These are usually bacterial infections within the bladder or kidneys. Again, this will depend on the above factors, but it needs to be taken with food to avoid digestive problems. margin-bottom: 20px; Others, though, may be prescribed on an as needed basis. Essential Considerations, Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces On Corners? WebSo, can I give my cat amoxicillin? Follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. Most vets are using it off-label at every 8-12 hours, similar to the labeled dosage for dogs. That is the human form of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. WebIs Amoxicillin Safe for Cats? A Last Recourse Prescribed by Veterinarian Common signs or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include runny eyes, sniffling, sneezing, and sometimes even coughing. I have treated her for worms. 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. Turns out that my veterinary hospital employer follows the pharmacy rules. Fresh Breath. Amoxicillin will only work against certain bacteria. Neurologic changes, like an inability to walk normally (termed ataxia) have been reported in dogs, as well as elevated heart rate and breathing changes. The American Veterinary Medical Association, mandates that veterinary drug expiration dates be provided on all dispensed medications when appropriate. It is not appropriate to medicate the cat with amoxicillin of our own volition. It is often reconstituted with water at your vets practice when you receive it. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about any signs or problems you might be seeing. WebAntibiotics for cats. There is also tetracycline ointment for cats. Amoxicillin is a highly effective antibiotic, but it will not work as well after its expiration date if you have already taken it. Unfortunately its not clear that your cat truly has a UTI with what youve described, or that a UTI if present, is the only issue your cat has. So what do I recommend YOU to do? 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. Make sure to follow your veterinarians prescription to avoid health complications. While human amoxicillin is actually the same medication, the dosage forms available for people may be problematic for use with cats. As happens with all of us, veterinarians cant always say what they really think without offending some clients. Lynnwood, WA 98037, Email Shes been urinating in the shower and has a little blood during urination. Fishy smelling, right? The concentration is much too high for cats unique livers to process and it could seriously harm your cat. Thank you. 16429 7th Place West While you can safely store the medication after its expiration date, it is not recommended. The answer is: No, not without the express consent and direction of your veterinarian. These are also often treatable with amoxicillin. Required fields are marked *. Also, side effects will occur in any cat if too much has been ingested. Your vet can run a stool sample to help make sure none have been missed. However, many cat parents often receive certain pet medications without knowing about the safe dose and safe serving ideas and harm their tom or queen instead of helping them. Giving an antibiotic willy nilly or stopping short of the whole course can prove far worse than not using antibiotics at all. How much Amoxicillin is In cats, amoxicillin treatments will usually last between five and seven days, although they can be more prolonged depending on the extent of the infection. Are they still good? Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. 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 If my pet was REALLY ill then I would NOT use any expired medication. A huge animal lover, born and raised around dogs, cats, chickens The shelf life once reconstituted is real. That's wasteful! The recommended dosage is 50 mg (510 mg/lb) once a day. While there are many medicines suitable for human use which are unsuitable for cats, amoxicillin is not one of them. That tells you how much amoxicillin for cats, but Clavamox is even easier to dispense. It is given at a frequency of two times per day. As a bactericidal antibiotic, amoxicillin works to kill bacteria associated with upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and more. A typical example is rhinotracheitis in cats. However, if there is no color or odor change and it is a few days beyond that date it is probably okay. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease. WebHowever, a lot of cats may be allergic to penicillin and can develop side effects: Chronic diarrhea. The generic human liquid suspension could be used, however the volume of medication in some available preparations may be far more than what is needed for a cats typical dosage period, making them less practical. And an employee who'd worked at yet another hospital reported the same about her previous employer's policy. -Urine does not have the strong urea smell or discoloration If you are concerned that your cat is not getting better or may have been misdiagnosed, go back to the veterinarian. If not 50mg available, open the 250 mg capsule and divide it into fifths. Most people have been on antibiotics at some point, as well. Also be aware that bacterial infections can also be symptomatic of other diseases. This can be dangerous if there are other factors, such as different medications or supplements being used, that make administration inappropriate. Typically, vets can prescribe Amoxicillin for cats to treat skin infections, and urinary tract infections. If