By Tess
Thompson
Practically the same drugs and antibiotics that are used for
treating UTI in humans are used for treating urinary
tract infections in cats
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-urinary-tract-infection-cats-dogs.html&kbid=5918.
Amoxicillin is semi synthetic oral penicillin that is used for
treating bacterial infections and is one of the primary
antibiotics indicated for treating feline urinary tract
infection
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-urinary-tract-infection-cats-dogs.html&kbid=5918.
As is
widely known, antibiotics should be used only when they cannot
be avoided as they are liable to become ineffective over time
and with overuse. It is necessary that proper information be
gathered about the drug before it is used to treat urinary
infection in cats. For veterinarian use, amoxicillin is
available in the 100mg dose as amoxicillin trihydrate. It works
by inhibiting the biosynthesis of large structural molecules in
the cell walls of bacteria. It is indicated in the treatment of
cystitis, urethritis and genitourinary tract infections along
with infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
The
hypersensitivity reaction to the injection of penicillin is well
known and amoxicillin infections can also result in similar
reactions. Such hypersensitivity can even be fatal at times.
Since there are no skin or patch tests that can be done before
taking the medicine orally or otherwise, extreme care is
required when it is being administered for the first time.
Even
though patients with a history of sensitivity to multiple
allergens are more vulnerable, the reaction can happen to
anyone. An allergic reaction may present itself in the shape of
salivation, shivering, vomiting and itchy skin eruptions. In the
event of an allergic reaction, the antibiotic should be
discontinued immediately and a new appropriate therapy should be
adopted. Serious allergic reactions require immediate treatment
with epinephrine to stimulate the autonomic nerve reaction.
On the
positive side, amoxicillin remains stable in the presence of
gastric acids and can be safely given with feed. The drug
diffuses quickly into the body tissues and fluids even on oral
digestion.
The
dosage of amoxicillin depends on the weight of the cat. The
recommended dosage is quarter of a tablet (25mg) for a cat
weighing less than 2.25 kg and half a tablet (50 mg) for those
weighing between 2.25 to 4.5 kg. A full tablet is prescribed for
heavier cats. After daily administration for 5 to 7 days, the
drug should be continued for another couple of days till the
symptoms of the urinary tract infection subside completely.
For
instances of severe urinary tract infection in dogs
http://www.nativeremedies.com/petalive/uti-free-urinary-tract-infection-cats-dogs.html&kbid=5918
and cats, a higher concentration of the drug is required. In
such cases, the dosage is invariably doubled. However, care
needs to be taken to avoid an overdose.
Even
though there are no absolute side effects that have been
observed in unborn kittens, the benefits of the drug need to be
weighed against the possible threat to the fetus when
administering the antibiotic to a pregnant cat.
References:
http://www.drugs.com/vet/amoxicillin-100-can.html
http://www.usp.org/pdf/EN/veterinary/amoxicillinAndClavulanate.pdf
Information:
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