Cat on antibiotic question

[forkyfork]

My boy cat has been fighting gum issues off and on for years. Hes always had Amox or Augmentin. Different vets even vets in different states.
He has never had any intestinal issues from either med.

One day I felt compelled to make an appointment at the Banfield clinic in Petsmart. Normally I avoid them however, where I am living now the vets arent too impressive.

The lovely young vet at Banfield said that  the first thing to try besides a dental is to try a correct dental antibiotic called Clindamyicin @ 25mg 2x day.

Hes been on it since Friday. Its working quickly and really making a difference. However, he has had 1 loose stool (so far) so I went to Petsmart to get some benebac.

I couldn't find it so asked at the vet counter for some. The vet of the day was a different vet, he said I need to stop immediately and bring him in because of the diahreah.

I questioned his reason outside of becoming dehydrated. He said that it could have kicked off an underlying condition, I said aside from his gums hes been very healthy.

He said, well then he should be off it for 24 hours and see if it clears up. I asked if that wouldn't risk causing resistant bacteria, he stumbled around a bit and then said he wouldn't know that unless it happened. (dont think I want to take this chance)

Soooo, Im pretty sure that the loose stinky stools are a side effect of the antibiotic. Do I need to worry about it besides supportive care for it and watching for dehydration?

I do plan on trying to speak with the vet we saw on friday but Im afraid she may not be in on Monday. I am still trying to figure out what proper dosing is, I usually check this but didnt this time.

I just want to be realistic, I feel that he wont do well under sedation and want to avoid it if possible.

also, the thing that sticks out the most is that he has been fighting this very early on, before the tarter showed up.

[werecatrising]

Clindamyicin  is one of the best antibiotics for dental problems, but one of the worst as far as GI upset goes. As long as the diarrhea doesn't get to severe (liquid, bloody) and she is still eating I wouldn't worry. If she does stop eating you need to stop the meds completely. You could try some Purina forti flora if you can get it.


If I were you I would just have a dental done. All that plaque is bad on the heart, kidneys, everything.  A good dental needs to be done under anesthesia, not just sedation. As long as the vet is careful (IV fluids, pre surgical blood work) she should be fine.

[forkyfork]

Not too loose and much less stinkey. Hes been getting benebac. I figured it was hard on the works, good to know for sure. Its hard finding much info on it.
In fact one site said to dose cats 1x day and another said 2x day. Hes on 2x day.

Im having a hard time finding a vet I can trust with my little buddy. The last vet said he really has very little tartar. Well take a look after the meds are finished.

[werecatrising]

Have you tried doing a search through here
http://healthypet.aahanet.org/eweb/startpage.aspx?site=HealthyPet

[forkyfork]

Thanks. There seems to only be 2 and not in the area. I guess that confirms the feelings I was having.

[nakedrats]

Has your cat been FELV/FIV tested?  I'm just bringing this up because inability to keep the mouth bacterial population in check can be a sign of immune problems. If this has been a recurring problem for you, you may want to get it checked out just to be sure.

For loose stool, you can try adding psyllium husk powder (metamucil type fiber supplement) or canned pumpkin to the food to help hold things together.

Hope everything turns out ok.

[forkyfork]

Hmmm, he was tested when he was found as a stray. He has always been current on his shots, but anythings possible.

I guess I need to have him tested anyway. Funny no ones suggested it before.

[Lise]

Cats can also get a strange gingiva condition for unknown reasons, I believe it is called lymphocytic plasmacytic gingivitis.  This can result in the gums becoming incredibly inflamed.  There are lots of theories as to why it occurs, and no certain cause.

I do think that having a full dental may help. 

[Dearpie]

My old man Jerry has awful breath and yucky gums.  When we had a dental done almost 2 years ago, it was of no help.  I've never been told about using antibiotics as a possibility.  I may check into that, too.  Interesting thread!

[werecatrising]

My old man Jerry has awful breath and yucky gums.  When we had a dental done almost 2 years ago, it was of no help.  I've never been told about using antibiotics as a possibility.  I may check into that, too.  Interesting thread!

Did they just clean them under sedation or put him under and scale/polish them?

[triciag]

My cat Lizzie has been on Clindamyicin for 3 years now.  We do monthly antiobiotic therapy because she has herpes and her gums are always inflamed.  I remember when she first started taking it, her stools were very loose and the whole house smelled!  After a few months of treatment her body adjusted to it and now I never have a problem with her.  Hope this helps.