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Illustrated Articles

  • Clorazepate is given by mouth and is used off label to treat epilepsy and various behavior disorders. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and incoordination. Clorazepate should not be used in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines or in pets with significant liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Clostridial enterotoxicosis is a complex and poorly understood syndrome characterized by diarrhea that is associated with the bacteria Clostridium perfringens (CP). It is associated with either acute or chronic diarrhea. Clostridial enterotoxicosis is not caused by the bacteria directly, but rather by a toxin produced by the bacteria. Most cases of intestinal bacterial overgrowth are treated on an outpatient basis using antibiotics, nutrition, and probiotics.

  • Cloxacillin is given by mouth and is used off label to treat certain bacterial infections, most commonly staphylococcal infections. Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea. Do not use in pets that have an allergy to penicillins or cephalosporins.

  • Nobody would call him "slender," but when he trots down the street with that funny rolling gait, his short legs and wide body doing their best to keep up the pace, he makes everybody smile. The stockiest spaniel, the Clumber is also the most easygoing - in fact, one of the most low-keyed of all sporting dogs.

  • Coagulation is the series of events that result in the formation of a clot. In the body, coagulation occurs after any injury to a blood vessel or tissue, in order to stop the bleeding. Certain diseases such as liver disease and rodenticide toxicity can affect the production of clotting factors.

  • The general condition of your dog's skin and coat are good indicators of his health. A healthy coat should be shiny and smooth, not brittle or coarse, and healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy. Selective breeding has led to the development of dogs with various coat characteristics requiring varying grooming needs. Nutrition also plays an important role in skin and coat maintenance.

  • Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by the soil fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadii. The early signs of coccidioidomycosis include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, and joint pain. Diagnosis is by biopsy of lesions or blood testing for antibodies to the Coccidioides organism. The prognosis for recovery is dependent of the extent of lesions in the dog’s body.

  • Coccidia are single-celled organisms that can act as parasites after infecting your dog through the gastrointestinal tract. The most common form affecting dogs, Isospora, is not a concern for infecting people. They are highly resistant to environmental conditions and cleanliness is important to prevent re-infection. Treatment is often simple with the appropriate antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian.

  • Cocker Spaniels, as one of the most popular breeds, suffered a bad reputation for a few years because of poor breeding practices by some eager for a dollar, but these dogs are now safely secure as a treasured family pet once again. Their cheerful "ready-to-go-when-you-are" demeanor makes them great companions.

  • Codeine is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat mild to moderate pain, cough, and occasionally diarrhea. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Common side effects include sleepiness and constipation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other opioids, in pets with inflammatory bowel disease, or in pets that have ingested a toxic substance. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.