The Misuse of Cat Antibiotics

Very often when you have a sick cat, antibiotics seem to be the only answer. Prescribing antibiotics has become so casual that there's a real danger of using them recklessly and needlessly, often with dangerous outcomes. Many times, proper diet, nutrition and common sense can combat the disease.

Antibiotics can be divided into two categories:

  • Bacteriostatic: These antibiotics hamper the growth of the microbes. They do not kill them.
  • Bacteriocidal: These drugs destroy the microorganisms.
  • The rash use of antibiotics can lead to many serious and potentially fatal issues for your pet. Understanding the common pitfalls in their use can empower you to make informed decisions. You can then ensure that your cat is safe from unnecessary complications.

Resistant Bacteria

When antibiotics are either over-prescribed or under-prescribed, or given for an incorrect period of time, bacteria can mutate and bring out fresh strains which protect themselves against the killing action of the antibiotic. While the antibiotic kills the weakest bacteria, the stronger ones continue to multiply. The resistant gene developed by the bacteria then starts to mutate, until it becomes completely resistant to the drug. This resistant bacterium modifies its structure and tweaks its metabolism, rendering the antibiotic impotent. These bacteria thus get harder to treat, and may end up causing serious problems for your pet.

Inappropriate Use

Antibiotics are often prescribed for illnesses where they prove ineffective. Diseases which are caused by viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to allergies and other side effects.

Some key examples where antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed for cats include infections of the upper respiratory tract and inflammation of the urinary tract. Upper respiratory tract infections are most often caused by viruses. Antibiotics will prove futile unless there's also a bacterial infection present. A urinary tract infection has a very low chance of being bacterial in nature. Very often it's caused by stress, bladder stones and cystitis.

The effort should be to use antibiotics to fight particular infections, and not as a free-for-all medication. Careful analysis and methodical application of antibiotics where they are useful is the key. Dental infections, scratches or deep abrasions and diabetes are common in cats. There is a chance that your cat may pick up a bacterial infection through these. Leukaemia, feline immunodeficiency virus and cats on cancer therapy are also likely to pick up secondary bacterial infections.

Allergic Reaction

Your cat may display simple to severe allergic reactions to antibiotics. Sudden diarrhea, swelling, itching, hives, vomiting, seizures and even death may occur. The gums and membranes will get pale and the body temperature may drop. Sometimes the reaction is so serious that immediate medical treatment is required. If your cat has a history of hypersensitivity to any drugs or medication, this must form part of her treatment chart.

Although they provide quick relief, you should question whether antibiotics should be administered to your cat in a given situation. Many times, natural, slower treatments will not only heal your pet but may also remove rather than suppress the root of the disease effectively. Chronic sustained use of antibiotics can trigger a cycle of disease and medicine, along with a host of avoidable secondary diseases.

 

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