerning complementary medicine and about one-half of those participating in the survey wanted the information to come from their physician.

Until most recently, major medical schools granted only a few hours to nutritional education out of the hundreds of academic hours required to complete medical school. The exclusion began when Abraham Flexner (commissioned to correct inequities occurring in medical schools) penned the Flexner Report of 1910. His contribution, entitled Medical Education in the United States and Canada, closed smaller medical schools and forced those that survived to adopt a uniform curriculum that excluded nutritional courses. Thus, some physicians emerged from medical schools, scoffing at the concept of nutrition influencing health or overcoming disease.
Sir William Osler (1849-1919), chief physician at Johns Hopkins's School of Medicine, drilled into students that medical research must be validated and replicated to be good medicine. This led to controlled experiments (as randomized, controlled trials) that became the backbone of mainstream medicine. Nutritional protocols often used multiple nutrients, a difficult model to apply in clinical trials. Testing a single nutraceutical denied the patient full support of nutritional pharmacology, an injustice when treating a seriously ill patient. In addition, trials are expensive to conduct and early natural healers (by and large) did not represent an affluent subset of society.
But, ever so slowly, the medical scene is being revolutionized. According to the American College for Advancement in Medicine, physicians (in many cases) are showing eagerness to learn more about natural medicine and how to best implement it into their practice (Corbin-Winslow et al. 2002). Scientists, teaching at nutritional seminars, report attendees are often medical doctors, a vast departure from years past.

PREVENTING AND CONTROLLING CANCER

While some individuals will be reading this protocol looking for help managing a malignancy, others will be focusing upon prevention and recurrence. The alphabetical list that follows provides quick guidelines for structuring a program, highlighting major nutrients in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
These recommendations should not be implemented individually in aggressive cancers without careful consultation of the remainder of the material. Cancer patients (and physicians) should be deliberate about reading the entirety of this protocol in order to avoid missing information that could prove to be lifesaving.



READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE:
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcls-txt/t-prtcl-027.html

I am using much of what this article talks about on Lucy. And I just found this article. Nice to know I must be on to something.
It is written for humans but most of the stuff I use on Lucy where it is safe for dogs. Here is what I give Lucy 

Treating Dog Cancer with Chinese Herbs

Studies have shown that about 90% of cancer patients have sub clinical thyroid deficiency. DHEA and melatonin are also low in most cancer patients and many others with chronic diseases.
Proper nutrition is essential in successful cancer therapy. Cancer is a wasting disease. Forty percent of cancer patients actually die from malnutrition. You cannot fight a life-threatening disease while malnourished.


TCM (TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE)


According to the Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University (CSU), cancer is the No. 1 cause of death in geriatric dogs and cats. Nearly half the deaths of companion dogs and cats are from cancer. Roughly half of all dogs and cats will develop cancer if they live to be 10 or older. A recent CSU oncology study involving 254 clients showed that 76 percent of clients used complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies, with nutritional supplements the most commonly used. More than half the clients indicated strong interest in CAM; 40 percent expressed average interest, and 3 percent reported no interest. Keum Hwa Choi, Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, reported that patients receiving both conventional and Traditional Oriental Medicine therapies had better survival rates, longer duration of remission and quality of life than those patients who did not utilize both systems of medicine.

While the ultimate goal in treating neoplasia is complete and permanent remission, that is sadly unattainable with Western medicine, alternative modalities, or various combinations thereof.

Using chinese medicinal herbs data I have found shows you can achieve:

Goal 1: Stabilization—Achieved in 90% cases
Goal 2: Shrinkage of mass—Achieved in 30% cases
Goal 3: Disappearance of mass—Achieved in 5-10% of cases

Minimally, improved quality of life is achieved with TCM treatment.

Chronologically, TCM has a 3-6-1-3 goal when dealing with oncology patients. The first goal is for the patient to live 3 months post-diagnosis. If the patient succeeds, then the expectation is for 6 months, then 1 year and finally 3 years.



Treatment Strategies for Treating Neoplasia with TCM

Strengthen the Body's Resistance and Tonify Zheng Qi (IMMUNITY)
a. Tonify Qi and strengthen Spleen

Herbal Formulas: Si Jun Zi Wan. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, Liu Jun Zi Wan, Wei Qi Booster

b. Nourish Blood and Yin
Herbal Formulas: Si Wu Tang, Shi Quan Da Bu, Ba Zhen Tang, Dang Gui Bu Xue Wan

c. Nourish Yin and Body Fluids:
Herbal Formulas: Sha Shen Mai Dong, Sheng Mai Yin

d. Tonify Kidney Yang
Herbal Formulas: You Gui Wan, Shen Qi Wan


The physiological effects of tonic herbs include enhanced immune system; inhibition of tumor growth, metastasis and mutation; protection of bone marrow and the hematopoietic system; decreased side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; improved quality of life. Proposed mechanisms of these herbs includes stimulation of NK cell activity, synthesis of cytokines to restrict tumor cell growth, and regulation of neoplastic cell growth cycle.
Move Qi and Blood

Stagnation of Qi and Blood is the basic pathologic change seen in the development of cancer. Physiological effects of herbs that move Qi and Blood include destruction of tumor cells, immune system regulation, enhanced effects of primary therapy (radiation, chemotherapy), neuroendocrine regulation, prevention of post-radiation fibrosis and other side effects, and the alleviation of pain.

