Optixcare Eye Lube Reviewed

If your pet suffers from dry eyes, it is incredibly important to restore the necessary moisture to avoid progression, which can lead to blindness. Assessing the root cause is also top priority, as many disorders require additional medication for initial treatment. While dry eyes are often caused by aging, there are many other possible causes that require further examination. Breed predispositions, immune disorders, dietary deficiencies and disease are all possible causes. OptixCare Eye Lubricant + Hyaluron is a moisturizing ophthalmic lubricant, designed for veterinary use, in the form of a unique sterile carbomer gel. Optixcare eye drops for dogs offers soothing relief and is approved for use as horse eye drops and cat eye drops as well.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye" is a common eye disorder affecting the cornea and lining of the eyelids, causing insufficient tear production. Left untreated, KCS can eventually lead to blindness.  While an eye lubricant is a must with KCS, additional medication is often needed as well. Contact your veterinarian if you see any of these following symptoms:

• Cloudiness of the eyes
• eye infection or eye discharge
• film over eye
• pain 
• sunken eye 

Using Optixcare Eye Lubricant
Instill 1-2 drops in one or both eyes as often as needed or as directed by your veterinarian. Many pets require drops as often as every two hours, in the early stages of treatment of KSC. If multiple eye medications are prescribed, consult with your veterinarian to assess the correct order of application.  It is important to use extra care when instilling the drop to avoid touching the eye with the tip, in turn, contaminating the tube and its contents. Store at room temperature. Recap after each use, and discard the open tube after 30 days.

We recommend speaking with your vet if the problem persists or worsens. Help keep your pet’s eyes performing to their fullest potential with Medi-Vet!

What is 5 in 1 vaccine for dogs?

Many dog owners consider their furry friend to be a member of their family and would do anything to protect their loved one. While federal law requires every pet to be vaccinated against rabies, there are additional vaccination options that can fully protect your pet from various deadly diseases to be considered as well. Some pet owners choose to administer only the minimum federal and state required vaccinations, and others choose to administer any and all vacinations available. We’re here to aide you in assessing which are important for your pet and why. The Canine-Spectra's 5 in 1 Vaccination provides protection from Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus type 2), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus.

• Distemper has a 50% survival rate, coming in second only to rabies in global mortality rates. This is incredibly unfortunate, considering distemper is preventable with vaccination. Progressive in nature, this disease eventually causes severe neurological, respitory and dermatologic illness.
• Hepatitis effects, primarily, the liver and is 100% preventable with the appropriate vaccinations. This vaccine provides protection for both type 1 and type 2 Adenovirus infections, which are incredibly contagious and the cause of canine hepatitis. Dogs of any age can become infected with canine adenovirus, via contact with infected urine, feces, saliva or mucous. 
• Parvovirus is a severe and life-threatening infection that causes bloody stool and vomiting to such an extreme degree that it has been known to cause shock and even death. This illness is immensley contagious and can affect dogs of all ages, however puppies are even more succeptible. Additionally, while the illness itself is very unpleasant, it also weakens the immune system and destroys the lining of the intestines, setting the patient up for additional infections. Treatment may be very costly, but around 80% of puppies recover completely.
• Parainfluenza virus is extremely contagious from dog to dog, and one of the most common causes of “kennel cough”. Kennel cough is characterized by a dry cough which can last for several months, even with treatment, and is very unpleasant for your dog - potentially leading to pneumonia and death. 

No pet owner wants to see their loved one suffer through any of these illnesses, and while administering the vaccine can be momentarily unpleasant, it substantially outweighs the alternative possibilities. Treatment is extremely expensive, whereas the vaccine is not. If you ever plan on boarding your dog, having them accompany you to work, attending doggy playdates or dropping them off at a daycare, there is always the risk  of becoming infected. The 5 in 1 vaccine provides you with some of the most important vaccinations that are needed for your pet to live a long, healthy life. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Order Canine-Spectra's 5 in 1 Vaccination from Medi-Vet today!

Product Review: DMSO Liquid for Horses

If your horse is suffering from neurological trauma, an allergic reaction to vaccines or swelling, DMSO liquid can help alleviate some of the pain. DMSO creates a large amount of heat where it is applied. If you’ve been considering DMSO liquid for your horse(s) or wondering how to use DMSO on horses, we’ve got some helpful information for you. DMSO has many benefits and can be helpful in getting your horse back to 100%.

