What Are The Most Common Treatments For Eye Infections In Cats
Your vet will determine the best treatment for your cat’s eye infection based upon an assessment of your cat’s overall health. If the eye infection is the primary concern your vet may recommend a topical treatment for your cat’s eye such as Terramycin® or Vetropolycin®. If however your cat’s eye infection is due to an underlying condition such as FeLV or Calicivirus the underlying condition may be the focus of the treatment. Treatments for underlying conditions will depend on the nature of the disease but may include oral antibiotics, immune boosters or other treatments.
Terramycin® Ophthalmic Ointment – Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride
- Terramycin eye ointment is a broad spectrum treatment for eye infections in cats suffering from a range of eye conditions from conjunctivitis, keratitis, and pink eye, to corneal ulcers, blepharitis and bacterial inflammatory conditions that may occur secondary to other infectious diseases.
Vetropolycin® Veterinary Ophthalimic Ointment – Bacitracin-Neomycin-Polymyxin
- Vetropolycin® is a triple antibiotic ointment often prescribed by vets for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eyelid and conjunctiva in cats.
Tetracycline Ophthalmic Ointment
- Tetracycline eye ointment may be prescribed by your vet if your cat is suffering from Chlamydophila or Mycoplasma conjunctivitis
Azithromycin Oral Antibiotic
Topical Corticosteroid Ointment or Drops
L-lysine
Interferon alpha-2b
What Can You Use Instead Of Commercial Antibiotics
When used correctly, there are many homeopathic and herbal remedies that have shown successful results in such conditions as ear infections, bladder or urinary tract infections, abscesses, respiratory diseases, skin conditions, tooth infections and more.
Mother Nature has provided us with over 2,500 non-resistant and safe alternatives. The key is in learning the correct dosages for your cat since their digestive tract is not very long.
The VetInfo site recommends that natural antibiotics are best when delivered over a 15-day period for the effective treatment of minor ailments.
For severe illnesses or life-threatening diseases, they are not as effective as commercial antibiotics.
Therefore, it is useful to familiarize yourself with some of the most commonly used herbs to have on hand so that you can administer them in the early stages before conditions have a chance to grow more severe.
Here is a list of some of the most effective herbs used as natural antibiotics:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- White vinegar
Inflammation Of The Tongue
Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. It may be due to infection, irritation, wounds, chemicals, disease , electrical burns, or insect stings. A thread, string, or other foreign object may get caught under the tongue. Drooling and a reluctance to eat are common signs, but the cause may go undiscovered unless the mouth is carefully examined.
Glossitis is treated by the veterinarian removing any foreign objects and any broken or diseased teeth. Infection may be treated with an appropriate antibiotic. Cleaning of the wounds and use of antiseptic mouthwashes are beneficial in some cases. A soft diet and intravenous fluids may be necessary. If the animal is unable to eat well for a prolonged period, tube feeding may also be required. Swelling of the tongue due to insect stings may require emergency treatment. If the glossitis is caused by another condition, the primary disease should also be treated. The tongue tissues heal rapidly after irritation and infection have been eliminated.
Read Also: What’s The Cats Name On The Smurfs
Dental Antibiotics For Tooth Infection And Abscesses: Types And Dosage
Are dental antibiotics for tooth infection always needed? Not necessarily. There are multiple ways to treat oral health problems without antibiotics, including root canals and fillings or tooth extraction.
In some cases, however, antibiotics can save lives. But the key is to only take them when you need them and always follow your healthcare provider’s exact instructions.
Keep reading to find out more about:
- Who can and can’t take certain antibiotics
- Usual antibiotics dosages
Natural Antibiotics For Cats
Our feline friends are not immune to infections and bacteria that can cause them to feel ill. Though antibiotics are usually the first defense against these agents, we understand the desire to take a more natural approach first. In this article, well dive into the benefits of using a natural antibiotic for your cat, and some of the natural antibiotics for cats that we trust!
Also Check: Irregular Pupil Shape In Cats
Will Amoxicillin Hurt A Cat
Our vet has said its safe for the cat to receive amoxicillin indefinitely, that the kidneys handle the drug well and the worst side effect would be mild diarrhea. A-I think its generally safe to give a cat amoxicillin long-term. Its an excellent antibiotic. However, there is another possible treatment.
Treatment For Stomatitis In Cats
Successful treatment of feline stomatitis requires minimizing bacteria in the cats mouth as much as possible. This is rarely achieved through at-home dental care or anesthetized cleanings alone, as even a small amount of bacteria or plaque can be seen in cats with severe stomatitis.
In fact, cats with stomatitis often have severe inflammation that does not resolve or quickly returns after a thorough dental cleaning by their veterinarian. The current recommended treatment is partial or full-mouth tooth extraction surgery.
While this may seem to be a drastic measure, it is currently the best way to achieve substantial and long-term comfort for affected cats. This can be an extensive surgery, and your veterinarian may recommend a consultation with or referral to an American Veterinary Dental College specialist .
