Taking care of a sick cat can be quite demanding, particularly when there are prescriptions involved. Ceftriaxone is one antibiotic that is frequently administered to cats. This medication is effective in treating bacterial infections, promoting a speedy and safe recovery for your feline companion.
It’s critical to comprehend the mechanism of action, possible adverse effects, and appropriate dosage of ceftriaxone before administering it to your cat. This will guarantee the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
We’ll explain all you need to know about ceftriaxone for cats in this post so you can feel comfortable providing your pet with the care they require.
Indications for use
A specialist is required to prescribe the medication, and they will only do so when there is a clear indication that the drug is needed to treat a pathological condition.
In addition, cats can contract otitis, genitourinary diseases, pneumonia, bronchitis, and E. coli. Ceftriaxone can be used to treat certain illnesses brought on by different kinds of cocci. If bacteria or an infection that is susceptible to the medication is the cause of the illness, it is prescribed.
Additionally, if there are wounds, sepsis, or inflammation, the antibiotic is prescribed. When treating a viral illness following surgery, the medication can be used to avoid bacterial complications.
The medication works against E. coli, pneumococci, streptococci, and staphylococci.
You can see why cat lovers are such big fans of the drug. A particular ceftriaxone treatment plan for cats is chosen in each case.
Release form and composition
When a veterinarian and the cat start talking about the antibacterial medication ceftriaxone, it indicates that the cat’s body is seriously impacted and that treatment needs to begin right away. The drug has a high bioavailability and starts to work two hours after it is taken. What form does the medication come out in?
The only injectable powder available for use with cats is injection powder. Vials containing 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg of the active ingredient (sodium salt) are packaged by the manufacturer.
An anesthetic such as lidocaine and water are needed to dilute ceftriaxone for injection.
Because cats find injections extremely painful, the animal’s owner must be aware of this. Therefore, you can dilute ceftriaxone powder with 0.5% novocaine. Lidocaine is another option, but it may result in an allergic reaction that includes breathing and/or cardiac issues. You are essentially condemning your pet to excruciating pain if you take only water without any kind of anesthetic.
Five milliliters of 0.5% novocaine must be added to one bottle of ceftriaxone (1 g). After the product is combined, a gorgeous, homogeneous yellow solution is produced.
The antibiotic ceftriaxone solution that remains after administration is merely thrown away; it cannot be kept.
Veterinarians can prescribe the antibiotic ceftriaxone to treat bacterial infections in cats. It’s critical to carefully follow the dosage recommendations because using the medication incorrectly can cause side effects or resistance. For the best results, make sure the treatment is customized to your cat’s unique condition and always see a veterinarian before administering any medication.
Dosage
The following is the ceftriaxone dosage for cats:
A dosage of 0.5 cubes (for animals weighing less than 2 kg) or 1 ml (for larger pets) of the antibiotic ceftriaxone is given.
The dose of the drug equivalent to 1 cube is 250 mg.
How it works
The drug is used in a row for 7-10 days with a single administration once a day.
Three days after the fever has cooled down and all illness symptoms have subsided, the medication is usually stopped. Remember that this is an antibiotic, so even if the pet’s condition appears to be improving, the treatment regimen must be followed!
Sometimes after three to five days of injections, there is still no improvement, or the cat’s condition has gotten worse. With such serious issues, there’s no reason for you to wait to see a doctor!
Instructions for use of Ceftriaxone
The drug’s usage instructions are straightforward, so any owner of a kitten or kitty cat can use it.
How to dilute the medicine
Let’s review the ceftriaxone usage instructions:
- add 3.6 ml of water for injection or novocaine to 1 g of the antibacterial agent;
- inject the liquid with a syringe, piercing the rubber cap of the bottle;
- dissolve the powder by vigorously shaking the bottle until completely homogeneous;
- the needle should be replaced with a new one;
- the medicine is administered intramuscularly, it is worth studying,how to properly give an injection.
After mixing, the antibiotic is used right away!
How to inject ceftriaxone to a cat
Take an insulin-preferably syringe that has a thin needle. Every cat owner is aware of the appropriate injection site, and subcutaneous administration is unacceptable. The issue will be resolved if a veterinarian acts out all the steps during the consultation. It is best to learn how to inject a cat if you must do it yourself.
It is best to work with someone in a pair so that the pet is properly fixed. Following this, the needle is inserted at a 45° angle into the hind leg’s femoral muscle. The medication is taken gradually!
The cat is no longer fixed once the needle is taken out; instead, it must be calmed down to avoid making the next angle even more stressful.
You can alternate between using your back legs and your shoulder triceps muscle because the procedure is painful. If the veterinarian agrees, you can treat your pet with both sedatives and ceftriaxone.
Serious diseases can be avoided if you schedule regular checkups with your physician. The cat won’t need to receive an injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone in that case.
Contraindications
Although cats typically tolerate ceftriaxone well, it is still advisable for owners to be aware of any contraindications. These, along with gastric and duodenal ulcers, are genitourinary system disorders.
Wait until the end of the lactation period before administering such a strong medication to pregnant or postpartum cats.
Other significant contraindications do not exist.
Side effects and overdose
Ceftriaxone is not without side effects. The body’s response can be described as follows:
- impaired functioning of the digestive organs;
- flatulence;
- bronchospasm;
- impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver;
- allergy to the drug.
A sick cat or the time following sterilization may experience a side effect. Young kittens and elderly cats are in danger.
Average price for Ceftriaxone
Let’s now calculate the price of ceftriaxone in the Russian Federation.
In the Russian center, one gram of the medication will cost roughly 19–24 rubles. The price ranges from 24 to 29 rubles in Siberian cities. The medication can be purchased in the Far East for 29–45 rubles. It costs 19–30 rubles in the southern regions of Russia.
Storage conditions
The bottle’s box contains written storage conditions. This area needs to be shaded from the sun and have an air temperature of between 18 and 25 °C.
The medication in a sealed factory package can be used for three years after it is manufactured, but the diluted solution cannot be used for the same amount of time—anything that is not used right away must be disposed of.
Analogues
The active ingredient in the medication is so effective that comparable products have been developed. Only in cases of intolerance or incapacity to inject are drugs substituted. Nonetheless, it is thought that ceftriaxone powder is the most potent antimicrobial agent.
- amoxicillin: tablets or injections, the effect of the drug is milder, but just as effective;
- cephalexin: approved for the treatment of pregnant cats, but requires medical supervision. This drug is in capsules;
- sorcef: a convenient antimicrobial agent, produced in the form of a powder for suspension and in tablet form. The activity is not as high as that of ceftriaxone;
- doxycycline: the drug is not suitable for cats expecting offspring, as well as for kittens or cats who have a musculoskeletal disorder.
| Dosage | Follow your vet"s instructions carefully. Usually given by injection. |
| Side Effects | Watch for allergic reactions, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. |
| Usage | Used to treat bacterial infections in cats. |
| Important Note | Never use without veterinary guidance. |
When prescribed by a veterinarian, ceftriaxone can be an effective treatment for bacterial infections in cats. It is a go-to antibiotic in many situations due to its effectiveness and frequent use for serious conditions like respiratory or urinary infections.
But it’s crucial to keep in mind that Ceftriaxone should only be administered under the guidance of a medical professional. Overuse or incorrect dosages can cause problems or resistance that could eventually hurt your pet.
Observe the veterinarian’s instructions to the letter if your cat is prescribed Ceftriaxone. Keep an eye on your pet’s health, and seek advice from your veterinarian right away if any strange symptoms start to show.
