Illustrated Articles
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Pets may have visible or hidden disabilities that require some adjustments to their care or lifestyle to maximize their quality of life. With some support, these pets can have a fairly normal life and be just as loving as any other pet.
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Pharyngostomy tubes are placed through the skin of the neck behind the jaw through the pharynx, into the esophagus to enable ongoing nutrition in dogs that either refuse to eat or are unable to chew and swallow food. A diet will be recommended by your veterinarian but must be liquefied with water before it can pass through the tube. Step-by-step instructions are given for tube feeding. The decision to remove the tube needs to be determined by your veterinarian.
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Phenobarbital is given by mouth or as an injection to treat seizures or to sedate your pet. Common side effects include sleepiness, increased thirst, urination, and/or appetite. Do not use this medication in pets with liver, lung, or kidney disease or those that are allergic to barbiturates. If a negative reaction occurs, call your veterinary office.
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Phenoxybenzamine is used off label in dogs and cats to treat urination difficulty related to sphincter tone, high blood pressure related to pheochromocytoma, and in horses to treat laminitis. Give phenoxybenzamine as directed by your veterinarian.
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Phenylbutazone (brand names: Butazolidin, VetriBute, Butatron, Phenylbute) is given by mouth in the form of a paste, powder, tablet, or granules or by an injection into the vein in horses. Do not use this medication in horses that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Phenylpropanolamine is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat urinary incontinence. Give as directed by your veterinarian. The most common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, increased thirst, restlessness, irritability, and difficulty urinating. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or are pregnant. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Pheromones (brand names Feliway®, Comfort Zone®, Adaptil®, others) are natural or synthetic substances that mimic scents released by animals to communicate. Pheromones are used in cats and dogs as behavior modifiers for a variety of conditions, including urine spraying and marking, inter-cat aggression, stressful events, phobias, and separation anxiety, among other conditions. Pheromones comes in collar, diffuser, and spray forms.
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Phytonadione (brand names: Mephyton®, Phytomenadione®, Aqua-Mephyton®, K-Caps®, Konakion®, Hemophyt®) is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat vitamin K1 deficiencies in a variety of animal species, usually due to toxicities. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Phytosphingosine topical (brand names Douxo®, SkinGuard®) is an anti-inflammatory agent, with antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is used in cats and dogs to help relieve itching in certain skin conditions and help restore the skin barrier. Phytosphingosine topical may be part of a combination product.
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The domestic pigeon includes over 300 breeds, all descending from the rock dove. They originated in Eurasia, but are now found all over the world. They are generally hardy birds that are easy to tame and care for. As with any pet, pigeons and doves need regular, routine, veterinary health checkups.