Read Also: 8 Cat Years To Human Years
Evidence Points To Stomatitis Being An Immune
Originally published in the October 2014 issue of Veterinary Practice News
In a previous article, we discussed extractions as the gold standard treatment of feline stomatitis. Even after undergoing extractions, approximately 20 percent of patients will continue to experience clinically relevant signs of oral inflammation.
We call these refractory cases. The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate oral discomfort to a degree where appetite is consistently good and patient body weight is maintained.
Will I Need Antibiotics After Oral Surgery
Most people don’t need antibiotics after oral surgery. There are some cases when your dentist may recommend themfor example, if you have some heart conditions or cirrhosis of the liver.
A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics for individuals with a history of infective endocarditis or a weakened immune system.
Recommended Reading: Cat Peed On Wood Floor
Corneal Ulcers In Cats
The cornea is the clear, glistening membrane that makes up the surface of the eyeball. A penetration or erosion through a few layers of the outermost corneal epithelium is called a corneal erosion or corneal abrasion. A corneal ulcer is a deeper erosion through the entire epithelium down into the stroma.
What Is The Role Of Nutrition In Managing Stomatitis In Cats
Cats who have feline stomatitis may find it too painful to eat hard food. If your cat is suffering from stomatitis, then either switch to a soft canned food or moisten your cat’s dry food with water, so it forms a mash. Some cats may even find it difficult to eat canned food in this case, you may have to puree canned food until their gums heal.
Even though feline stomatitis is a painful condition, many cats respond well to therapy and are able to regain a wonderful quality of life.
Don’t Miss: Cat’s Pupils Two Different Sizes
Are There Any Potential Complications Or Long
A severe inner ear infection can actually spread to the part of the brain that controls your cats breathing and heart rate, although this is quite rare.
Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horners syndrome. Your cat may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear.
That said, most cats with otitis interna respond well to medical management. Expect a two- to four-month course of oral antibiotics to prevent a relapse. The altered sense of balance that generally accompanies otitis interna typically improves within two to six weeks.
Where Can I Purchase Cat Antibiotics
Your veterinarian must prescribe antibiotics for your cat and need to examine the cat to make a diagnosis. If a bacterial infection is suspected, the veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, will perform a culture and sensitivity of a tissue or discharge sample to determine the most effective antibiotic.
Always follow the recommended dose when giving your cat antibiotics and make sure you finish the course.
Never give your cat antibiotics prescribed for human use.
Also Check: How Many Cat Years Is In A Human Year
Benefits And Uses Of Antibiotics For Cats
Preventing and fighting off bacterial infections is the mainstream use of antibiotics. Namely, a cat that sustained trauma to the skin can be given antibiotics to prevent wound infection, while in case of an abscess, the treatments goal would be to eliminate the already present infection.
However, medications from this group can also be used to combat parasites . For example, antibiotics are an integral component of the treatment plan in cats with Coccidiosis, Giardiasis, and Hemobartonellosis.
Antibiotics can also be prescribed in cats with viral diseases . In such cases, antibiotics are not used to fight off the viruses but to prevent complications and secondary bacterial infections.
Dental Trauma And Infection
If your older child’s teeth become dislodged due to trauma, the dentist may prescribe tetracycline.
However, tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloring when a child’s dentin is still being formed, also called tetracycline teeth, so children under 12 will be prescribed something else in most cases, like penicillin V or amoxicillin. Topical antibiotics may also be used to help with gum healing.
You May Like: Cat Name In Smurfs
Diagnosis Of Dental Abscess In Cats
Diagnosis of a dental abscess is often quite simple. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination of the cat, focusing much time on the mouth and face. Visual confirmation of a pus cavity is often all that is needed to diagnose the issue. The veterinarian may need to differentiate a dental abscess from an eye infection or a puncture wound if swelling of the face is the main symptom present.
An X-ray may be required to identify the source of the bacterial infection and monitor the surrounding teeth for any spreading. Blood tests may be performed including a complete blood count and a biochemical profile to determine overall health and identify possible underlying issues. If the cat has undergone major trauma, other more severe injuries may need to be treated first.
Best Natural Antibiotics For Cats
When your cat becomes ill due to a bacterial infection, a wound or an abscess, youll probably take her to the vet for checkup and treatment.
Other times, you choose to give her antibiotics for her condition. Unknown to many people, the type of antibiotic you choose really determines the quality of health of your cat going forward.
On one side are synthetic antibiotics, and on the other are the natural ones. Heres why you should opt to help your feline friend with natural antibiotics.
Don’t Miss: Cat Pee Hardwood Floor
Can I Use Neosporin On My Cat
Many human medications are toxic or otherwise dangerous for pets. This is especially true for cats since their compact size means that even the tiniest amounts of a dangerous substance could put your cat’s life a risk.
Neosporin is a topical antibiotic ointment that works very well on humans but it not recommended for cats. There have been reports of cats having life-threatening anaphylactic reactions to the antibiotic ingredients in Neosporin’s ophthalmic preparations which include neomycin and polymyxin B.
Contact your vet for appropriate treatments for your cat’s eye infection.
How To Diagnose Stomatitis
If your cat is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, schedule an exam with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will begin with an exam of your cat as well as basic bloodwork, such as a complete blood count and chemistry panel to look for any underlying systematic disease. Your vet will may also recommend specific testing for underlying diseases such as FeLV and FIV.
