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Educational Articles

  • Fibrosarcomas are a type of soft tissue cancer that is common in dogs. They are most often found on the limbs and trunk of the body but can also be found in the nasal cavity or mouth. They usually originate from the connective tissue of the skin and beneath the skin, but occasionally from the bone. Older dogs and certain breeds (especially large breeds) are at greater risk. Fibrosarcomas are often painful. Surgery is the treatment of choice for fibrosarcomas, with or without radiation and/or chemotherapy. With proper and prompt treatment, favorable outcomes are possible.

  • Finasteride is given by mouth and is used off-label to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) in intact male dogs, and may also be used for adrenal problems in ferrets. Give as directed. Side effects are uncommon. Do not use it in sexually developing animals or in females, including pregnant or nursing females. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinarian.

  • This handout discusses how to find reliable information for your pet on the internet. Recommendations are to always seek out trusted sources, such as your own veterinary clinic, veterinary schools, and those sites with content written by veterinarians. Try to avoid sites offering homemade cures, are heavily weighted with opinions, or offer prescription medications without requiring a veterinarian’s prescription.

  • Fine needle aspiration is a useful tool to collect samples for cytology and is often used to diagnose abnormal lumps on your pet's body as well as evaluation of fluid samples and tissue surfaces. It is relatively simple and inexpensive but can provide a lot of information. Depending on results, further tests may be indicated to best help your pet.

  • Fipronil is used topically to treat flea, tick, and chewing lice infestations. Side effects are uncommon but may include skin irritation at the application site. Do not use this product on pets less than 8 weeks old, geriatric pets, or sick/weak pets.

  • Fipronil with cyphenothrin and s-methoprene, topical (brand name Frontline® Tritak for dogs), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age and older and weighing more than 1.8 kg (4 lb). It may also be used as a treatment of sarcoptic mange. Avoid use in rabbits, other small mammals, and cats.

  • Fipronil with cyphenothrin, topical (brand name Parastar® Plus for dogs), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies 12 weeks of age and older and weighing more than 1.8 kg (4 lb). It may also be used to treat sarcoptic mange. Avoid use in rabbits, other small mammals, and cats.

  • Fipronil with permethrin, topical (brand name Effitix®), is a medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing more than 2.3 kg (5 lb). Fipronil with permethrin topical is also labeled for repelling biting flies and for repelling and killing mosquitoes. It may also be used as a treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs.

  • Fipronil with s-methoprene and amitraz (brand name Certifect®) is a topical medication used to treat and control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing more than 2.3 kg (5 lb). It is also used to aid in the control of sarcoptic mange and mites in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, weighing more than 2.3 kg (5 lb).

  • Fipronil with s-methoprene and pyriproxyfen, topical (brand name Frontline® Gold), is a medication used to treat and control fleas and ticks in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and to control fleas, ticks, and chewing lice in cats and kittens 8 weeks of age and older and weighing at least 1.36 kg (3 lb). It may be used to treat sarcoptic mange in dogs and cats, as well as chewing lice in dogs.