Chapter 49 Immunosuppressive Drugs Rance K. Sellon When aberrant or uncontrolled immune responses either target directly, or indirectly affect, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed. When used for…
Chapter 45 Gastric Cytoprotective Agents Caroline S. Mansfield, Tim Hyndman Introduction Gastric cytoprotective agents are used when normal gastric defense mechanisms are disrupted, thereby exposing submucosal layers to damage from gastric…
Chapter 37 Anthelmintic Agents Michael R. Lappin There are a number of cestodes, nematodes, and trematodes that are associated with gastrointestinal disease in dogs and cats. Chapters 55 to 58 provide…
Chapter 46 Hepatobiliary Cytoprotective Agents Cynthia R.L. Webster Natural Hepatobiliary Defense Mechanisms The liver is uniquely susceptible to damage as a consequence of its role in the metabolism of endogenous metabolites…
Chapter 40 Antioxidant Drugs Craig B. Webb Definitions Oxidative Stress Oxidative stress is an imbalance between prooxidant compounds and antioxidant defenses.1,2 Another term used to describe this summation of pro- and…
Chapter 53 Vitamins and Minerals Craig G. Ruaux Definition Vitamins and minerals are components of the diet that are necessary for normal cellular physiology but do not provide any significant caloric…
Chapter 41 Antispasmodic Agents Robert J. Washabau Definitions Brain–Gut Axis The term brain–gut axis refers to the bidirectional neural processing of information between the central nervous and digestive systems. The brain–gut…
Chapter 50 Laxative Agents Robert J. Washabau Definition of Constipation Constipation is an important pathophysiologic condition of both cats and dogs, but primarily of the cat. Constipation is defined as difficult,…
Chapter 48 Fluid Therapy Rance K. Sellon Dogs and cats with gastrointestinal (GI) disease commonly need fluid therapy. The most basic reasons for fluid therapy in patients with GI disease are…
Chapter 47 Enzyme Supplementation Elias Westermarck The exocrine pancreas has great reserve capacity; consequently, the clearly recognizable signs of failure emerge only when up to 90% of the exocrine gland tissue…
