Library
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A wild reptile typically spends many hours a day basking in the sun and absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light, which is necessary for the manufacture of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is manufactured in the skin and is required for the intestines to properly absorb calcium from food. Lack of UV light can predispose a pet reptile to nutritional metabolic bone disease (MBD). Regular exposure to natural direct sunlight outside is encouraged and recommended whenever possible.
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Lime sulfur topical is a leave-on agent used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworm (dermatophytosis) and topical yeast infections (Malassezia dermatitis) in dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and horses. Lime sulfur topical can also be useful in the treatment of several species of skin and fur mites and lice.
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Lincomycin is given by mouth or injection and is used on and off label to treat certain bacterial infections. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or similar drugs, in pets with a candida fungal infection, very young pets, or in rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, or horses. If a negative reaction occurs, please call the veterinary office.
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One particularly dangerous type of foreign body in cats is a linear foreign body: a long, thin object such as string, yarn, or tinsel. If one end of the linear foreign body becomes lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal perforation may occur due to bunching up of the intestines. The most common signs of a linear foreign body include vomiting, anorexia (refusal to eat), dehydration, and lethargy. If your veterinarian suspects a linear foreign body, your cat will need an exploratory laparotomy (abdominal surgery).
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Linezolid is an antibiotic used to treat multi-drug-resistant, gram-positive bacterial infections in cats and dogs. Its use is limited to susceptible infections with documented resistance to other antimicrobials. Its use is off label in veterinary medicine. Linezolid comes in tablet and powder forms that may be compounded into liquid.
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LinkSkin® Spray is a topical solution designed to support the skin barrier in dogs and cats by restoring the balance of microflora on the skin. It contains heat-killed lactobacilli and can help prevent skin infections caused by bacteria and yeast.
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A lipoma is a common, usually benign (harmless) fat tumor seen in middle-aged to older animals. These tumors occur often in dogs and infrequently in cats. The malignant form of this tumor is called a liposarcoma. Liposarcomas usually do not spread, but they require more extensive surgery to control.
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The liver is an important organ necessary for controlling many different body functions. Signs of liver disease in cats include increased drinking and urination, abdominal swelling, jaundice, digestive upset, and weight loss. Signs, diagnostics, and treatments are discussed.
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Liver disease can occur in any avian species but is most common in cockatiels, budgies, Amazon parrots, lories, and mynah birds. Because the typical clinical signs are non-specific and descriptive of many different diseases, diagnostic tests are highly recommended. Treatment options depend on the diagnosis and can range from diet modification to hospitalization.
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Platynosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic worm called a liver fluke. It affects cats in tropical and subtropical regions. The lifecycle is complex and involves several hosts. Cats can become infected by ingesting lizards or amphibians that have the larval stages of the fluke. The flukes live in the bile ducts and gall bladder of affected cats, causing symptoms of liver disease.
