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  • Theophylline is used off label to treat cough caused by bronchoconstriction. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid, or in hospital as an injection. The most common side effects include stomach upset and excitement. It should be used with caution in pets with abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, stomach ulcers, hyperthyroidism, kidney, liver, or heart disease, severely high blood pressure, severely low blood oxygen levels, or in young, old, or pregnant or lactating pets. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Therapeutic laser is the application of light energy to areas of the body to stimulate healing. This light–tissue interaction is called photobiomodulation. In the past, therapeutic laser was often referred to as low-level or cold laser (as opposed to a surgical or hot laser).

  • Therapeutic ultrasound a treatment method that applies thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects to tissues to improve healing. It can be used to increase the stretch in fibrous tissues (such as tendons), which can help increase range of motion around a joint. Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to soften and break down scar tissue that is interfering with movement. By deep heating the tissues, therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow to the inflamed areas, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Therapeutic ultrasound can also decrease pain and muscle spasms, as well as speed up wound healing.

  • Therapy pets can help people with many facets of their health including physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. These pets live with their owners and make visits to hospitals and other facilities to spend time with these human patients. Therapy pets are not the same as service animals.

  • Thyroid tumors can be benign or malignant and functional or non-functional. In dogs, they are usually malignant and non-functional, whereas in cats, they are usually benign and functional. A swelling in the neck may be the only sign in a dog; however, a change in bark, coughing, difficulty swallowing, facial swelling, rapid breathing, breathlessness, weight loss, and a loss of appetite are possible. In cats, the signs are related to excess thyroid hormone production (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid tumors are diagnosed with a physical examination, bloodwork, various forms of diagnostic imaging, and in dogs, a tissue biopsy. In dogs, staging is required to determine the presence of spread. A variety of treatment options are available.

  • Timolol ophthalmic is a beta-blocker used to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) in cats and dogs with glaucoma. Timolol ophthalmic is also used to prevent glaucoma in the normal eye of an animal with unilateral (one-sided) glaucoma. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine.

  • Helping your pet lose weight may be challenging at first, but with a little patience and persistence, you can be successful. Research has shown that small amounts of weight loss help improve the quality of life for overweight pets: they feel better, move easier, play more often, and live healthier lives. This handout focuses on commonly asked questions and tips for owners to help their overweight pet successfully achieve some weight loss.

  • Tobramycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat eye infections in cats, dogs, and exotic companion animals. Tobramycin ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop suspension form. Caution when using this medication in pets with kidney disease and/or glaucoma. Do not confuse this medication with combination products containing tobramycin and a steroid.

  • Toceranib phosphate is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat mast cell tumors and other cancers in cats and dogs. Common side effects include diarrhea, decreased or lack of appetite, lameness, or weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are breeding, pregnant, or lactating, are less than 24 months old, weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg), or that are having or have had surgery in the past 2 weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy (TECA-BO) is a surgery performed to remove the ear canal and a portion of the middle ear. This surgery is performed in cases where the pet is suffering from chronic and unresponsive ear infections. The surgical technique, reasons for performing the procedure, the diagnostic steps, and potential post-op complications are outlined in this handout.