Injectable Antibiotics for Cats: Pros It tends to be an inexpensive option that is very safe and generally well tolerated. Allergic reactions are not as common as with people. Changes in health status, other concurrent conditions, and the addition of new medications or supplements could make an old prescription inappropriate. Throwing up. Always make sure to give an antibiotic prescribed by your vet for the full number of days indicated, even if your kitty looks like hes feeling better. Please rush him to vet or hospital, as uric acid crystals block the urethra (which will kill your cat within a few days). Your veterinarian can better decide the safe dose of Amoxicillin for your feline after observing the severity of the illness and your cat physically. If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Common Veterinary Antibiotics Are they good longer than this? First, fasting prior to bloodwork in veterinary medicine is uncommon, except for certain types of testing. Expiration dates on drugs exist to help keep you and your pet healthier and happy. Required fields are marked *. I dont know. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin? 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. While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. Praziquantel will kill them with one dose. Yes and no. Can I Give my Cat Antibiotics The liquid form typically needs to be refrigerated. Therefore it should be left to a veterinarian to determine when and which antibiotic should be used. Epi-pens (epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis), for example. } 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. Irreverent Vet Speaks Out How The reason is that it will lose its potency over time, and it may even cause your symptoms to worsen. text-align: center; Hi Chris. color: #fcb040!important; Veterinary Website by Beyond Indigo Pets. Also, like I said, last years vet didnt have us do a 12 hr fast for Willys dental cleaning. Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. Also be aware that bacterial infections can also be symptomatic of other diseases. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. 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. Not the original writer, but While amoxicillin would likely be prescribed to a cat in this condition, you will have to get a vets approval to use the antibiotic. 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. Therefore, its always important for a vet to decide if use of an antibiotic is warranted. Since every cat is an individual, each cat will respond differently to amoxicillin. We just got our cat,Willy, back from the vet for a dental cleaning. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. Even a medication that was once prescribed to an individual pet may no longer be appropriate. While some respiratory infections are caused by viruses, many are at least compounded by bacterial infections. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain. Can I Give My Cat Amoxicillin So why make them come in again for a "fresh" round? Giving Amoxicillin to your cat without your veterinarians prescription is not considered safe and ideal. These are usually bacterial infections within the bladder or kidneys. It's not exactly consumer friendly to arbitrarily set higher bars on some products especially when they are so transparently yielding bigger bottom lines for those who lobby in their favor. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system (among other things) and if your pet has an infection of any sort, they can make your pets condition worse rather than better. In veterinary medicine, the most common forms are liquid and pills. Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. 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. This includes sticking to the timetable for giving it that your veterinarian has prescribed. Fleming discovered penicillin growing as a mold in Fleming's laboratory. Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. Hope I did the right thing. Hi Dr. Chris, According to them, the anibiotics was for possible infection due to the cleaning and the pain medication was for pain from the cleaning. you might argue. Amoxicillin for cats, also known as aminopenicillin, is a well-known antibiotic medication mainly used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal infections, and skin issues, such as acute moist dermatitis and pyoderma in felines. Here an important thing to be noted is that there are many varieties of antibiotics Amoxicillin available, so your veterinarian can better decide which one will be safe for your kitty. This could mean that if one of the kitties truly became ill, a medication like Amoxi-Drops or Clavamox may not be as effective as it would otherwise be. It ended up saving the lives of many soldiers in World War II after Fleming discovered that the mold killed certain bacterial cultures. All opinions are those of the Irreverent Veterinarian and not the views of PetPlace.com and are not endorsed by PetPlace.com. Uncommonly, nail trauma can lead to infection of the tissues of the toe. display: block; How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? line-height: 1.2; For others, though, dates on food and other items are viewed as merely a suggestion. You're free to offer your own below. I cant comment more as its impossible for me to know if this is a typical delay in healing that can be seen with nail trauma even without infection present, or something more concerning. Here is some information about the expirations of some medications types: The expiration of a medication varies based on several factors including the type of medication and the manufacturer. 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. Severe allergic reactions to amoxicillin are extremely rare but can include rashes, hives, fever, and changes to red and white blood cell counts. Liquid and other mixed prescriptions should be discarded after two weeks. Those outdoor kitties need our help too. My vet cant physically see him 2 weeks because of the holidays. Make sure to give any medication to your kitty with vet advice only. All drugs originating from our pharmacy will have one displayed on the label. This is understandable. Thankfully, amoxicillin tends to be very well tolerated by cats. The price for weekend vet visit is crazy. Expiration Dates on Veterinary Drugs: Do They Matter? the amount in the blood) in one to two hours. Address: 3832 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 Because liquid amoxicillin should be discarded after 14 days, it is important not to mix up a new bottle until you are ready to use it. 