[Felvtalk] doxy

[Jane Gannon]

Doxycycline ia an antibiotic for bacterial infections, not for viral infections.  It works by interferring with the normal growth cycle of the bacteria preventing them from  reproducing and allowing the body to fight off the infection.  It is used against mycoplasma including mycoplasma haemofelis, whcih is a blood parasite that causes anemia and death in cats   I have had a couple of cats die from it and a couple that I have saved.   This disease is transmitted by fleas so it is important to use flea products on our cats.  Doxy should be given with food or on a full stomach to reduce chance of vomiting.  It is suggested that you give a syringe of water after pilling because it is possible for the tablets to become stuck in the esophagus which can cause irritaftion or scarring and can make it difficult for your cat to swallow.  I crush it and mix it with water and syringe it. 

In the book "Secrets of a vet tech-the guide to low cost pet care when the cupboard is bare" by J C Farris, she tells that you can use fish meds on cats and purchase them on line or in some pet stores without a script  This includes doxy (fish doxy), amoxicillan (fish mox), metronidazole (fish zole), clindamycin (fish cin), cephalexen (fish flex), ciprofloxacin (fish flox) and others.  This is the same exact medication for dogs and cats.  She has alot of other great ideas in this book. Dosages for these medications for cats can be found on line. 

I just had my 5 yr old positive, Tootsie, stop eating and drinking.  She had vomited for a couple of days before.  She had no fever and no symptoms of upper respiratory so I didn't want to start antibiotics. I tried everytlhing to get her to eat.  Then I remembered pepcid ac was prescribed by a vet years ago for another cat (not a positive) with the same symptoms, so I tried it on Tootsie.  Four days later she is looking for food and eating everything I give her.  This is also used for kidney cats that loose their appetite.  

Now I am going to try pepcid ac on my older positive cat, Finn, who is recovering from a seizure and temporary blindness.  She is not eating well and I remember before she had her seizure she had vomited for a couple of days and was already not eating well.     I will let you know if it works.

Jane

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