Herbal Formulas: Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, Stasis Breaker or Max's Formula (Jing Tang), Chihko and Curcuma (ITM). Should use in conjunction with herbals that nourish Qi and Blood since we need to ensure that there is adequate Qi and Blood to move (e.g., Wei Qi Booster).

Clear internal toxins

Infection and chronic inflammation are predisposing factors in the development of cancer. Herbs that eliminate toxic heat may have direct anti-tumor effects via regulation of the body's immune system, cAMP levels and DNA/RNA synthesis by tumor cells, and growth inhibition of tumor cells. In addition to being antitoxic and stimulating immune function, some of these herbs have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. 



Herbal Formula: Viola Clear Fire (Golden Flower), Zhong Gan Ling (Golden Flower)

Soften hard masses, dissolve aggregations

Herbs in this category soften and shrink masses; they are typically used in combination with tonic herbals to prevent the reformation of Qi/Blood/ Phelgm entanglement. There herbs may also alleviate pain from the tumor mass and help to control metastasis.

Herbal Formulas: Stasis Transforming Formula (Golden Flower), Stasis Breaker (Jing Tang), Max's Formula (for weaker animals; Jing Tang), Chihko and Curcuma (ITM).

Herbal Formulas: Max Formula (Jing Tang), Phlegm Transforming Formula (Golden Flower)

Bring the body back to balance

The fundamental basis of TCM is balance and harmony. When the body is out of balance, there is disharmony and disease is manifested. Treatment therefore seeks to help the body to come back into balance, eliminating excesses and supplementing deficiencies.
Manage clinical signs and symptoms
a. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting

Herbal Formulas: Eight Gentlemen, Happy Earth (Jing Tang)

b. Diarrhea
Herbal Formula: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San

c. Constipation
Herbal Formula: Ma Zi Ren Wan

d. Inflammation, oral ulcers
Herbal Formula: Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin

e. Anemia, pancytopenia
Herbal Formulas: Marrow Plus (Health Concerns), Gui Pi Tang, Si Wu Tang, Chemo Blood Support Formula (Golden Flower)

f. Hemorrhage
Herbal Formula: Yunnan Baiyao, topically to bleeding lesions or orally. May be used preventatively or in acute hemorrhage due to hemangiosarcoma.

If no improvement is seen after 1 month of herbal administration, reevaluate and switch herbal formulas.


Food Therapy for Cancer Patients

The nutritional status of cancer patients is often suboptimal due to the effects of cancer itself and nutrient loss via vomiting, diarrhea, effusion/exudate production, GI obstruction and blood/body fluid loss. Additionally, tumors preferentially utilize glucose for metabolic energy and trap nitrogen from glutamine and other amino acids for protein synthesis. Anorexia and insulin resistance may also result from tumor secretions and the secondary production of cytokines.

There is a synergism of treatments when utilizing TCM. Food therapy is critical to the treatment of cancer as most of our commercially available pet foods promote root causes of cancer in TCM.

As cancer cells seem to utilize simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, protein and fat in descending order, the knee jerk reaction is to feed a no to low carbohydrate diet.  Some believe that increased glycemic load (glycemic index multiplied by grams of carbohydrate per serving size) results in the increased of certain forms of cancer. Although we are all hesitant to recommend any radical diet change without thoughtful and educated consideration, clinical results in this area can speak volumes.  In general, when feeding a cancer patient, a ratio of 50-60:15-30:25-35 (protein: mostly low glycemic index carbohydrates: lightly cooked vegetables) is followed. Supplementation with fish oil, digestive enzymes, probiotics and vitamin-minerals is also recommended. The patient's nutritional status should be followed closely as ration adjustments or supplementation with more oil/substitution with olive oil, flax seed oil or borage oil may be required due to weight loss or intolerance of fish oil.



Here are some other Chinese herbal patent formulas as more examples



Eight Gentleman

Used to treat chronic gastro intestinal disorders, vomiting and poor appetite.





Lilium

Used to treat upper and lower respiratory infections.





Di Tan Tang

Clears out phlegm and open the orifices while tonifying Qi. This TCM Herbal formula is best suited for conditions of internal obstruction due to severe phlegm where the smoothe circulation of fluids has stopped creating more phlegm.





Cervical Formula

Cervical disc, injuries and stiffness.





Yin Qiao San

For influenza, respiratory infections, early in the course of disease when symptoms are first felt, good for animals going to kennel for boarding.





Yunnan Bai Yao

For carcinoma, stops bleeding.





Ba Zheng San

Used to treat cystitis, stone and or crystals in urine, acute urinary tract infection, and bloody urine.





Nei Xiao Wan

Stasis Breaker – For lumps, nodules and internal abnormal masses, for blood stagnation / stasis.





BuQi Zi Yin Tang

Hindquarter weakness formula for cervical disc, injuries and stiffness.





Great Windkeeper

Used for treating skin allergies usually found in the spring and fall when the winds are active.





Long Dan Xie Gan Wan

For ear infection, otitis, dermatitis and epilepsy.





Wei Qi Booster (Immune Booster)

Immune system boost, general weakness, fatigue, apathy, poor appetite, weight loss in old animals, chronic viral infections, post-chemo or radiation, anemia, hyperthyroidism, chronic arthritis or renal failure in aged dogs.