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 This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another view. But Im also concerned that treating with an antibiotic alone could be missing something more important thats going on here. Answer: Only if Approved by Your Vet Amoxicillin specifically targets certain strains of bacteria and therefore is not prescribed for all kinds of infections. Truth About Veterinary Drug Expiration Dates Your furry friend might have pain when she urinates, causing discomfort. 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. The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. But I also recommend that you ask for the manufacturer's expiration date on meds that might need to be administered again in the future. 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. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. DONT start using an antibiotic you happen to have left over from the last time. The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. Therefore, probiotics for cats also help support healthier immunity. 6 Pet Medication Storage Tips to Avoid Danger, Off Label Use of Drugs in Veterinary Medicine, Holistic Medicine and How it Can Help Your Pet, Don't Make These Dangerous Mistakes With Your Pet's Medicine. It can also cause bacterial resistance to develop. Antibiotics Obviously for very small or very large cats this dose needs to be adjusted at a veterinarian's recommendation. .medication-table a{ Animal Skin and Allergy Clinic does not provide any veterinary medical services or guidance via the Internet. Can I give my cat Amoxicillin Question 1: Is this really recommended? Medication Type: Can I Give my Cat Antibiotics WebThe easiest way to give your cat liquid medication is to mix it in with some canned food. A common question that clients ask iscan they use expired medications for their cats? Salivation in excess. Most vets call for a dose every 8-12 hours. Amoxicillin Thank you. Most will have a longer shelf life if they are refrigerated. | 9 Reasons Explained, Maine Coon Breeders Nova Scotia | Kittens & Cats for Sale. Your email address will not be published. Antibiotic If only a month and year are listed, the medication is expired on the last day of the listed month. Image from Instagram:@petdiseasealerts It would be prudent not to give your dog any human amoxicillin. It inhibits the growth of bacteria by preventing the cell wall formation of the bacterial cells. Clinical and in vitro efficacy of amoxicilin against bacteria associated with feline skin wounds and abscesses. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that is related to penicillin. So what do I recommend YOU to do? Hello Loreen, thank you for commenting! Dosage should be continued for 57 days or 48 hours after all symptoms have subsided. Amoxicillin is often given to cats with outside access. Prescription medications are no different. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Always remember you can go to another veterinarian for a second opinion. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. Fresh Breath. Pic of the day: "Messed up" by maggiejumps. Ironically, a fungal or yeast infection may develop. Amoxicillin is a type of broad-spectrum beta-lactam (-lactam) antibiotic, types of antibiotics which contain a common type of organic compound. 01.30.2018 by Studies have shown that amoxicillin is effective against bacteria found in the skin and mouth. Once opened, it is best to honor the labeled expiration date. The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. If your pet is critically ill Id say no dont use ANY expired medications. padding: 10px; Giving amoxicillin to your kitty around the time of a meal can help to offset these possible effects. : If a medication is past the expiration date determined by the manufacturer, it is best not to use it. background: #fcb040; Lack of appetite and refusal to eat. They may need to suspend treatment or treat any secondary problems. Most veterinarians, physicians and pharmacists well tell you to honor the expiration date on the package. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. No matter whether it is given orally or topically, tetracycline destroys bacterial infections. Amoxicillin typically comes in both a liquid form as an oral suspension as well as tablet form. 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 As a bactericidal antibiotic, it has the ability to kill certain strains of bacteria causing infections. In short, what your veterinarian prescribes! Turns out I was right. No As such, never self-prescribe the medication to your cat, even if you are a medical doctor. WebIf you still have a to wait a few days to see the vet I would go to a local pet store and find some probiotics or Bene-Bac to add to what he's eating It'll help provide beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract that may have been lost due to the over use of antibiotics, this is probably causing the loose stool, but a vet would dive deeper into Liquid Can Amoxicillin will only work against certain bacteria. Give all of the amoxicillin that is prescribed for your pet, since symptoms may begin to improve before the infection is completely treated. I do not work with any feral populations myself, but it has been my understanding that there are often local vets that are willing to help keep these outdoor kitties as healthy as possible. Amoxicillin Due to this, antibiotics are only prescribed by vets if it is absolutely necessary and other medical options have been exhausted. Many respiratory illnesses are caused by viral infections which cannot be treated by amoxicillin, although it may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections. 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. Overdosing is toxic however. If a UTI is present, they will usually treat with an effective antibiotic. Wish my cat good luck as I cannot take her to the vet until the end of the month. PetMD There are liquid medications (such as insulin) that are made in smaller vials so if you are using small quantities in a month consider asking the pharmacist if it is available in smaller portions (which are generally less expensive) to minimize waste. There are specific times with the medication might be most useful. You might be wondering if Fluffy can take amoxicillin, and, unless she's allergic, she can. It also belongs to a group of antibiotics known as aminopenicillins and their effect is bactericidal, killing a large range of bacteria, but not all of them. Copyright 1999 - 2023. FDA Approved? 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. Expiration dates are only achieved when a medication is stored according to directions (look at temperature, light exposure, humidity, etc.). If your cat is sick or not acting like herself, a trip to your family veterinarian is recommended. WebIf you still have a to wait a few days to see the vet I would go to a local pet store and find some probiotics or Bene-Bac to add to what he's eating It'll help provide beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract that may have been lost due to the over use of antibiotics, this is probably causing the loose stool, but a vet would dive deeper into Obviously for very small or very large cats this dose needs to be adjusted at a veterinarian's recommendation. Antibiotics for Cats Yep. 