Prednisone with Clindamycin Use in Cats
An illness rarely seen in cats, toxoplasmosis is a type of bacteria that generally remains dormant when present in the feline body. While cats aren't usually affected by the condition, those with preexisting health conditions can develop serious complications caused by the infection. Prednisone and clindamycin are prescribed together to treat toxoplasmosis in cats.
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Clindamycin is prescribed to treat toxoplasmosis in cats because of its antibacterial qualities. The drug kills bacteria and stops production of certain proteins needed for the bacteria to multiply.
Also known as prednisolone, prednisone is prescribed to felines to treat a number of autoimmune and immune system disorders. Prednisone treats symptoms associated with toxoplasmosis in felines, such as inflammation and allergic reaction.
Dosage
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Dosage amounts of prednisone and clindamycin to treat toxoplasmosis in cats vary based upon body weight and overall condition of the affected feline. Pet owners should not increase or decrease prescribed dosages of clindamycin or prednisone without first speaking with the veterinarian that prescribed the medications.
Clindamycin usage in cats is generally broken up into two doses per day.
Prednisone dosage in felines ranges from 1/10 to 3 milligrams per pound of body weight. The drug is prescribed to be taken to treat toxoplasmosis in cats one to three times a day.
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Dosing
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Administering medication to felines can be quite the challenge even for experienced cat owners, which is why most prescription drugs are available in multiple forms for cats.
Prednisone is available in tablets, syrup, oral suspension and intravenous forms, while clindamycin is only available in tablets and oral suspension.
Pet owners who are inexperienced with administering medication to felines or those who are unsure about which form of medicine is best for their pets should consult their veterinarians for advice.
Side Effects
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Like most medications, clindamycin and prednisone can cause side effects in felines.
Side effects of clindamycin in cats are rare and include vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
Prednisone should be used with caution in all animals. Possible side effects in cats include increase in water consumption, increase in appetite, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness and early labor in pregnant felines. Long-term use can cause hair loss, personality and behavioral changes, muscle weakness and liver problems.
Considerations
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It is important for pet owners to understand toxoplasmosis and ensure that their cats finish all medications prescribed, even after symptoms have disappeared.
All side effects of prednisone and/or clindamycin, even those seemingly minor in nature, should be reported to the veterinarian who prescribed the medications as soon as possible.
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References
- Photo Credit cats image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com