Ingredient Actions
Bai Hua She
She Cao
Inhibit cell mutation and tumor growth
Ban Zhi Lian Inhibit cell mutation, inhibit tumor
growth
Chen Pi Move Qi and transform phlegm
Dang Gui Tonifies Blood
Dang Shen Tonify Qi and boost Wei Qi
Huang Qi Tonifies Qi in whole body and Wei Qi
Wu Yao Move Qi and clear stagnation
Xuan Shen Cool Blood and nourish Yin
Contraindication:
Do not use in conditions with Excess Heat
(Acute inflammation or infection, high fever)


Stasis Breaker (A tumor buster)
General Dosage:
Horse: 15 g BID as top dressing on feed
Dog/Cat: 0.5 g per 10 to 20 lb body weight BID
“In TCVM, the main
pattern of tumor and
cancer masses is
Blood stasis.”
Contraindication: Do not use in pregnant or weak animals.
Use as needed up to 3 months. May be used
with Wei Qi Booster.
In TCVM, tumor tissues and nodules are classified as
Blood stasis and stagnation. The key treatment strategy
is to remove Blood stasis. Both Stasis Breaker and Max
Formula are designed for the treatment of neoplasia,
tumors and nodules. The difference is that Stasis Breaker
has a strong action while Max Formula has a milder
effect. Thus, Stasis Breaker is used for excess enlargement
in strong animals.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS FOR
CANCER PATIENTS
Ingredient Actions
Bai Hua She
She Cao
Inhibit cell mutation and tumor growth
Ban Zhi Lian Clear Heat-toxin, inhibit cell mutation,
inhibit tumor growth
E Zhu Purge the interior, break Blood stasis
and clear mass
Mu Li(Shu) Soften hardness and clear mass
San Leng Purge the interior, break stasis and
clear mass
Zhe Bei Mu Soften harness and clear nodules

Lucy Nasal Cancer Status at 1 year 1 month

Lucy Nasal Cancer Status at 1 year 1 month using Holistic and alternative medicine only. She was originally given 4 months on average.




Still doing GREAT! There are still no symptoms on her left side where the nasal cancer is!

Dog can't breath so much mucous give Mucinex?

Dog can't breath so much mucous. Can I give Mucinex?


"The mucinex works well if she drinks plenty of water to make the phlegm watery so it drains better. Might take a bit though.  
It's an uphill battle at first.

It won't shrink tissue like Prednisone but at least it will let mucous drain alot easier. Benedryl kinda dries up mucous wateryness but does not help with flow. Just don't give benedryl for too long then it gets too dry and thickens the mucous again. We just want a little less wateryness after the mucinex gets stuff unclogged some."

Here is a another quote from someone I found:
 "There really are no good decongestants to give a dog but after trying several things I did find out that Mucinex helped Dash some..It is really for chest congestion but seemed to help break up his nasal mucus so it drained out and he could breathe a little better. "

This quote I found with google before with the others on mucinex I found:

"The dose of Mucinex I gave Dash was 1/2 a tablet every 12 hrs as needed so 1/2 the 12yr old to adult human dose. 
He was 45-50lbs. He had no problems with it but he had a caste iron gut and often ate things that would make most dogs sick yet he never got sick from any of it."

See if that correlates to what others have said in those links below on Mucinex that I found. 

It's hard to find much info on using Mucinex in dogs. Just what those 2 vets said and what a few people have said.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Dogs-701/Sudden-Coughing-snotty-sound.htm

http://canigivemydog.com/mucinex

http://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/2sta4-give-dog-mucinex-dm.html !!!don't buy the DM version. Just plain Mucinex with no cough suppressant and no sudafed. Just straight plain 12 hour mucinex.

http://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/2yw3u-give-dog-mucinex-maximum-strength.html


Mucokinetics are a class of drugs which aid in the clearance of mucus from the airways, lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
Such drugs can be further categorized by their mechanism of action.
-expectorants
-mucolytic agents
-wetting agents / hypoviscosity agents
-abhesives / surfactants

In general, clearance ability is hampered by bonding to surfaces (stickiness) and by the viscosity (thickness) of mucous secretions in the lungs. In turn, the viscosity is dependent upon the concentration of mucoprotein in the secretions.

Expectorants and Mucolytic agents are different types of medication, yet both intend to promote drainage of mucus from the lungs.

An Expectorant (from the Latin expectorare, to expel from the chest) works by signaling the body to increase the amount or hydration of secretions, resulting in more yet clearer secretions and as a byproduct lubricating the irritated respiratory tract. One expectorant guaifenesin is commonly available in many cough syrups. Sometimes the term "expectorant" is incorrectly extended to any cough medicine, since it is a universal component.[1]

A mucolytic agent is an agent which dissolves thick mucus and is usually used to help relieve respiratory difficulties. It does so by dissolving various chemical bonds within secretions, which in turn can lower the viscosity by altering the mucin-containing components.

Alternatively, attacking the affinity between secretions and the biological surfaces is another avenue, which is used by abhesives and surfactants.

Any of these effects could potentially improve airway clearance during coughing.

