Liquid or pill forms of antibiotics for cat/injection of antibiotic

[JustMe]

What do you use.  I usually use pills.  Are the liquids easier to do with cats if they are flavored?

Vet mentioned an antibiotic injection that lasts 7 days this morning rather than pills or liquid.  I can't remember now, I was too nervous.  It was an injection of cephalosporin I think. 

[catbird]

When Kalahari, who has a heart murmur, underwent dental surgery a couple of years ago, they gave her an antibiotic injection before starting, and did not then send her home with further meds.  Other cats I've had have come home with a week of antibiotics after dental where there was infection.

I find some cats easier to do with pills, some with liquids.  I have a terrible pill-spitter (Cameo) and when I first got her with bronchitis, we used a liquid antibiotic.  My vet will usually issue a new prescription in a different form if I let her know the first form has not been successful.

Sending good vibes for you and Davey BTW.

[kittylyda]

I usually go with pills.  Some people find liquid easier, but with pills I always feel as if I know they are getting the exact right amount.  Liquid can dribble out and you never know how much they actually swallow.  Also, pills are easily hid in a pill pocket or another moist treat for those hard to medicate kitties!

I have not tried the injection that last 7 days, but a client of mine used it for her cat when his anal glad ruptured.  Good results for the cat, no adverse reactions.  It is a cephalosporin called Convenia by Pfizer.  Here is the link to the drug info on Pfizer's site:

http://www.pfizerah.com/product_overview.asp?drug=CN&country=US&lang=EN&species=FL

[JustMe]

Yes, that was it..Convenia.  Thanks. 

[petslave]

I like liquid because it's quick, easy and less chance of my finger getting bit.  They do always lose a little though, so the concern about dose is a good one.  I usually end up with slightly more in the dropper than required, so that probably makes up for it.

[kittylyda]

Have you guys ever used a device called a pill shooter or pill dispenser?  I get them from my vet for around 4 bucks each.  As far as I'm concerned this thing is the greatest invention since sliced bread!  It's a long skinny plastic wand with plunger with a rubber area at the top that you slip the pill into.  It allows you to get really far back in the cats mouth at the throat with less danger of getting bit because the thing is so long.  It just kind of pops the pill in and most times down it goes.  If interested, I would recommend getting them from the vet.  The ones I have seen at pet supply stores are greatly inferior.

[catbird]

I've used the pill shooter from the vet with Cameo when she had to have a worm med that did not come in liquid.  They do work well.

[tesla]

I prefer the pills, most of my cats end up drooling all over when I give liquids.  Those pill shooters are great on most of my cats, Snowy was the only cat I have ever owned that I couldn't use one on.  Of course, liquids REALLY didn't work with her either.  She was the most difficult animal I have ever given meds to.  Thank heavens for the tramsdermal meds during her final months.

[3catkidneyfailure]

I've been using three pill shooters from the vet. They work especially well if you
dip them in water, then insert pill or capsule, and put into cat. They prevent
biting. However, rubber splits after a time from biting or wear and eventually
pill shoots out the side. My cats have also become very proficient at not
swallowing and spitting stuff out. So cuddling for a time to make sure it goes
down helps

Worst liquid med I've given my cats was Metronidazole. Even flavored it tasted
terrible (yup, I did taste). But at the strength needed at the time, it was the only form available.
Had to immediately follow with syringed water to minimize the drooling.

Thanks for the info on sustained release injections. I will ask in the future.

[Sandi K]

We try to use liquid for Sophers whenever we can but I think it depends on the cat.  Its real easy to get liquid down her with a syringe but pills is another story.  With all the anti-biotics she has been on, we were first using pill pockets and those worked great for awhile til she caught on and I started finding pills hidden around the house.  On the last go round with her abscessed toofie, they brought up the 7 day injection but changed their minds because of all of her quirky issues, they were afraid if she didnt tolerate the injection med well, they wouldnt be able to stop it like you can with liquids or pills. 

[catwoods]

With Booper we have have used liquids successfully, but he still doesn't like it and tends to sling it out of his mouth and all over. But he did get well (he had an anal abscess) so he must have gotten enough.

[petslave]

tesla, is it harder to medicate Persians because of their little smooshed in noseys?  I was just wondering if they tend to choke easier and if you have to be more careful. 

Good you had the transdermals for Snowy when she needed it.  Those are great for very sick or hard to medicate cats.

[Sofia]

For us, it depends on the cat.  Some are really easy to pill, some require you have a first aid kit ready for yourself.  I always ask if I can crush the pill into a fine powder and put it in their food.  Some liquids make them spit and drool and splatter the walls with antibiotic goo. 

My only concern about a shot would be some adverse reaction that takes place once I've left the vet's office.

[3catkidneyfailure]

Good point, Sofia. I had cats who suddenly developed adverse reactions to penicillin (Clavamox)
or other meds for the first time in their lives. I don't know. What types of antibiotics are available for the
sustained release injection?

[kittylyda]

Good point, Sofia. I had cats who suddenly developed adverse reactions to penicillin (Clavamox)
or other meds for the first time in their lives. I don't know. What types of antibiotics are available for the
sustained release injection?

I know for sure the cephalosporin called Convenia by Pfizer is available for sustained release injection .  Here is the link to the drug info on Pfizer's site:

http://www.pfizerah.com/product_overview.asp?drug=CN&country=US&lang=EN&species=FL

I'm not sure if there are others at this time.