Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
I always ask a vet WHY they choose a particular medication for one of my furkids and I get better responses from some than others. I also look up medication in the Merck manual or an online source to find out what is in it (if I don't already know) and what it is recommended for. One vet I use for routine things (because his fees are more reasonable than most others in this area) is not a high tech vet but has good instincts based on experience and his approach to the use of abx is to start with the one most specific to a particular condition, if possible, and if that doesn't work then go for one that is more broad-specturm and one of the bigger guns in the abx arsenal such as Baytril. His opinion is that if you always start with the biggest gun, if resistance becomes an issue you have no better options. If Amoxicillan (relative of penicillan) or Clavamox (combo of ) don't work, then try something like Baytril or Zeniquin (a newer relative of Baytril). Sometimes if a condition seems serious and what is going on is not clear, he'll start with a bigger gun. Last year I had a kitty who was presenting with a high fever and no other symptoms...his first choice was Baytril and when that didn't bring down the fever, he prescribed something called Delta Albaplex, which I'd never heard of before. The fever was gone in 2 days after that. I looked it up and DA is a combo of an abx (can't remember which one offhand) and a steroid. I've never had to use Doxycycline yet, so haven't looked it up, but it seems to be more specific in what it targets than Clavamox. For one thing, Doxy is prescribed for the blood parasite hemobartonella and seems to be more powerful in its action than Clavamox or Amoxicillan. But it can have a caustic effect on mucous membranes and administering it is more problematic. I guess the idea is to kill whatever bacteria may be the culprit without OVERkilling. If there is a choice that can be made, I will opt for the one with the least gnarly taste and fewest possible side-effects. Sally in San Jose
RE: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
Dear Sally As always, thank you for your much-valued insight. I really appreciate the list of names, too, Sally---I'd never heard of Delta Albaplex either. And yes, I can see it makes sense to start with the small guns. I've mostly had to use antibiotics on my positives, and as they're all feral I've had to have the abx made up in compound treat form, so I guess the taste hasn't been an issue. I was so lucky--when they first arrived with me, and they were all mucous-y and coughing and sneezing (I didn't know they were positive at that point) somehow I managed to ensure each cat took exactly the dose it was prescribed--no less, no more--over the 15 days. (If my tame neg cats ever need abx I think I may just go with the treat form for them too in future.) No one's on abx just nowlong may it last. thank you so much again, Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 6:53 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? I always ask a vet WHY they choose a particular medication for one of my furkids and I get better responses from some than others. I also look up medication in the Merck manual or an online source to find out what is in it (if I don't already know) and what it is recommended for. One vet I use for routine things (because his fees are more reasonable than most others in this area) is not a high tech vet but has good instincts based on experience and his approach to the use of abx is to start with the one most specific to a particular condition, if possible, and if that doesn't work then go for one that is more broad-specturm and one of the bigger guns in the abx arsenal such as Baytril. His opinion is that if you always start with the biggest gun, if resistance becomes an issue you have no better options. If Amoxicillan (relative of penicillan) or Clavamox (combo of ) don't work, then try something like Baytril or Zeniquin (a newer relative of Baytril). Sometimes if a condition seems serious and what is going on is not clear, he'll start with a bigger gun. Last year I had a kitty who was presenting with a high fever and no other symptoms...his first choice was Baytril and when that didn't bring down the fever, he prescribed something called Delta Albaplex, which I'd never heard of before. The fever was gone in 2 days after that. I looked it up and DA is a combo of an abx (can't remember which one offhand) and a steroid. I've never had to use Doxycycline yet, so haven't looked it up, but it seems to be more specific in what it targets than Clavamox. For one thing, Doxy is prescribed for the blood parasite hemobartonella and seems to be more powerful in its action than Clavamox or Amoxicillan. But it can have a caustic effect on mucous membranes and administering it is more problematic. I guess the idea is to kill whatever bacteria may be the culprit without OVERkilling. If there is a choice that can be made, I will opt for the one with the least gnarly taste and fewest possible side-effects. Sally in San Jose This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
Thanks so much MaryChristine--I'll look at that! Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of TenHouseCats Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 7:02 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? in addition to the merck, another hard-copy resource about meds is The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog Cat--it's just like the human version, except, of course, it's different! easy to understand, dosage administration, etc--not as technical as the merck, of course. on-line, i like http://www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html for info on drugs and their uses -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