An expectorant increases bronchial secretions and mucolytics help loosen thick bronchial secretions. Expectorants reduce the thickness or viscosity of bronchial secretions thus increasing mucus flow that can be removed more easily through coughing, Mucolytics break down the chemical structure of mucus molecules. The mucus becomes thinner and can be removed more easily.
—Adams, Holland, & Bostwick, 2008, p. 591

SO THEY ARE SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT!!!!!!!


GUESS WHAT? NAC (Acetylcysteine rINN (pron.: /əˌsɛtəlˈsɪstiːn/), also known as N-acetylcysteine or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (abbreviated NAC), is a pharmaceutical drug and nutritional supplement used primarily as a mucolytic agent and in the management of paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Other uses include sulfate repletion in conditions, such as autism, where cysteine and related sulfur amino acids may be depleted.[2]

Acetylcysteine is a derivative of cysteine; an acetyl group is attached to the nitrogen atom. This compound is sold as a dietary supplement commonly claiming antioxidant and liver protecting effects. It is used as a cough medicine because it breaks disulfide bonds in mucus and liquefies it, making it easier to cough up. It is also this action of breaking disulfide bonds that makes it useful in thinning the abnormally thick mucus in cystic and pulmonary fibrosis patients.

Mucolytic therapy

NAC Acetylcysteine is indicated for mucolytic ("mucus-dissolving") therapy as an adjuvant in respiratory conditions with excessive and/or thick mucus production. Such conditions include emphysema, bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, amyloidosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is also used post-operatively, as a diagnostic aid, and in tracheotomy care.  However, a recent paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that high-dose oral N-acetylcysteine modulates inflammation in cystic fibrosis and has the potential to counter the intertwined redox and inflammatory imbalances in CF.[11] Oral acetylcysteine may also be used as a mucolytic in less serious cases.

For this indication, acetylcysteine acts to reduce mucus viscosity by splitting disulfide bonds linking proteins present in the mucus (mucoproteins).

I ALSO GIVE LICORICE ROOT 1 CAPSULE. IT HAS MUCOUS AND MANY OTHER GOOD PROPERTIES.

I GIVE LUCY 1 NAC 600mg capsule in the AM meal.   I get both from swanson.

As always, check with your vet. But be prepared for them to not be sure. What can we do? Well, google google google. 

List of Veterinary Medications for Cancer and Other Symptoms

Gosh, many of these are the same human drugs.

Acepromazine (PromAce)
Although acepromazine has several actions that might be useful, it is mostly used as a tranquilizer.

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)
There is one reason to use allopurinol: to reduce uric acid in the blood stream.

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Alprazolam, like its more famous cousin Valium, is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer. Alprazolam lasts longer than Valium. (need to verify this statement)

Amantadine
Amantadine was first used as an antiviral medication against influenza, but its main use now is as a type of pain reliever.

Amitriptyline (Elavil)
This antidepressant has been helpful for animals with obsessive grooming, inappropriate urination, and separation anxiety.

Amlodipine Besylate (Norvasc)
We have discussed hypertension and how it affects our pets. Right now the drug of choice for the treatment of hypertension in cats is Amlodipine Besylate. We invite you to learn more about its use.

Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin represents a synthetic improvement upon the original Penicillin molecule. Amoxicillin is better able to resist damage from stomach acid so less of an oral dose is wasted. While it is still susceptible to destruction by Staphylococcal enzymes, it does have a much broader spectrum against the Gram negative cell wall and is able to last a bit longer.

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Clavamox, Augmentin)
The combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (sodium clavulanate) is similar as for amoxicillin except that the clavulanate is able to protect the penicillin structure from destruction by Staphylococci. This combined medication can be used against anything amoxicillin could be used for plus Staphlylococcal infections (usually skin infections).

Arthritis: Medications for Degenerative Arthritis
Arthritis pain causes discomfort and loss of mobility in aged pets, and there are numerous remedies on the market. Which ones can be combined? Which are proven reliable and which may only work in some individuals?

Aspirin
Aspirin inhibits an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase that is involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. Arachidonic acid, a fatty acid that is essential in the diet of cats and dogs, makes up cell membranes. When the inflammatory cascade is active, cells begin to convert their arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Aspirin puts a stop to this.

Atenolol (Tenormin)
Atenolol is a beta blocker and has been designed to block the heart's beta-one receptors while leaving the beta-two receptors of other tissues alone.

Azathioprine (Imuran)
Immune mediated diseases are conditions where the immune system becomes inappropriately active and damages the body. Azathioprine is a common medication used in the treatment of immune mediated disease. It is a drug to respect and use wisely.

Azithromycin (Zithromax)
Azithromycin has activity against many bacterial species.

Benazepril (Lotensin)
Benazepril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, also called an ACE inhibitor or simply an ACEI. Benazepril effectively acts as a dilator of blood vessels.

Bethanechol Chloride (Urecholine, Myocholine)
Bethanechol chloride works to strengthen the detrusor muscle’s contraction. If the lower sphincter is too tight from an upper motor neuron injury, this medication will help the bladder to contract harder to overcome it. If the bladder is flabby, this medication will help it regain some shape and strength so that it can empty in a controlled fashion rather than just leaking.

Budesonide (Entocort EC, Entocord)
How nice it would be to have a corticosteroid that could be applied to the site of the inflammation but not be absorbed into the body systemically! This is the idea behind budesonide.

