Alendronate Alendronate is an oral bisphosphonate used to reduce osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Veterinary use includes selected persistent hypercalcemia cases, particularly cats. Oral absorption is poor and further reduced by food and polyvalent cations. The drug persists in bone, so biochemical monitoring remains important during prolonged treatment. Monitor ionized calcium rather than relying only on total calcium, and reassess phosphorus and…

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Salbutamol (Albuterol Sulfate) Salbutamol, also called albuterol, is a short-acting beta-2 agonist for relief of bronchospasm. Amounts in this record are expressed as salbutamol/albuterol base, including products that supply it as the sulfate. It provides bronchodilation rather than adequate control of airway inflammation. Inhaled rescue treatment is generally paired with appropriate anti-inflammatory management. Inhaled delivery generally acts faster than oral…

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Albendazole Albendazole is a benzimidazole anthelmintic used mainly in livestock against susceptible gastrointestinal worms, lungworms, tapeworms and adult liver flukes. Activity and dosing depend on the host and parasite. Historical small-animal regimens exist, but bone-marrow injury makes other drugs preferable for routine canine or feline giardiasis. Extended courses and avian use require particular caution. Assess parasite-specific efficacy, including fecal testing…

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Aglepristone Aglepristone is a progesterone-receptor antagonist used to terminate pregnancy in bitches. Selected feline reproductive uses are extralabel. Successful treatment requires confirmation that pregnancy has ended and the uterus has emptied. It can also be part of selected medical pyometra protocols, which require close reassessment. Monitor clinical condition, vaginal discharge, uterine contents and response to treatment. Purulent or hemorrhagic discharge,…

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Afoxolaner Afoxolaner is an oral isoxazoline ectoparasiticide for dogs. It kills susceptible fleas, ticks and mites after parasite exposure to the treated host. Monthly treatment is used for flea and tick control and for selected mite infestations. Neurologic adverse events can occur even in dogs without a previous seizure history. Some single-ingredient chew labels specify a minimum exposure of 2.5…

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Acyclovir Acyclovir is a guanosine analogue with activity against susceptible herpesviruses. Poor oral exposure limits its value in horses, and efficacy and systemic dosing in dogs are poorly established. It is unsuitable for systemic treatment in cats because of toxicity and poor activity against feline herpesvirus. IV use in horses has pharmacokinetic support, but controlled evidence of clinical benefit is…

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Acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine) Acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione and is an important antidote in paracetamol poisoning. It also has mucolytic and antioxidant actions. Oral/inhalation solutions and injectable concentrates are distinct products. A solution labeled for inhalation or oral use must not be treated as an injectable preparation. For antidotal treatment, monitor hepatic enzymes, CBC and methemoglobin, plus electrolytes and hydration. Persistent hepatic or…

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Acetazolamide Acetazolamide is a systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to reduce aqueous-humor production and modify renal bicarbonate and electrolyte handling. Its diuretic action is weaker than that of loop diuretics. Systemic adverse effects limit its ophthalmic use. It is also used in horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis; it is not an effective established treatment for canine hydrocephalus. Monitor electrolytes and…

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Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Paracetamol is a centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic with little useful peripheral anti-inflammatory activity. In veterinary practice it is principally an option for selected canine patients. It must not be administered to cats. Equine and calf regimens have been reported, but food-animal residue requirements are not established by the dose alone. During prolonged treatment, assess hepatic and renal…

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Acepromazine Maleate Acepromazine is a phenothiazine tranquilizer used for sedation and as a preanesthetic adjunct. It has no analgesic action, so painful procedures require additional analgesia. Sedation can outlast the apparent initial response. Blood pressure is an important monitoring endpoint, particularly in compromised patients. In horses, onset after IV administration may take about 15 minutes, with peak tranquilization at 30-60…

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