...and it shows--with pix--how to give a pill! I've never seen that before either! I'll try it tonight with a dummy pill. Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of TenHouseCats Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 7:02 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? in addition to the merck, another hard-copy resource about meds is The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog Cat--it's just like the human version, except, of course, it's different! easy to understand, dosage administration, etc--not as technical as the merck, of course. on-line, i like http://www.marvistavet.com/html/pharmacy_center.html for info on drugs and their uses -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
Thanks for the insight, Nina. I'd be interested to know names of any of the books that you particularly like/recommend (as recommended by Gypsy and Zevon's reader). best, Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 4:23 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? Kerry, Apparently, Dox is used long-term in fighting Lyme disease etc. in humans. Some people are on it for over a year. If I remember correctly, Dox does not kill the parasite it's fighting, it retards growth. Patients with healthy immune systems will fight off the parasite with the help of Dox keeping it under control, but it takes a long time. I guess because Grace's immune system is not up to par, she's unable to get whatever parasite is bothering her under control. I'm not pleased about it, but I don't seem to have any choice. As far as male vs. female in picking up my moods, I'd have to say it's more an individual thing. All my animals respond to my moods, (poor things! I have to get some sort of assistance with regulating my mood swings!). Well, come to think of it, Ursula couldn't care less, unless it's directed specifically at her. I think it's more about how in tune I am with them, so that I notice things that might get by, for instance, my husband. I'm always picking up on things involving my clients dogs that they marvel at. I don't think I'm communicating telepathically, I just use my experience and am hyper sensitive to their needs. I've always been in tune with animals, but caring for the FelV cats has revved it up a notch. Knowing they're a gift I may not be able to keep, and having to keep such a watchful eye on illness, has made me even more aware than I used to be. Speaking of AC, I've just ordered some books suggested by the lady that read Gypsy and Zevon for me. I'll let you know if I have any breakthroughs! Nina MacKenzie, Kerry N. wrote: Thanks Nina. I never realized that antibiotics could be given longterm. It's wonderful that it's having such a positive effect on Grace. Yes, I'm sure you're right--that she was mourning Jazz. Interesting that you are so aware of your furballs taking on your mood. I should observe mine more closely. I know my female negative kitty Trixie is very sensitive to human mood. D'you think it applies to the boys too?! Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 3:28 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
Thanks Michelle! -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 12:03 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? Doxi is stronger and broader spectrum, and not what vet usually use for URI's. Clavamox is more specific to URI's and not as strong but generally works, so vets prescribe that. I have just found that with my positives it does not always work, while doxi does so far. Baytril was prescribed for my cat Patches when she had pneumonia, which is actually a lower respiratory tract infection, so maybe that is a difference. I have given baytril in hard to treat URI cases as well. It is a very powerful drug though and can have side effects, so it is better to use something else unless you really need it. Michelle In a message dated 4/25/05 12:51:38 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dear all I guess I'm trying to educate myself today--does anyone know why a vet would choose to prescribe one over the other--I've been prescribed Doxi and Clavamox at different times by different vets for the same problem--URIs. (Baytril hasn't come up so far.) thanks again kerry This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
When Grace crashed the first time, she was put on two separate doses of Clavomox. She would finally start to respond by the 10th or 11th day of treatment, only to crash again two or three days after we stopped. Clavomox and Amoxicillin seem to be the ones the vets reach for first. Metronidazole and Baytril are usually prescribed for IBD symptoms. My Internist recommended Dox for Grace because it was a broader spectrum antibiotic, (which she also said about Baytril, when she put Gypsy on it and Metronidazole). Even though Grace's blood test failed to reveal what it is she's fighting, the Dox did the trick. She is on a daily dose of 25mg of Dox, the vet told me 2x daily, but she does great on 1x daily, (after an initial loading dose of 30 days, 2x daily). When I try to wean her off the Dox, she gets sick. I've finally given in and am keeping her on it. She's doing so great, runs, leaps, cavorts, just like she should. She scared the heck out of me the week following Jazz's death. Her third eyelids were up, she was lethargic, she hardly ate anything. I've since come to the conclusion that she was mourning our Jazz. Of course, all of my babies are very in tune with me and I was a total wreck. Nina MacKenzie, Kerry N. wrote: Dear all I guess I'm trying to educate myself today--does anyone know why a vet would choose to prescribe one over the other--I've been prescribed Doxi and Clavamox at different times by different vets for the same problem--URIs. (Baytril hasn't come up so far.) thanks again kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 11:44 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Turn for the worse I have found that my FeLV+ cats with URI's respond better to Baytril or Doxicycline than to Clavamox, though it sounds like Roxie is responding to the clavamox (knock on wood!) Michelle In a message dated 4/25/05 9:43:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well, good news. Roxie seems to be much better. She had improved yesterday, but was not completely back to normal and then this morning she ran up the stairs for breakfast and ate well again. Her breathing is completly back to normal. I am so happy. Of course, we'll have to keep a close eye on her. My vet wants to do a 2nd round of Clavomox (antibiotics) just to make sure we completely clear the upper respiratory infection and I am going to pick up a bronchodialter medication in case she has trouble again, but hopefully this is an isolated incident caused by the URI. Thank you all so much! Lisa This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