Buprenorphine (Buprenex)
Buprenorphine is considered approximately 30 times stronger than morphine because morphine is more active at the mu receptor, so morphine is a much a stronger pain reliever. Buprenorphine is best used for mild to moderate pain.

Buspirone Hydrochloride (Buspar)
In veterinary medicine, buspirone has been especially helpful in the treatment of phobias (such as fear of thunder, people in uniform, etc.) and in the treatment of urine marking in cats.

Butorphanol Tartrate (Stadol, Torbutrol, Torbugesic)
Because butorphanol antagonizes the mu receptor, it will fight against opiates that are mu agonists: morphine, oxymorphone, meperidine, etc. If butorphanol is used with any other drugs that have sedating properties, these sedating properties will be more blatant.

Calcitriol (Rocaltrol)
This medication actually represents activated vitamin D. Vitamin D is not a vitamin in the way other vitamins are or in the way we think of vitamins; vitamin D is actually a hormone. It plays an important role in calcium phosphorus balance and can be beneficial in preventing the progression of kidney failure.

Carprofen (Rimadyl)
Carprofen is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the same class as such common over-the-counter remedies as Advil (ibuprofen), Orudis (ketoprofen), and aspirin. The chief use for such drugs in the dog has been pain relief, usually joint pain or post-surgical pain relief.

Cefpodoxime Proxetil (Simplicef, Vantin)
Cefpodoxime is able to treat more complicated infections, so it is often selected for jobs where other antibiotics are expected to fail.

Cephalexin (Keflex)
Cephalexin is a good broad spectrum antibiotic, which means it is useful in most common and uncomplicated infections. It is especially useful against staphylococcal infections (most skin infections) and is commonly used for long (6-8 week courses) against deep skin infections (pyodermas).

Chlorambucil (Leukeran®)
A drug used most commonly for chemotherapy to treat cancer, chlorambucil is also used to treat some immune mediated diseases such as pemphigus, feline infectious peritonitous, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin, CHPC)
Chloramphenicol represents years of antibiotic development. Due to its pH, it shines above most other antibiotics in terms of ability to penetrate. Chloramphenicol can easily pass deeply through purulent material to the organisms hiding within, through cell membranes to attack parasites living within, and into organs where other antibiotics cannot go.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Chlor-Trimeton)
Chlorpheniramine maleate has several important effects and uses. Most obviously, it's an antihistamine and it's used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as snake bites, vaccination reactions, blood transfusion reactions, bee stings and insect bites, and to manage itchy skin.

Cisapride (Propulsid)
One of the stomach's most important functions is to grind the food we eat into a fine slurry that will pass through the intestines freely. A strong rhythm of contraction is necessary to effect this and this rhythm creates the stomach's motility. Cisapride is thus an excellent alternative to those patients who have unacceptable side effects with metoclopramide.

Cisplatin
The treatment of cancer is scary and the word chemotherapy conjures up unpleasant images. But what are the facts of these powerful medications? Cisplatinum is an important weapon against cancer.

Clemastine fumarate (Tavist)
Clemastine fumarate is one of the more effective antihistamines albeit relatively expensive. Its efficacy makes it a common first choice for itchy skin. It has found to be helpful in 30% of itchy dogs and 50% of itchy cats. Other studies have found higher percentages. Clemastine fumarate is probably the most reliably effective antihistamine for itchy dogs of all of the antihistamines available.

Clindamycin Hydrochloride (Clindadrops, Antirobe, Cleosin)
Clindamycin is an antibiotic of the lincosamide class and possesses similar properties to its sister compound lincomycin. To understand how these medications work, it is important to understand how cells make proteins.

Clomipramine (Clomicalm, Anafranil)
Anxiety is not a problem exclusive to humans. Many pets have anxiety about separation from their owner, aggressive pets with whom they share their home, and other issues. The medications used to help animals with these issues are the same medications that humans use. Clomipramine is the first to achieve FDA approval for use in dogs as well as humans.

Colchicine (Colchicinum, Artex, Colchily, Cholchicquim, etc.)
Colchicine is used in scarring diseases such as hepatic cirrhosis and in abnormal protein depositions such as amyloidosis.

Compounding Pharmacies
Sometimes the medication that your pet needs was designed for people and does not come in a form convienient for a cat or dog. A compounding pharmacy has the ability to reformulate the medication so that your pet may actually be willing to take it!

Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Because of its ability to kill rapidly dividing, cyclophosphamide has been used most successfully in treating cancer and immune mediated disease.

Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine, sometimes referred to as cyclosporin A, is an immunosuppressive agent. Unlike other medications of immune suppression that act by killing cells of the immune system, cyclosporine acts by interfering with helper T-lymphocyte interleukin production.

Cyproheptadine (Periactin)
Cyproheptadine is an antihistamine that in many ways is similar to other antihistamines with which we are more familiar. Cyproheptadine also has some other properties of interest. It also antagonizes serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. This leads to an increase in appetite and often is the reason this medication is used.

Deracoxib (Deramaxx)
Deracoxib is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs, the same class as such common over-the-counter remedies as Advil (ibuprofen), Orudis (ketoprofen), and aspirin. The chief use for such drugs in the dog has been pain relief, usually joint pain or post-surgical pain relief.