Examining the mouth of a cat with stomatitis can be difficult because the cat is reluctant to open his or her mouth due to pain. Your veterinarian may recommend sedation to facilitate a more complete and comfortable examination.
The diagnosis is commonly based on clinical signs and physical examination findings. A dental examination and dental X-rays can help your veterinarian determine the extent of periodontal disease. Sometimes, a veterinarian may recommend submitting a small sample of tissue from the mouth for biopsy.
Don’t Miss: How To Create Wild Animal On Little Alchemy
What Are The Treatment And Outcome For Feline Stomatitis
Because the condition is very painful, initial treatment generally includes giving medication to control pain and inflammation. Antibiotics are also commonly administered. Some cats may be willing to eat soft food, so owners may be advised to puree canned food until the cats mouth heals.
Severe periodontal disease has been implicated as a cause of feline stomatitis. Although stomatitis is difficult to completely cure and treatment tends to be long term, your veterinarian will likely recommend managing dental disease as part of the overall treatment plan. A thorough dental cleaning may be recommended, and many cats do well if the molar and premolar teeth are removed. Because tooth surfaces provide areas for bacteria to attach, removing the teeth can help control periodontal disease and minimize the bacteria that provoke the immune system in cats with stomatitis. Cats tend to do very well without their teeth.
If the cat has an underlying illness that can be treated, such as bartonellosis, treatment should be pursued.
Long-term outcome can vary. Many cats with stomatitis require long-term treatment with anti-inflammatory medications to control the condition. At-home toothbrushing and other dental care are recommended to reduce the accumulation of plaque and associated inflammation in the mouth.
This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarian.
How Is Stomatitis In Cats Treated
Treatment of feline stomatitis depends on many factors, including the severity of the disease and a cat’s response to therapy. Because no one knows what actually causes feline stomatitis, there’s no specific treatment. However, there are many ways to help manage the disease.
If your cat has been diagnosed with feline stomatitis, getting them regular veterinary and dental care gives them the best chance at successfully managing the disease. Because stomatitis is so painful, the first step of treatment is to control pain with medicine. If your cat has an oral infection, your vet may also prescribe antibiotics. Because periodontal disease is associated with stomatitis, your vet will likely recommend your cat has yearly dental care, including dental X-rays and a thorough cleaning, which is a good idea even for cats that aren’t currently experiencing oral health issues.
When the disease is properly managed, cats’ long-term outcomes vary. Even with dental care, many cats with stomatitis require long-term anti-inflammatory medicine and occasional antibiotic therapy to control inflammation.
Recommended Reading: Cat Urine Stain On Hardwood Floor
What Is The Best Antibiotic For Cats
In both people and animals, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Right from the beginning of this post, I have to note that there is no such thing as the best antibiotic for cats, merely because antibiotics should be used judiciously.
If youve never heard of antibiotic resistance, you should know that it exists and that it can be extremely dangerous. Fewer and fewer antibiotics are being developed nowadays, so preventing antibiotic resistance is paramount in both pets and humans.
What Are The Side Effects Of Convenia
One concern regarding penicillin or Cephalosporin-based medications is the risk of allergy in either the patient or anyone handling the drug. Thankfully, because Convenia is injectable, it is not a risk to the pet parent, whereas tablets could be. As with any medication, there is a risk of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction, but this risk is very minimal.
Slightly more common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced appetite, but these are still relatively rare. There are also occasional reports of neurological signs like seizures or incoordination however, these are very rare. There have been instances where Convenia has been reported to interfere with the bone marrow and its production of red and white blood cells, but again this is a very rare side effect.
Because Convenia is stored in the refrigerator, some cats react to the cool sensation when the injection is given. Otherwise, the injection is not expected to be painful, but there are occasional reports of inflammation of the area where the injection has been given.
Recommended Reading: How Much Food Should A 3 Month Old Kitten Eat
Here Is A Brief Overview Of The Top Natural Antibiotics
Aloe Vera serves as a topical disinfectant and natural remedy for treating skin infections. Since it should not be taken internally, consider using a cone to prevent your cat from licking it off after being applied.
Bee Propolis has been used historically to kill germs, but it also heals wounds, tumors, and abscesses.
The combination of bee saliva and tree resin makes propolis an effective seal for any gaps or cracks in the hive.
It just happens that bee propolis is full of amino acids, polyphenols and natural steroids in addition to containing powerful anti-microbial, antibiotic properties.
Calendula has powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is effective in healing wounds and skin infections. You can also give a bowl of calendula tea to your cat.
Chamomile, known for its calming effect when taken as a tea, is an effective antispasmodic and pain-relieving herb that helps fight infections and reduce symptoms.
Cranberry is very effective in treating urinary tract infections. It contains D-mannose, a simple sugar that binds with bacteria allowing it to pass from the body through urination.
Dandelion is useful for digestive issues. It is a natural laxative as it stimulates the production of bile and does not cause any adverse reactions when used with other medications or supplements.
Goldenseal has berberine, the natural plant-derived substance that has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antibiotic properties.