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. You might need to repeat blood tests to check for this type of disease process. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. But only your vet can properly diagnose an infection and its root cause and thereby prescribe the right kind of antibiotic and the right dose. OK, so I'll concede to the second point. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid may cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. (2007). .medication-table .table-row .item{ 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. It would be much too high a dose and because of how it kills bacteria and works in the body, must be given at least twice a day for several days at least. Amoxicillin interacts with some other drugs which may be given to cats. The materials offered on this website are intended for educational purposes only. The liquid amoxicillin is generally at a concentration of 100 milligrams per milliliter. padding: 15px 5px 15px 5px; Be sure to use and care for your pets medication responsibly, and when in doubt, throw it out! The ideal way to give the oral suspension amoxicillin is to provide it by the syringe in the mouth. -Indoor Cat lives with 2 other cats Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Treatment in humans requires a much bigger dose. It is not appropriate to medicate the cat with amoxicillin of our own volition. It is also more effective than another medication relative, ampicillin. WebIt is unusual for a cat to have high blood pressure in isolation from something like chronic kidney disease. 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. As with all medications, it is important to follow all the labeled directions. This is like you getting a sinus infection is often more likely than bronchitis. Amoxicillin. justify-content: space-between; If so, your veterinarian may have prescribed antibiotics. A Last Recourse Prescribed by Veterinarian Liquid amoxicillin needs to be kept in the refrigerator except when you are giving it to your cat. The honest answer isprobably most oral pill or capsule medications are good for longer than their expiration dates. To ensure that your cat swallows all of the medication, it is best to mix it into a small amount of canned food that you feed by hand, rather than mixing it into a full bowl of food that the cat may not completely eat. Alexander Fleming developed the first antibiotic in 1928. Antibiotics: 5 Things Cat Owners Should Know Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. Cats can be given amoxicillin. It has been opined that a significant percentage of humanity are infected, without overt signs or symptoms. I hope that information helps. align-items: center; Most vets are using it off-label at every 8-12 hours, similar to the labeled dosage for dogs. I recommend that you follow your veterinarian's instructions. Are they still good? If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. One argument is that during the process of cleaning, bacteria in the mouth may enter the bloodstream which leads to risk of endocardiosis on heart valves, and showering the kidneys and other vital organs with bacteria, so antibiotics should always be used regardless of dental disease severity. Amoxicillin for cats Dosage Chart by weight. Regular use of probiotics for cats can prevent digestive issues and ease symptoms like vomiting, stomach irritation, constipation, and diarrhea. It is given at a frequency of two times per day. While it may not directly cause harm, using an expired drug may have some negative effects including: Often when people utilize old medications, they are doing so without guidance from a veterinarian. The most common potential side effects are gastrointestinal problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association, mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? The Pros of Antibiotic Injections for Cats. Give double dose for first dose. The urine is tested to make sure that she has a UTI. It is always best to seek our help before starting your pet on any medication. Having a 6 month old kitten that is less than 2 pounds is certainly something to be concerned about but unfortunately there really could be a number of things contributing to your little kittens condition. I need to do something instead of waiting till next week. .medication-table h2{ If your cat is prescribed Clavamox, you might be familiar with it as Augmentin. Firstly, thanks so much for being a caretaker for a feral cat population. Longer than 2 years, then Id replace. Probiotics for Cats All drugs originating from. 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. The liquid is a 62.5 milligrams per milliliter suspension. As mentioned before, amoxicillin isn't used in cases where viruses or fungal infections are suspected. My cat had some expired amoxicillin.it is expired For two reasons, the former employee explained: 1. Directions. 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. If we do see any adverse side effects from amoxicillin for cats, we need to inform the vet. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. I clipped my cats claw to deep now it seems infected and is swollen I have been cleaning and wrapping it some times it looks to be getting better then it doesnt A Vet is out of the question as they charge to much up front and wont do payment plans Can I give him a small dose of amoxicillin? } } A large and important part of the immune system is located in the gut. Only give the safe and ideal dose by weight or as prescribed by your veterinarian. Others, though, may be prescribed on an as needed basis. Expiration dates on veterinary drugs are there for good reason: to keep your pet safe and to treat them in the most effective way possible. These include vomiting, diarrhea, or just a softer stool. .table-footer{ Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Often extra-label higher doses are used by vets. While we should always take the prescribed dosage, some people either do not or for whatever reason have some extra in their medicine cabinet. Because people probably store animal medications even more carelessly than their own, and 2. If youre considering adopting a new kitty, please check out some of our breeder pages here. Copyright 2023 Animal Medical Hospital and 24 Hour Urgent Care. Give double dose first dose. Like you, your cat might get a respiratory infection. } Many veterinarians consider having updated lab work within 30 days of an anesthetic event to be a standard of care.