Dexamethasone (Azium, Voren)
Dexamethasone is a member of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. This means they are steroids but, unlike the anabolic steroids that we hear about in sports, these are catabolic steroids. Instead of building the body up, they are designed to break down stored resources (fats, sugars and proteins) so that they may be used as fuels in times of stress.

Diazepam (Valium)
There are many uses for this medication since it is effective as an anti-anxiety medication, a muscle relaxant, an appetite stimulant, and a seizure control drug. The injectable form of diazepam is often used in anesthetic protocols.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
DES has only one primary use: treating sphincter tone incontinence in female dogs. DES is used at extremely low doses to avoid the toxicity issues that have been a problem for estrogen derivative medications.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Diphenhydramine has several important effects and thus several uses. Most obviously, diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and it's used for acute inflammatory and allergic conditions such as snake bites, vaccination reactions, blood transfusion reactions, bee stings and insect bites.

Dirlotapide (Slentrol)
The weight loss medication dirlotapide works not by preventing fat absorption into the body but by fooling the brain into feeling satisfied with a smaller meal.

Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
The tetracycline antibiotic family provides broad anti-bacterial protection by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. The body possesses many barriers through which antibiotics have difficulty penetrating. Infections behind these barriers can be difficult to treat. Doxycycline represents a modification of the basic tetracycline structure to enhance its ability to penetrate such biological barriers and to increase its duration of action.

Enalapril Maleate (Enacard, Vasotec)
The ACE inhibitor group of heart failure medicines has doubled the survival of heart failure patients. This is the only ACE inhibitor approved for non-human use.

Enrofloxacin (Baytril)
This medication may be used in either dogs or cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. Enrofloxacin is also active against Staphylococci, and thus is commonly used for skin infections.

Erythromycin (Ery-tab, Ery-Ped, Eryc)
Today erythromycin has seen some resurgence in popularity. This is partly because of over use of drugs that had previously eclipsed erythromycin. Staphylococci developed resistance to the new drugs leading to a return to older drugs.

Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin is the hormone responsible for inducing red blood cell production by the body’s bone marrow. Erythropoietin is primarily produced by the kidney when a drop in blood oxygen is perceived, though 1% to 15% of the total erythropoietin produced comes from the liver. A dose of erythropoietin lasts about a day but its effect is seen approximately 5 days later when the red cell proliferation it has induced is mature enough for release into circulation.

Etodolac (EtoGesic, Lodine)
Etodolac is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and is used for pain relief.

Famotidine (Pepcid AC)
More commonly known by its brand name Pepcid AC, this drug can be helpful in the treatment of Helicobacter infection, inflammatory bowel disease, canine parvovirus, ingestion of a toxin that could be ulcerating (overdose of aspirin, for example), any disease involving protracted vomiting, or chronically in combination with medications that irritate stomachs.

Fenbendazole (Panacur)
Fenbendazole (often abbreviated "FBZ") is used in both large and small animals. In dogs, it is useful against roundworms, hookworms, and the more difficult to treat whipworms.

Fentanyl (Duragesic Patch)
The primary use of the fentanyl patch is to provide a continuous delivery of pain reliever to a patient with on-going pain. These patches are especially useful after a surgical procedure but are also helpful in the management of cancer pain, or after injury.

Flea Product Comparison
Confused about flea protection? This FAQ compares the three popular topspot flea control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation.

Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Fluconazole works by inhibiting the fungal enzymes that produce ergosterol, an important component of the fungal cell wall. Without adequate ergosterol, the fungal cell becomes weak, leaky, and ultimately dies.

Fludrocortisone Acetate (Florinef)
There is really only one use for this medication: the treatment of hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease). In this disease, the adrenal gland is unable to produce hormones called mineralocorticoids. In the normal animal, these hormones are responsible for the balance of sodium and potassium and without these hormones a life-threatening circulatory shock ultimately results. Fludrocortisone acetate prevents this circulatory crisis.

Fluoxetine (Reconcile, Prozac)
Fluoxetine is used in veterinary medicine for animals with anxiety, compulsive behavior, and other behavior issues. In 2007 a version of fluoxetine specifically labeled for animal use became available.

Furosemide (Salix, Disal)
The kidney is one of the most complicated organs of the body. Furosemide acts on the kidney to increase the body’s loss of water and assorted minerals and electroyltes.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Originally this medication was used for treating partial seizures in humans but it was found to be useful in treating neuropathic pain (the burning and tingling sensations that come from damaged nerves.)

Glargine Insulin
So far, studies show glargine works pretty well and in newly diagnosed diabetic cats, it seems to provide such good control - when used in combination with a low carbohydrate diet - that many cats revert to a non-diabetic status in a matter of weeks

Glipizide (Glucotrol)
This oral medication works by causing the pancreas to release insulin more effectively. It also helps increase tissue sensitivity so that smaller doses of insulin may have a greater effect. Some cats will respond adequately to this treatment and thus avoid the use of insulin injections at home.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate (Cosequin, Glycoflex, Cartiflex, Arthri-Nu)
Degenerative joint diseases are painful conditions frequently treated with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents. It has been of interest to seek a medication that might actually strengthen damaged joints rather than simply blocking pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates theoretically represent a solution.

Griseofulvin (Fulvicin)
This medication is used to treat ringworm, a fungal infection of the skin involving fungi. While it's possible for a ringworm lesion to be localized and require only topical therapy, this is not the usual situation and oral medication is necessary to control the skin disease.