a UTI is present, they will usually treat with an effective antibiotic. There are a wide variety of antibiotics that might be used, and one of the most common is amoxicillin. Urinary tract infections can plague some cats. All antibiotics, for human or pet use, have side effects. To the rare kitty this might happen with, these effects would occur with even a very small dose. Other infectious agents are not harmed by this medication, such as viruses and fungi. If no date can be found, it is safest to consider a medication expired six months after being dispensed. It was penicillin, which makes this an important medication. If your cat spends time outside or around other cats, she might get into a fight. You can use diatomaceous earth food grade only. For more information, or to ask about an expired veterinary medication, please, Is It an Emergency or Just Urgent? Required fields are marked *. Animal adoption advocate. The most common form given to cats is the liquid suspension or the tablets, both in specific veterinary preparations. margin: 0!important; } Most veterinarians, physicians and pharmacists well tell you to honor the expiration date on the package. DONT skip doses or fail to use the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed to your cat. This makes it more important to keep close tabs on the the expiration date. } However, there are a few liquid medications that are less stable if refrigerated and they should clearly say so on the package. But beyond that, I cannot assist with specific dosing for your cat beyond what is generally found in the article. Cats should never be given Amoxicillin prescribed for human use, however convenient it may be for pet owners. Therefore, its always important for a vet to decide if use of an antibiotic is warranted. This medication is costly. Thankfully, amoxicillin tends to be very well tolerated by cats. 500mg demands a immediate hospital visit for stomach pump and carbon. That is the safest way to ensure that the medication is stable. I always save the last couple doses whenever I am prescribed them. So Ive guessed since there is pus I should give him antibiotic? 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. Clinical and in vitro efficacy of amoxicilin against bacteria associated with feline skin wounds and abscesses. by In this case, we may think giving amoxicillin to the cat will be beneficial. The large volume of urine output and the increased need to drink are not uniquely associated with a UTI but we can see these changes with other metabolic or endocrine diseases, like kidney disease, diabetes, etc. Therefore it should be left to a veterinarian to determine when and which antibiotic should be used. For example, it is commonly prescribed for treatment of infected wounds and abscesses. If you wish to store your veterinary pharmaceuticals, it is essential that you adhere to storage guidelines. 2023 Cliverse Media Ltd. Be the first to get our latest updates, insider videos, cat health resources, and more. Some, like amoxicillin, are bactericidal, which means they kill the bacteria. Giving the medicine in the safe amount will not harm your kitty, however amoxicillin can cause the below mentioned side effects in your tom or queen. Everything You Need To Know, Is It Safe To Have Cats Around Newborns? Prescription medications are no different. But blood tests only reveal evidence of kidney failure in pets once 72% or more of the kidneys have been lost. Symptoms usually end when administration does. In that case, you can skip the missed dose. It can be used alone or as a combination antibiotic like Clavamox. View all posts by Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH, Marbofloxacin For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, L-lysine For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Lactulose For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, Solensia For Cats: Overview, Dosage & Side Effects, New Research Proves Owning A Cat Is Good For Your Heart, 10 Proven Ways To Show Your Cat You Love Her, Is Your Cat Lonely? Indiscriminate use of any antibiotic can lead to resistant bacterial populations, which make treating infections more difficult. The honest answer isprobably most oral pill or capsule medications are good for longer than their expiration dates. When to Call an Emergency Vet, 4 Ways You Can Help Animals in Your Community. Effective Only for Specific Cases The result is that antibiotics may not be effective in the future when they are really needed. It can be nearly impossible to tell when the chemical stability of a product is altered. Then, put one-fifth in the cats food. No matter whether it is given orally or topically, tetracycline destroys bacterial infections. If your vet mixes the liquid and says it expires in 7 or 14 days then Id honor that. Essentially the same antibiotics are effective in cats and in humans, however always in different concentrations and dosages. 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. 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 article is a complete and comprehensive guide about the use of Amoxicillin(Aminopenicillin) for felines. In veterinary medicine, the most common forms are liquid and pills. They can also be seen on or in the stool. Not the easiest thing to do depending on the cat, but it can work well as an antiseptic for broken/torn/quicked nails. In these rare cases, it is vital they are taken to an emergency veterinary hospital. 