I think my cat might have a UTI because shes having trouble releasing a full bladder and/or having the urge to go when she doesnt really need to. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please call us. Dr. Chris Vanderhoof is a 2013 graduate of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech, where he also earned a Masters in Public Health. font-size: 14px; Give your kitty Amoxicillin or any other antibiotic with your vets advice only. I dont want my cat to develop urosepsis. As with all medications, it is important to follow all the labeled directions. But then, there are plenty of times I'll ask an owner to stop a med and start it again. Injectable medications are generally considered less stable and often have shorter shelf lives than oral pill or capsule medication. Non-castrated males are also more susceptible since they are more likely to fight or get into mischief. This being the law and all that. .cliverse-medication-title{ And get this they're legally enjoined to do so regardless of the manufacturer's expiration dates. (hopefully). That is the human form of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin for cats is often used. Many veterinarians consider having updated lab work within 30 days of an anesthetic event to be a standard of care. As far as the anti-inflammatories for 3 days goes, there may be no right or wrong answer there. This is why its always important to follow the prescribed directions and to finish out all of an antibiotic even if your kitty is looking much better. (2007). Here's what the pharmacy profession (staunch supporter of the regulation) argues: Because we don't test drugs at the time of dispensing, we don't know whether they're still as good as the manufacturers say they are. Adding the fish amoxicillin capsules to the feral colonys canned food is unlikely to be providing any significant benefit, and is more likely to be contributing to amoxicillin-resistant bacteria. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? Indiscriminate use of any antibiotic can lead to resistant bacterial populations, which make treating infections more difficult. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. Ill do my best to clarify some of your questions. As such, amoxicillin is readily prescribed for some very common maladies. Potent Immunity. Allergic reactions are not as common as with people. There may be a telemedicine service you could look into that might be less expensive and less stressful for your kitty for a situation like this if healing delays continue. Scheduling an appointment with your vet would be the best thing to do here. If your kitty will take a pill mixed with or hidden in food or a treat, this is often easiest and involves the least amount of struggle. Reading this article until the end will solve all your queries about using this antibiotic drug for your kitty. Typically, vets can prescribe Amoxicillin for cats to treat skin infections, and urinary tract infections. -Now crying in pain as he licks his privates. I poured 90% of the capsule out and she swallowed the other 10%. [Ultimate Guide], Can Cats Get Norovirus? I have treated her for worms. As odd as it might sound, human amoxicillin can be used for cats. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Therefore it is a common mistake to search for information on the dose of amoxicillin required for a cat and then administer it to them straightaway, because:. padding: 5px 10px; Amoxicillin For Cats: Dosage, Safety & Side Effects. You might see it in combination products, such as Clavamox, where the medication is even more effective and long-lasting because it is mixed with a medication called clavulanic acid. Your email address will not be published. So while amoxicillin is not in itself a toxin, if you suspect your kitty has ingested an overdose of her own amoxicillin or possibly any prescribed for you or a family member at home, always notify your veterinarian and/or get in touch with Animal Poison Control to determine what steps may need to be taken. Clinical and in vitro efficacy of amoxicilin against bacteria associated with feline skin wounds and abscesses. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. It can also be helpful to discuss diet and nutrition as well. Interestingly, the labeled dosage for cats for amoxicillin calls for giving it just once a day. Cats can be given amoxicillin. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. The pills come in several different strengths: 100 milligrams, 250 milligrams, or 500 milligrams. Inappropriateness Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. Human amoxicillin dosages are typically inappropriate to use in cats as they are much too high and more likely to lead to unwanted side effects. How much should I give? The ideal and safe dosage of Amoxicillin tablet for cats is 5-10 mg/lb or 10-15 mg/kg, and liquid oral suspension is 2-9 ml/lb every 12-24 hours. Developed for humans to take, antibiotics are used in most species of animals. -My mom said, she spotted him possibly dripping A common question that clients ask iscan they use expired medications for their cats? If your cat is sick or not acting like herself, a trip to your family veterinarian is recommended. It is the same antibiotic, but in a completely different dosage and mixture and is specifically designed for our pet friends. This is because the bacteria often present in these cases is sensitive to amoxicillin. This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another view. A Last Recourse Prescribed by Veterinarian Amoxicillin usually comes in both pills and liquid suspension forms. Sometimes I think the pharmacy industry protests too much on their own behalf. The FDA has set the legal definition for expiration to be the time at which 10% of the active pharmaceutical ingredient has decomposed. Keep in mind that nail injuries can take a few weeks to fully heal as the newer nail grows out. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. You have half a tube of ointment from that one time Fluffy had an ear infection, a few pills rattling around from when she was so itchy last summer, and almost a full bottle of some type of pain pill from the time she sprained a paw. However, there is a risk that antimicrobial resistance will mean antibiotics will be less effective in the future to the point that animals will be much more susceptible to infection. Hi Dr. Chris, padding: 15px 5px 15px 5px; You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. Some cats might drool after taking the amoxicillin, especially the liquid amoxicillin. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. If your vet decides to use amoxicillin for your cat, he or she will decide on a recommended dosage amount and schedule that is most appropriate depending on the type of infection being addressed. } Speaking with your own vet is usually best to best understand the rationale for certain decisions. Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. Typically, this date is clearly stamped or printed on the container provided by the manufacturer. Incorrectly giving any medicine to your pet will harm more than benefit. Prescription medications are no different. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. However, not all antibiotics work for all bacteria, not all infections are bacterial, not all human drugs can be used on cats and not all infections require antibiotics. Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. Lack of appetite and refusal to eat. Because amoxicillin-clavulanate, commonly known as the brand Clavamox, has a broader spectrum of action against some bacteria, it is more commonly used than regular amoxicillin, especially for cats. Most liquid medications that are not reconstituted also have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years but once reconstituted (mixed with water such as powered amoxicillin is mixed with water) most expire in about 7 to 14 days depending on the specific product. I would suggest seeing if your vet could at least consult with you by phone to discuss these signs and concerns more and they may be able to provide you with accurate dosing if appropriate. In this case, we may think giving amoxicillin to the cat will be beneficial. This is like you getting a sinus infection is often more likely than bronchitis. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. I recommend that you follow your veterinarian's instructions. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. It is given at a frequency of two times per day. shes 8 years old and has been healthy until recently (blood in urine). As happens with all of us, veterinarians cant always say what they really think without offending some clients. 1. Thank you so much doctor for your time and reading my problem please help me and tell me what to do and what dose and how many times a day ( Since I cant go to a vet because there is no one near me unless If I drove for 3 hours and I cant) + please excuse my bad English (Im not a native speaker) thank you so so much again. Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. color: #fff; After all, the drug manufacturers are required to test the safety and efficacy of their drugs under warm, humid environments (read: bathroom) for years beyond their manufacturing date. So why make them come in again for a "fresh" round? Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? Fish amoxicillin is not intended to be used for other species of animals and it is in fact, not the same strength or formulation as what we use for pets or even people. Other precautions to guard against this are taken as well, including the placement of the endotracheal tube that seals off the airway and is only removed once the pet can start swallowing again. Add them to the Cats Food: The Fish-Mox capsules are 250 mg. amoxicillin, recommended dosage one capsule twice per day, in food. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, When we dispense a medication for your pet, an expiration date is also printed on the prescription label. The same basic effects of the drug work on cats and can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, which we detail below. This can be a reaction, where it causes them to be nauseated, or it can just be because they don't like the taste. They can easily come in contact with other outdoor or stray cats, putting them at risk of contracting contagious diseases. Amoxicillin is used to treat many feline health issues, but the most common problems in which veterinarians often prescribe the medicine off-label are listed below. Some medications must be kept within a certain temperature range, while others might be light sensitive. Abscesses are swollen regions of infected tissue within a pet or person. Prescription Required? This will lead to skin rashes (not to be confused with problems like scabies in cats), fever and, in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. flex-basis: 50%; They will often start your cat on a first choice antibiotic. While some respiratory infections are caused by viruses, many are at least compounded by bacterial infections. Nonprofit vets can be found. You're free to offer your own below. It can be nearly impossible to tell when the chemical stability of a product is altered. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? The concentration is much too high for cats unique livers to process and it could seriously harm your cat. For some medications, I would feel comfortable using on my own pets if they were expired by 1 to 2 years. Certified Content. If your vet is truly not accessible for two weeks, and especially if signs of urinary irritation or pain are present, I would highly suggest looking into other nearby practices that have openings in the meantime as soon as possible or any urgent care/ER locations that could see you and your cat sooner. Then, put one-fifth in the cats food. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. Keflex is the antibiotic of choice, but Ill guess your cat is a male. This means there could be a lot of variability in the quality and manufacture. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. While it may not directly cause harm, using an expired drug may have some negative effects including: Delay in appropriate treatment Subpar management of the problem at hand font-weight: 700; Alexander Fleming developed the first antibiotic in 1928. No matter whether it is given orally or topically, tetracycline destroys bacterial infections. Others, though, may be prescribed on an as needed basis. Hi Chris. Over time, any substance undergoes chemical changes simply due to environmental exposure. Please consult your pets veterinarian in matters regarding the care of your animals. CANT FIND A VET NEAR ME TO LOOK AT MY KITTEN I HAVE SEVERAL OF THEM MOST ARE FERRAL THEY HAVE COLDS SMUCKED EYES AND STUFFED AND RUNNING NOSE AMOXICILION WOULD HELP THEM BUT CANT GET ANY HOW DO I TREAT THEM THEY KEEP GETTING WORSE THERE GOING TO DIE IF I DONT GET SUM HELP CALLED THREE DIFFERENT VETS WONT CALL BACK. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. There a lot of cat rescues. WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? They can come as tablets, in liquid form, drops, cream or an injection. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. As it turns out, I did some research on this a few days before Willys recent cleaning to learn this is highly recommended because under anesthesia Cats (and dogs too, probably) cant vomit up a recent meal choking on it and sending it down into the lungs to cause potentially severe complications. text-align: center; Doing so frequently can make the medication ineffective. Shes been urinating in the shower and has a little blood during urination. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. It Might Be Time for a Pet Diet Change, Thanksgiving Food for Pets: What to Avoid and What to Share, Not So Fun in the Sun: Dog Skin Issues You May Encounter This Summer, Contribution to problems, such as antibiotic resistance (hint: you should never have leftover antibiotics if using as prescribed), Over-the-counter and prescription medication exposure are a common cause of pet (and people) poisonings, Septic tanks and sewage treatment plants are unequipped to remove all pharmaceutical residues from the water. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is common in these circumstances. This vet did advise us to do Willys 12 hour fast. How much Amoxicillin is Read between the lines: We don't want to be legally responsible. Yes and no. justify-content: space-between; -Urine does not have the strong urea smell or discoloration Additionally, and perhaps surprisingly, the reason you can purchase fish amoxicillin over the counter is that it is not regulated by the FDA at all. Fresh Breath. Copyright 1999 - 2023. In rare cases it can cause more serious side effects such as unusual bleeding and even seizures. I would not want to tell you that a medication is still good and it doesnt work to later find out that it didnt work putting your pet at risk. In these rare cases, it is vital they are taken to an emergency veterinary hospital. Though I'd never heard of this law, it seems pharmacists are required to attach a one-year expiration date to all of the drugs they dispense. Pic of the day: "Messed up" by maggiejumps. As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. 500mg demands a immediate hospital visit for stomach pump and carbon. Antibiotic If you suspect that your cat has an illness warranting an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, make an appointment with your vet for a thorough evaluation. This article is a complete and comprehensive guide about the use of Amoxicillin(Aminopenicillin) for felines. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. An extended treatment with antibiotics can lead to yeast infections, especially if the cats immune system is It can be used alone or as a combination antibiotic like Clavamox. I always encourage folks to reach out to their own veterinarian if there are specific questions about the rationale for certain testing, treatments, or care. WebAntibiotics for cats. Incomplete antibiotic courses, even if not expired, can result in lack of treatment, subjecting the pet to relapse or even antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics can be used to treat many fungal and bacterial infections, both in humans and in cats. The liquid amoxicillin is generally at a concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter. Which means the same is true for veterinarians, seeing as we're required to comply with pharmacy laws, too. Keeping lids sealed to prevent air exposure and moisture contamination is important, as well. This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary adviser.. These 7 Signs Will Help You Find Out, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment. - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our Medicine category. Antibiotics are slowly losing their effectiveness, this is called antibiotic resistance. How long? The urine is tested to make sure that she has a UTI. They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems. the amount in the blood) in one to two hours. Avoid giving your pet any medication that contains a corticosteroid unless it has been prescribed by your veterinarian to treat your pets current medical problem. Newborn kittens are susceptible to antibiotics. Pretty sure my cat has a UTI Im confused and worried. Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. Its a good habit to check veterinary drug expiration dates periodically and dispose medications past their prime often, so that they are no longer a temptation or potential accidental exposure risk. Animal Medical Hospital wants you to know why the dates on your pets medications matter. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. To know about amoxicillin dosage for cats by weight, please look at the below dosage chart by weight. The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. Or can I do 85 mg 170 mg x probably 7 days (since he is a male)? DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. These include vomiting, diarrhea, or just a softer stool. Most cats take a 62.5 milligram dosage twice daily for a set amount of days. Once opened, it is best to honor the labeled expiration date. Hi, I dont know where youre located, but maybe a rescue or a city shelter can help. And always remember that even if your kitty appears to be feeling better, to always finish out a prescribed course of antibiotics, as this helps to reduce the risk for development of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Amoxicillin For Cats Overview Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. However, if a cat were to get into and consume an amount of amoxicillin much higher than a typically prescribed dosage, like say, a 500mg human tablet, severe digestive upset may occur. No Oral amoxicillin, like many broad-spectrum antibiotics, can alter the normal, beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which is often a cause of digestive upset if it occurs. In your experience, does this seem unnecessary and far afield? Therefore, its always important for a vet to decide if use of an antibiotic is warranted. When eliminated, it is processed mainly by the kidneys. One of the most obvious positive sides to these antibiotics is how fast they enter your cats system. This type of antibiotic for cats is also used in the treatment of urogenital problems, often affecting males due to their protruding genitals. Hi Dominique, thanks for your question. A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. Throwing up. Also, sometimes your cat might get a scrape that gets infected. Amoxicillin administered to humans is very different from the veterinary formulation.This variation arises from the chemical components used in making human-grade amoxicillin that can be toxic to canines.These chemicals include Copyright 2022 by FelineLiving.net -Designed by Thrive Themes Yes and no. Sometimes, though rarely, changes can take place that cause the medication to be harmful to your pet. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. Amoxicillin is a type of broad-spectrum beta-lactam (-lactam) antibiotic, types of antibiotics which contain a common type of organic compound. That is the safest way to ensure that the medication is stable. wants you to know why the dates on your pets medications matter. Currently parent of three adopted cats and one small mutt. The licking of private areas and urinary pain could be concerning for this. All medications have an expiration date on their label.