Heartworm Treatment
It has been said that the treatment of heartworm infection is somewhat of an art. There are several strategies that can be used including the option of not treating at all. The important concept to realize is that very harsh arsenic based drugs are necessary to kill adult heartworms and that treating for heartworm infection is neither simple nor safe in itself.

Hydrocodone Bitartrate (Hycodan, Tussigon, Mycodone)
Narcotics are able to bring about many bodily effects beyond the notorious addictive euphoria. Other effects include: analgesia, anti-diarrheal effects, cardiovascular effects, and cough suppression. Hydrocodone represents a narcotic developed to accentuate the cough suppression effect.

Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
This drug is an antihistamine used to deal in various ways with itchy skin. Hydroxyzine is frequently included in antihistamine trials for allergic skin disease.

Insulin Administration in Cats
Insulin is the injectable medication you use to control your diabetic cat’s blood sugar. This beginner's guide will explain how to give your cat insulin injections.

Interferon (Roferon, Intron A, Alferon N)
Interferons are generally produced in the body in response to viral infections and have antiviral activity as well as immunostimulating properties.

Itraconazole (Sporonox)
Itraconazole works by inhibiting the fungal enzymes that produce ergosterol, an important component of the fungal cell wall. Without adequate ergosterol, the fungal cell becomes weak, leaky and ultimately dies.

Ivermectin (Ivomec, Heartgard 30, Acarexx, Iverheart Plus)
Ivermectin is effective against most common intestinal worms (except tapeworms), most mites, and some lice. It is not effective against fleas, ticks, flies, or flukes. It is effective against larval heartworms (the microfilariae that circulate in the blood) but not against adult heartworms that live in the heart and pulmonary arteries.

Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
This drug fights fungal infections both minor and life threatening, but because of the way it works it can also be used to treat Cushing’s disease (a cortisone imbalance).

L-Asparaginase (Elspar)
The battle against cancer must exploit biological differences between cancer cells and normal cells. Asparagine is an especially important amino acid for lymphatic cancer cells and asparaginase is able to destroy it in a way that hurts cancer cells only. L-Asparaginase is a helpful chemotherapy agent, especially in the treatment of lymphatic cancers.

L-Deprenyl Hydrochloride (Anipryl, Eldepryl, Carbex)
There are two uses for L-Deprenyl (also known as selegiline hydrochloride) in dogs: the treatment of Cushing’s disease, an adrenal hormone imbalance, and the treatment of senile mental deterioration.

Lactulose
Lactulose is primarily used as a stool softener or in the treatment of liver patients.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)
As advances are made in seizure control in humans, medications eventually spill down into veterinary use; levetiracetam is a good example.

Lomustine
Lomustine is a member of the nitrosourea class of chemotherapy agents that act by binding DNA to other DNA strands or to protein in such a way that the DNA double helix strand cannot replicate. In addition to essentially tying DNA up, lomustine generates a by-product that prevents normal DNA function.

Loperamide (Imodium AD)
If your pet has diarrhea, it may be a condition that disturbs your well-being as well as your pet's. One medication that can help in some circumstances is the human medication Imodium AD. One interesting little fact: this medication is a member of the opiate class of drugs!

Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine represents a new generation of antihistamine that does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not cause drowsiness. It also is much longer lasting than some of the classic antihistamines in use. The size of this tablet and its twice a day dosing schedule make it a convenient antihistamine for feline use.

Lufenuron (Program)
Insects are protected in the world by a hard exoskeleton made of a material called chitin. Lufenuron, Program's active ingredient, inhibits the production of chitin in insects.

Maropitant Citrate (Cerenia)
Maropitant citrate is a strong anti-nausea medication for dogs.

Meclizine Hydrochloride (Bonine, Antivert, Meclizine Hydrochloride)
An excellent product for people that can also be used for car-sick pets, meclizine hydrochloride is generally used for nausea relief due to motion sickness. It is also used to control the nausea resulting from vestibular disease, a syndrome characterized by vertigo and loss of balance.

Medication For Hyperthyroidism
The most common medication prescribed to treat feline hyperthyroidism is called methimazole (trade name Tapazole).

Meloxicam (Metacam)
Meloxicam is generally given to control arthritis pain in dogs though it can be given for many other painful conditions. It is often used an analgesic in conjunction with surgery.

Methocarbamol (Robaxin-V)
Methocarbamol is a muscle relaxant that exerts its effect by acting on the central nervous system (the nerves that control the muscles) rather than on the muscles themselves.

Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Motility disorders are common and may be chronic or of sudden onset. When motility is reduced in the stomach, food pools there and creates a sensation of nausea and bloating. In some cases, bile refluxes from the intestine into the stomach, causing irritation and more nausea. Metoclopramide (Reglan) normalizes stomach contractions so that food and bile can pass in the correct direction.

Metronidazole (Flagyl)
Metronidazole is an antibiotic especially effective against anaerobic infections. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine and is an effective anti-diarrhea medication. It's also an effective antibiotic against certain protozoal infections, especially Giardia.

Mirtazapine (Remeron)
The side effects make mirtazapine a desirable medication for animals. It has strong anti-nausea properties and acts as a strong appetite stimulant.

