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Educational Articles

  • This handout discusses how to find reliable information for your pet on the internet. Recommendations are to always seek out trusted sources, such as your own veterinary clinic, veterinary schools, and those sites with content written by veterinarians. Try to avoid sites offering homemade cures, are heavily weighted with opinions, or offer prescription medications without requiring a veterinarian’s prescription.

  • Fine needle aspiration is a useful tool to collect samples for cytology and is often used to diagnose abnormal lumps on your pet's body as well as evaluation of fluid samples and tissue surfaces. It is relatively simple and inexpensive but can provide a lot of information. Depending on results, further tests may be indicated to best help your pet.

  • Fipronil is used topically to treat flea, tick, and chewing lice infestations. Side effects are uncommon but may include skin irritation at the application site. Do not use this product on pets less than 8 weeks old, geriatric pets, or sick/weak pets.

  • Fipronil with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen, topical (brand name Catego® for cats), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 0.7 kg (1.5 lb). Fipronil with dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen comes in topical, spot-on forms.

  • Fipronil with etofenprox and s-methoprene, topical (brand name Frontline® Tritak for cats), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. Avoid use in rabbits and other small mammals.

  • Fipronil with etofenprox, topical (brand names Fiproguard® Max, Pronyl® OTC Max), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 12 weeks of age and older. Avoid use in rabbits and other small mammals.

  • Fipronil with s-methoprene and pyriproxyfen, topical (brand name Frontline® Gold), is a medication used to treat and control fleas and ticks in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and to control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). It may be used to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats, as well as chewing lice in dogs.

  • Fipronil with s-methoprene, topical (brand names Frontline® Plus, PetArmor® Pro Advanced, Fiproguard® Max, Fiprotrol® Plus, others), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange mites, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing more than 2.3 kg (5 lb). It is also used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older. It may be used off-label in other species.

  • The sight of blood is frightening for many people, especially when an injured cat is bleeding. With quick first aid, the situation is not as scary. An injured pet is scared and in pain so be sure to take precautions to avoid being bitten. You may need to use a muzzle or have someone restrain your cat while you provide first aid. Keeping wounds covered with pressure to slow the bleeding is the first step. Minor injuries may be manageable at home, but larger wounds and internal wounds require immediate veterinary care.

  • Broken nails are acute, painful injuries that require first aid, and in some cases, a veterinary visit. Bleeding should initially be controlled with pressure from gauze or a towel, followed by cauterizing powder if needed. Any remaining damaged part needs to be removed, which usually requires veterinary care. Broken nails are best prevented by keeping all nails short through regular trimmings.