How to Use DMSO Liquid

We recommend always using gloves when handling DMSO liquid or gel, as the smell is very potent, it quickly absorbs in to skin, and can have some negative side effects. If DMSO comes in contact with your skin or clothing, be prepared to smell like rotten garlic for several days. To apply DMSO liquid to your horse, begin by adding it to a separate container to prevent contamination of the original bottle. Once the skin has been cleaned, DMSO can then be applied to the skin with a brush or cotton ball.

DMSO’s ability to penetrate skin makes it a great transport medium for other medications that need to be absorbed. It’s important to make sure that the skin is clean and free of any substances or medication that may become harmful if combined with DMSO.

DMSO liquid or gel can also be used for sweat bandages. Doing so can help with inflammation or swelling, if your horse has been stall-bound or experienced a strain or sprain.

Our DMSO liquid gallon size is 99% pure, Pyrogen Free, and Acetone free. It’s our most popular DMSO product, as it allows you to apply several applications to your horse without the worry of running out of product prior to them being fully recovered.

We recommend consulting with your vet about DMSO use prior to treating your horse.
Help keep your horses pain-free and healthy with the help of equine supplies available at Medi-Vet!

Foods That Can Kill Your Dog

Owning a pet requires a certain amount of responsibility. You have to provide a number of basic necessities for them, such as shelter, food, health care, love, and physical activity. These things come second nature to many, but for those who are new to pet ownership, there are often questions that need to be answered. For example, what kind of foods are toxic for dogs?

Though you should always make sure that you’re feeding your dogs quality kibble that won’t make them sick, there are certain human foods that aren’t safe for dogs. Pet food toxins are a serious matter that can result in death for your pet.

Five Toxic Food for Dogs:

1. Chocolate

One of the most common people foods that can kill your dog is chocolate, and the toxicity increases as the chocolate gets darker and richer. If your dog has ingested chocolate, signs that they may be suffering from chocolate poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhea, or seizures. As a reminder, please keep all chocolate away from your furry friends.

2. Grapes and Raisins

For dogs, grapes and raisins are a definite no-no – and unfortunately, the exact substance resulting in its toxicity is not yet known. Grapes can lead to acute renal (kidney failure), resulting in your dog’s health taking a rapid turn for the worse. Your pet is unable to filter out toxins through urine production when kidney failure occurs, and as a result, they can die within a matter of days. If your dog has ingested grapes, it’s likely that they’re going to become lethargic and will have a decreased appetite. Other symptoms to be on the lookout for are diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, and muscle weakness.

3.Xylitol

A sugar substitute often found in sugar free gum, baked goods, toothpaste, and mouthwash, xylitol can quickly cause problems for your pet if ingested. Xylitol is a good sugar substitute for diabetics; unfortunately, it does not react with a pet’s body the way that it does with a human’s. When ingested by your pet, xylitol is quickly absorbed in the bloodstream and releases insulin rapidly – as a result, hypoglycemia can occur. The insulin is released within an hour of ingestion and can become life-threatening if left untreated. In extreme cases, liver failure can occur. We recommend making sure that any gum left in your purse is out of reach of your pet, so that they don’t treat themselves to a toxic treat.

4. Nuts

Though nuts are a healthy and tasty snack for you, they do not have the same health benefits for your pet. Almonds can be a bit hard for your pet to digest, resulting in an upset stomach. Macadamia nuts present the biggest issues from the nut family and can cause toxic poisoning. Ingestion of macadamia nuts may weaken your pet leading them to lose the ability to control their hind legs. Other symptoms include vomiting, hypothermia, tremors, and depression. As a result, they should be avoided at all costs. Moldy nuts should also be avoided, as they can be poisonous as well. It should be noted, however, that peanuts and peanut butter are healthy options for your pups to enjoy.

5. Avocados

Though not as dangerous as the foods listed above, avocados can certainly cause your pet plenty of grief. The toxic substance in avocados is called persin, and it is mostly found in the leaves and skin. Ingested in excessive amounts, your pet can experience anything from a mild upset stomach to vomiting and diarrhea – or even issues with the heart.