good point, nina--some cats just seem to need to remain on antibiotics (despite the obvious drawbacks) to keep from relapsing... -- MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
Kerry, Apparently, Dox is used long-term in fighting Lyme disease etc. in humans. Some people are on it for over a year. If I remember correctly, Dox does not kill the parasite it's fighting, it retards growth. Patients with healthy immune systems will fight off the parasite with the help of Dox keeping it under control, but it takes a long time. I guess because Grace's immune system is not up to par, she's unable to get whatever parasite is bothering her under control. I'm not pleased about it, but I don't seem to have any choice. As far as male vs. female in picking up my moods, I'd have to say it's more an individual thing. All my animals respond to my moods, (poor things! I have to get some sort of assistance with regulating my mood swings!). Well, come to think of it, Ursula couldn't care less, unless it's directed specifically at her. I think it's more about how in tune I am with them, so that I notice things that might get by, for instance, my husband. I'm always picking up on things involving my clients dogs that they marvel at. I don't think I'm communicating telepathically, I just use my experience and am hyper sensitive to their needs. I've always been in tune with animals, but caring for the FelV cats has revved it up a notch. Knowing they're a gift I may not be able to keep, and having to keep such a watchful eye on illness, has made me even more aware than I used to be. Speaking of AC, I've just ordered some books suggested by the lady that read Gypsy and Zevon for me. I'll let you know if I have any breakthroughs! Nina MacKenzie, Kerry N. wrote: Thanks Nina. I never realized that antibiotics could be given longterm. It's wonderful that it's having such a positive effect on Grace. Yes, I'm sure you're right--that she was mourning Jazz. Interesting that you are so aware of your furballs taking on your mood. I should observe mine more closely. I know my female negative kitty Trixie is very sensitive to human mood. D'you think it applies to the boys too?! Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 3:28 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
RE: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox?
Thanks Nina. I never realized that antibiotics could be given longterm. It's wonderful that it's having such a positive effect on Grace. Yes, I'm sure you're right--that she was mourning Jazz. Interesting that you are so aware of your furballs taking on your mood. I should observe mine more closely. I know my female negative kitty Trixie is very sensitive to human mood. D'you think it applies to the boys too?! Kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 3:28 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: relative merits of Doxy and Clavamox? When Grace crashed the first time, she was put on two separate doses of Clavomox. She would finally start to respond by the 10th or 11th day of treatment, only to crash again two or three days after we stopped. Clavomox and Amoxicillin seem to be the ones the vets reach for first. Metronidazole and Baytril are usually prescribed for IBD symptoms. My Internist recommended Dox for Grace because it was a broader spectrum antibiotic, (which she also said about Baytril, when she put Gypsy on it and Metronidazole). Even though Grace's blood test failed to reveal what it is she's fighting, the Dox did the trick. She is on a daily dose of 25mg of Dox, the vet told me 2x daily, but she does great on 1x daily, (after an initial loading dose of 30 days, 2x daily). When I try to wean her off the Dox, she gets sick. I've finally given in and am keeping her on it. She's doing so great, runs, leaps, cavorts, just like she should. She scared the heck out of me the week following Jazz's death. Her third eyelids were up, she was lethargic, she hardly ate anything. I've since come to the conclusion that she was mourning our Jazz. Of course, all of my babies are very in tune with me and I was a total wreck. Nina MacKenzie, Kerry N. wrote: Dear all I guess I'm trying to educate myself today--does anyone know why a vet would choose to prescribe one over the other--I've been prescribed Doxi and Clavamox at different times by different vets for the same problem--URIs. (Baytril hasn't come up so far.) thanks again kerry -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, April 25, 2005 11:44 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Turn for the worse I have found that my FeLV+ cats with URI's respond better to Baytril or Doxicycline than to Clavamox, though it sounds like Roxie is responding to the clavamox (knock on wood!) Michelle In a message dated 4/25/05 9:43:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well, good news. Roxie seems to be much better. She had improved yesterday, but was not completely back to normal and then this morning she ran up the stairs for breakfast and ate well again. Her breathing is completly back to normal. I am so happy. Of course, we'll have to keep a close eye on her. My vet wants to do a 2nd round of Clavomox (antibiotics) just to make sure we completely clear the upper respiratory infection and I am going to pick up a bronchodialter medication in case she has trouble again, but hopefully this is an isolated incident caused by the URI. Thank you all so much! Lisa This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