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. .table-footer a{ The expiration date is always one year out unless the manufacturer's expiration date precedes it. All medications that we prescribe to our patients come with an expiration date. A common question that clients ask iscan they use expired medications for their cats? Copyright 2022 by FelineLiving.net -Designed by Thrive Themes For some medications, I would feel comfortable using on my own pets if they were expired by 1 to 2 years. Roy J., et al. What kind of illnesses can humans contract from cats? My vet cant physically see him 2 weeks because of the holidays. I'd recalled they were even more restrictive than a year. If your vet prescribes two bottles, they should provide you with instructions on how to mix up the second bottle. They will also listen to their chest for signs of pneumonia. How do you know if amoxicillin is the appropriate antibiotic for it? This commentary allows vets to say what they think and give you, the pet owner, the opportunity to consider another view. We have seen that several antibiotics for humans that are commonly used in cats and dogs, one of the most commonly used is amoxicillin. Hi, I dont know where youre located, but maybe a rescue or a city shelter can help. Amoxicillin as an antibiotic comes in several different forms and dosages. Uncommonly, nail trauma can lead to infection of the tissues of the toe. Typically, this date is clearly stamped or printed on the container provided by the manufacturer. Please rush him to vet or hospital, as uric acid crystals block the urethra (which will kill your cat within a few days). shes 8 years old and has been healthy until recently (blood in urine). As you can see, it is vital we pay attention to the directives of the veterinarian. display: inline-block; Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. In kitties, it may be used most often for upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, or infections resulting from a bite wound or injury. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). Severe allergic reactions to amoxicillin are extremely rare but can include rashes, hives, fever, and changes to red and white blood cell counts. How long before it takes effect and what symptoms should I look for? 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. I hope that information helps. Share Improve this answer Follow answered Apr 22, 2017 at 17:55 Harry V. 5,989 2 16 35 It can also cause acute respiratory disorder and even cardiac arrest. I think so, anyway. If you have been a pet medication hoarder, you likely have a pile of stuff to trash at this point. 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. It can decrease her willingness to use the litter box. The shelf life once reconstituted is real. Potent Immunity. These medications are called aminopenicillins and prevent the bacteria from making or keeping their cell wall intact. As odd as it might sound, human amoxicillin can be used for cats. It's wrong! Yes, in an ideal and safe dose Amoxicillin is safe for your cat. The ideal way to give the oral suspension amoxicillin is to provide it by the syringe in the mouth. Giving this single dose would be more likely to cause GI upset, have minimal effect on a UTI, and promote bacterial resistance to amoxicillin. The tablets come in a variety of sizes: 62.5 milligrams, 125 milligrams, 250 milligrams, and 375 milligrams. There are several factors that can affects the shelf life including exposure to light, lack of appropriate refrigeration, and eventuallythe chemical instability of the product that can occur with time. All rights reserved. Today it isn't used as commonly. So your vet will be careful about the dose they give you for your cat. This is understandable. But this is Before you just toss them in the trash, refer to the. : This antibiotic has been around for a long time and is very effective against many types of bacteria. Cat sized doses can be bought at pet supply stores. [Ultimate Guide], Can Cats Get Norovirus? 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. Because there are many antibiotics out there, a veterinarian should always be responsible for deciding which one is best to use for a particular patient. Your veterinarian will likely look for eye or nasal discharge. Amoxicillin interacts with some other drugs which may be given to cats. Follow the recommendations on the bottle for best results regarding the shelf life. It is indeed possible to give amoxicillin to kittens or young cats for the pathologies mentioned above. 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. Tetracycline for cats is a multipurpose antibiotic typically available as a capsule or tablet. Like regular amoxicillin, Clavamox also comes in liquid and pill formulations. It is frequently combined with clavulanic acid as this helps to beat bacterial resistance. Turns out I was right. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the type of infectious condition being treated, so its always best for your kittys vet to determine what is most appropriate. 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 you might argue. Potent Immunity. Phone: (704)3344684 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. Im confused and worried. For some people expiration dates are a hard and fast rule. Get it on Chewy Clavamox (Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid). The labelled dosage of Clavamox for UTI in cats is 62.5 mg per cat twice daily for 10-14 days. Disposing of drugs, particularly controlled substances, is not always straightforward. Amoxicillin is effective against members of both of these categories.