Dogs often don’t know better as to what will be harmful if ingested. If you are going to feed your dog or cat people food, please stick to safe foods (ex: rice, carrots, apple slices, and green beans). If there is something you’re unsure of when it comes to feeding your pet, please contact your veterinarian for confirmation. Find a large selection of healthy food and treats for your dog at Medi-Vet.

Product Review: Capstar Flea Medication

Fleas can cause a host of problems for pets. In extreme cases, fleas can even lead to anemia from excessive blood loss over time. Other pets are allergic to flea saliva and develop dermatitis, which results in random hair loss, scabs and hot spots. Capstar flea medication for cats and dogs kills adult fleas and prevents them from harming household pets. Read on for some general information about why fleas are so insidious, and an overview of how Capstar flea medication can help.

Facts About Fleas

Pets in the southern and western states are susceptible to fleas year-round. In the northern part of the country, these pests thrive mostly from April to November, but continuous prevention is still the best idea. Even if you think your dog or cat is flea-free, the parasite has developed an unsettling number of adaptations to make sure pets don’t stay that way for long. Fleas can hop nearly 10,000 times when searching for a host before they have to settle, and their narrow bodies move easily and nearly invisibly through pet fur. A flea life cycle ranges from 16 days to 21 months, and flea eggs can hatch long after an initial batch of fleas has been eradicated.

The Benefits of Capstar for Cats and Dogs

While topical products have their benefits, they can also drip or wash off as the pet runs and plays. Capstar is an oral tablet and starts working within 30 minutes. It contains nitenpyram, a chemical that disrupts the adult fleas' neurotransmitters and kills them. While Capstar works quickly to kill adult fleas, it is only a short-duration product and does not prevent fleas from reinfesting the pet. However, it is safe to give the pet another dose at least once per day if necessary.

Capstar is made for cats and dogs between two and 25 pounds and adult dogs over 25 pounds. It's also safe for puppies and kittens that are at least four weeks of age and older. This medication has an impressive safety profile, which means it’s okay to administer it to pregnant and nursing dogs and cats. It's also safe to use Capstar with other products, such as antibiotics, heartworm preventatives, vaccines, and de-worming medications.

Using Capstar as Part of a Total Flea Management Program

Because Capstar only targets adult fleas, it is one part of a total flea management program. To prevent immature flea development, use an insect growth regulator, such as lufenuron, on all pets in the home. The growth regulator will help deter flea reinfestation, and Capstar will kill any remaining adult fleas on the pets. Novartis, the maker of Capstar, recommends using this combination as an effective treatment program for eradicating immature and mature fleas on both cats and dogs.

Ask the experts at Medi-Vet about Capstar and other ways to keep pets happy, healthy, and flea-free!

Ten Need-to-Know Cat Facts

Cats can be a bit mysterious – even to those of us who love them most. Sometimes independent and aloof and other times so cuddly and affectionate we think we'll be overcome with coziness, our feline family members nevertheless do have a few idiosyncrasies. The more we can understand how our cats see, hear, and navigate through the world, the better we’ll be able to care for them. Here are ten need-to-know facts about our feline friends:

1. Cats' whiskers are an important part of their natural navigation equipment. They use them to sense air movement and detect when objects are close enough to obstruct their passage. Cats whose whiskers are clipped or damaged can become disoriented and uncomfortable.

2. Cats have one of the broadest hearing ranges of any mammal. They can hear ultra high-frequency sounds that humans can't. This helps them in hunting, since mice and other rodents communicate using ultrasound.

3. Cats can see extremely well at night, yet not as well in the daytime, particularly when looking at objects from close range. This is partly due to a blind spot that prevents them from seeing objects that are directly in front of them. They can see faraway objects much better and tend to depend more on motion or scent to help them notice the presence of an insect or other animal that's nearby. Learn more about this blind spot here.

4. A cat's sense of smell is more acute than its eyesight. Cats learn more about their surroundings through their sense of smell than they do through sight. While cats can see fairly well from a distance, they rely primarily on their highly developed sense of smell to detect things, animals, or people that are in closer proximity.

5. Cats are lactose intolerant. Many people are unaware that cats cannot digest cow's milk, which can cause digestive disturbances, including diarrhea. Goat's milk is easier for them to digest and may be used as a substitute, if desired, though cats no longer require milk for nourishment once they've been weaned.