Omeprazole (Prilosec, GastroGard)
Omeprazole represents a different tact from other antacids: proton pump inhibition. The quantity of acid ultimately amounts to the quantity of protons. The proton pump is central to secreting acid into the stomach and with this pump inhibited, stomach acid production is halted.

Orbifloxacin (Orbax)
Orbifloxacin may be used in dogs and cats to combat different types of infections, especially those involving Pseudomonas. This medication is also active against Staphylococci, and thus is commonly used for skin infections.

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Elmiron, Cartrophen)
Pentosan polysulfate sodium can be used in acute feline lower urinary tract disease to facilitate the resolution of the episode. It is more commonly recommended as an on-going therapy to prevent future episodes. The jury is still out as to whether or not it is effective.

Pentoxifylline (Trental)
Pentoxifylline is used to enhance healing in chronic ulcerative conditions such as dermatomyositis of collies and shelties and has been helpful in treating allergic reactions caused by physical contact with the allergen (i.e., contact allergic dermatitis). Ear margin vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation) can also be treated with pentoxifylline.

Phenobarbital
In dogs and cats, phenobarbital is probably the first choice for seizure suppression. It is effective, safe if used responsibly, and is one of the least expensive medications in all of veterinary practice.

Phenylpropanolamine (Propagest, Pro-In)
Phenylpropanolaminecan be used to help control appetite or as a decongestant, but in veterinary medicine it is used almost exclusively for the control of urinary incontinance in the female dog.

Piroxicam
The most common target of this medication is transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder, although it is also used against mammary adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and transmissible venereal tumors.

Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan (Adequan)
In treating arthritis, injections are given twice a week for 4 weeks for a maximum of eight injections. Injections are given intramuscularly. Dogs, cats, and horses are the usual patients. There is another use for this medication and that is in the treatment of feline lower urinary tract disease.

Ponazuril
Ponazuril represents a new approach to treatment for coccidia, which can cause potentially life-threatening diarrhea.

Potassium Bromide (K Brovet)
This medication is generally reserved for dogs who cannot tolerate phenobarbital for seizures control due to unacceptable side effects or lack of effectiveness.

Praziquantel (Droncit)
Praziquantel is primarily used against parasites known as "Cestodes" (tapeworms). It is also effective against flukes.

Prednisone/Prednisolone
Prednisone and prednisolone are members of the glucocorticoid class of hormones. They break down stored resources (fats, sugars and proteins) so that they may be used as fuels in times of stress. We do not use the glucocorticoids for their influences on glucose and protein metabolism; we use them because they are the most broad anti-inflammatory medications that we have.

Pyrantel Pamoate (Strongid T, Nemex)
Pyrantel pamoate is effective against numerous parasitic worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, and stomach worms. When a new puppy or kitten is adopted and has been said to have been dewormed, the chances are it is this product that was used.

Ranitidine (Zantac)
Ranitidine is useful in any situation where stomach irritation is an issue and ulceration is a concern. It is often used in the treatment of Helicobacter infection, inflammatory bowel disease, canine parvovirus, ingestion of a toxin that could be ulcerating (over dose of aspirin, for example), any disease involving protracted vomiting, or chronically in combination with medications which may have stomach irritating properties.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe, Denosyl, Zentonil)
In veterinary medicine, this product is chiefly used in liver disease.

Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
Silymarin has been traditionally used in the treatment of liver disease and, while it has recently been advocated for use in pets, all scientific information available concerns human use. Silymarin is regularly used for an assortment of liver diseases including cirrhosis and viral hepatitis in humans.

Spinosad (Comfortis)
Spinosad is an ultra-fast flea killing tablet that lasts an entire month. It is safe for dogs but not for cats.

Sucralfate (Carafate)
Sucralfate was developed as an adjunctive treatment for stomach ulcers in humans. It dissolves to form a protective covering over stomach ulcers and injuries. It's effective in the upper GI tract: stomach, duodenum, and possibly the esophagus.

Sulfadimethoxine (Albon)
Sulfa drugs may have numerous uses, but in small animals sulfadimethoxine is used almost exclusively for the treatment of intestinal parasites known as coccidia. These parasites are single-celled organisms capable of causing intense diarrheas in their hosts.

Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
Sulfasalazine represents an innovative exception in antibiotics used for colitis. Essentially, a salve is applied to the surface of the inflamed colon.

Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Terbinafine has activity against other types of fungi but at this time it is mostly used against ringworm.

Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
This medication has been a helpful airway dilator for humans with asthma and animals with heart disease or bronchitis.

Toceranib Phosphate (Palladia)
This medication was developed to address the mast cell tumor in dogs.

Trimethoprim-Sulfa (Bactrim, Tribrissen, Septra, Sulfatrim, Cotrim)
Trimethoprim-sulfa is known by many names as it's a commonly used antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. It's become a popular choice thanks to its broad spectrum and inexpensive cost.

Tylosin (Tylan®)
An antibiotic, tylosin is used for its anti-inflammatory properties in the large intestine rather than for its ability to fight infection.

Ursodiol (Actigall)
Ursodeoxycholic acid is one of the bile acids produced by the Chinese black bear and it has been used in the treatment of liver disease for centuries. Nowadays, it is produced in the laboratory rather than extracted from bear gall bladders.

Vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar)
Vincristine is chiefly used as one drug in multi-drug combination protocols against lymphoid and round cell tumors.