6. Chocolate is toxic to cats. The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can over-stimulate your cat's heart and nervous system, and the darker the chocolate, the worse the level of chocolate intoxication and the more serious the reaction can be. So, keep that half-eaten chocolate bar out of sight.

7. Garlic and onions are also toxic to cats. Garlic and onions, whether cooked or raw, can damage your cat's red blood cells if given in large enough quantities. Keep this in mind if your kitty is a fan of table scraps! In fact, cat owners would do well to keep a list of foods that are toxic to cats on their refrigerator, just in case.

8. Cats need a lot of sleep. According to MentalFloss, cats sleep twice as much as humans and can easily nap on-and-off for 15 hours a day or more. This is normal. However, if your cat becomes lethargic, seems uninterested in food, or demonstrates a major change in sleep behavior, consult your vet.

9. Cats can be allergic to humans and their lifestyle. Household dust, human scents such as perfume, and human activities such as smoking can create discomfort for cats. If your cat coughs a lot, feline asthma caused by allergens could be to blame.

10. Cats can contract the feline form of Alzheimer's. To reduce the risk of this serious form of dementia in your cat, be sure to provide a healthy environment, a nourishing diet, and lots of attention and mental stimulation. Learn more about feline Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment here.

By paying attention to a few characteristics that are common to cats, you can help keep yours healthier and more content. And we think you’ll be happier for that, too!

Product Review: Revolution (Selamectin) Flea & Heartworm Prevention

Pfizer's Revolution is an easy-to-use monthly topical treatment for dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. It treats and prevents worms, fleas, ticks and other parasites. One packet of Revolution includes three one-month anti-parasitic treatments. Revolution is available in higher concentrations for dogs and cats over five pounds and in milder concentrations for puppies and kittens up to five pounds. This medication can also be purchased in cartons containing six single-dose applications. The proven effectiveness of the treatement makes Revolution one of the veterinary industry’s most trusted topical flea and heartworm treatments. Vets who are interested in prescribing the product may be interested in the following information:

Monthly Protection For Cats And Kittens

One topical dose of Revolution protects cats and kittens for up to 30 days from the following parasites:

Fleas Ticks Ear mites Heartworms Roundworms Hookworms
Revolution is a highly-effective feline heartworm preventative and flea-control product that can be used to treat all cat breeds. One monthly dose treats and prevents flea infestations, killing adult fleas and keeping flea eggs from hatching. This product also prevents other common infestations.

Monthly Protection For Dogs And Puppies

Similar to Revolution for Cats and Kittens, the monthly dose of Revolution for dogs and puppies kills and prevents the following:

Fleas Ticks Ear mites Heartworms Sarcoptic mange

It’s important to note that if a dog has an existing case of heartworm, Revolution will not be able to help control the symptoms. That’s why proactive, monthly prevention against heartworm is key.

Product Information

Revolution’s active ingredient is Selamectin, a topical parasiticide highly effective in the treatment, control and prevention of parasites. For maximum parasite control and prevention, Revolution should be used every 30 days for the life of the pet.

Revolution is applied to your pet by parting the fur and squeezing the liquid contents of the tube directly onto the skin, where it is absorbed. Application takes about 15 seconds and most pets tolerate the treatment very well. The recommended dosage is 2.7 mg. of selamectin per pound of body weight. It is imperative not to exceed the dosage or frequency of application; in larger doses, this powerful drug can be toxic to pets.
Prior to product use, vets should show pet owners how to apply the medication correctly. Revolution should be applied directly to the skin on the back of the neck, at the base of the neck, just in front of the shoulder blades. Be sure to part the fur enough to expose the skin; this product should not be applied to the fur.

With the tip of the tube directly on the skin, squeeze the tube three or four times so that all of the liquid goes directly onto the skin in one spot. Do not rub the liquid into the skin, and do not apply to broken skin or if your pet has wet fur. Leave the application site alone for two hours after treatment. You may observe a bit of matted fur at the application site, but this is normal and disappears within a few hours.

Help keep pets comfortable and healthy with the proper prescriptoin and dosage of pest control products. Don’t be afraid to ask Medi-Vet if you have any further questions about this powerful preventative topical!