“Quinolone-class drugs should be used with caution in animals with known or suspected Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. In such animals, quinolones have, in rare instances, been associated with CNS stimulation which may lead to convulsive seizures.” — Baytril manufacturer web page. Elanco, 2024. https://my.elanco.com/us/baytril (retrieved 2024-11-01)
“The use of fluoroquinolones in cats has been reported to adversely affect the retina. Such products should be used with caution in cats.” — Baytril manufacturer web page. Elanco, 2024. https://my.elanco.com/us/baytril (retrieved 2024-11-01)
Ford MM, Dubielzig RR, Giuliano EA, Moore CP, Narfström KL. Ocular and systemic manifestations after oral administration of a high dose of enrofloxacin in cats. Am J Vet Res. 2007 Feb;68(2):190-202. doi:10.2460/ajvr.68.2.190
Foster JD, Abouraya M, Papich MG, Muma NA. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin after intravenous injection to cats with reduced kidney function. J Vet Intern Med. 2023 Nov-Dec;37(6):2230-2240. doi:10.1111/jvim.16866
Gelatt KN, van der Woerdt A, Ketring KL, Andrew SE, Brooks DE, Biros DJ, Denis HM, Cutler TJ. Enrofloxacin-associated retinal degeneration in cats. Vet Ophthalmol. 2001 Jun;4(2):99-106. doi:10.1046/j.1463-5224.2001.00182.x
Hwang YH, Kim MS, Song IB, Lim JH, Park BK, Yun HI. Altered pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in experimental models of hepatic and renal impairment. Vet Res Commun. 2009 Jun;33(5):481-7. doi:10.1007/s11259-008-9195-y
“Avoid enrofloxacin in cats with CKD due to increased risk of retinopathy at standard therapeutic doses” — Sparkes AH, Caney S, Chalhoub S, Elliott J, Finch N, Gajanayake I, Langston C, Lefebvre HP, White J, Quimby J. ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. J Feline Med Surg. 2016 Mar;18(3):219-39. doi:10.1177/1098612X16631234 (retrieved 2024-04-02)
“Dosage adjustments may be particularly important for enrofloxacin, which appears to be more retinotoxic in cats” — Trepanier LA. Feline Therapeutics. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, 2013. https://www.vin.com/doc/?id=5709852 (retrieved 2024-11-01)
Wiebe V, Hamilton P. Fluoroquinolone-induced retinal degeneration in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Dec 1;221(11):1568-71. doi:10.2460/javma.2002.221.1568
🟢 Convenia cefovecin sodium antimicrobial for subcutaneous injection
🛑 This item has cautions. See the references and resources.
Dad says to research this one thoroughly before agreeing to it. Vets can be quick to suggest it because — as its name suggests — it’s convenient. However, it stays in the body for up to 56 days, so there’s no “undo.” Contrast to an oral antibiotic, where, if there’s an adverse reaction, you can simply stop giving the medication.
References and resources
“On Friday the 30th of August 2024 a beautiful, sweet kitten named Nutmeg was given the antibiotic Convenia. One week later she was gone.” — “Goodbye, Nutmeg. Goodbye Forever.” YouTube video by username Abbie. September 12, 2024. YouTube (retrieved 2024-11-10)
“The following adverse events were reported voluntarily during post-approval use of the product in dogs and cats in foreign markets: death, tremors/ataxia, seizures, anaphylaxis, acute pulmonary edema, facial edema, injection site reactions (alopecia, scaps, necrosis, and erythema), hemolytic anemia, salivation, pruritus, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetance.” — Convenia product insert. Zoetis Inc. 2022. https://www.zoetisus.com/content/_assets/docs/vmips/package-inserts/convenia-prescribing-information.pdf (retrieved 2024-11-10)
🟢 Zeniquin marbofloxacin tablets (25 mg, 1 ct)
A kidney-penetrating fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
🛑 This item has cautions. See the references and resources.
Albarellos GA, Montoya L, Landoni MF. Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin after single intravenous and repeat oral administration to cats. Vet J. 2005 Sep;170(2):222-9. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.05.011
“Adjust dose in moderate or severe CKD (IRIS stages 3 and 4)” — Sparkes AH, Caney S, Chalhoub S, Elliott J, Finch N, Gajanayake I, Langston C, Lefebvre HP, White J, Quimby J. ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. J Feline Med Surg. 2016 Mar;18(3):219-39. doi:10.1177/1098612X16631234 (retrieved 2024-04-02)
“Fluoroquinolones … are renally cleared. … they do cause dose-dependent retinal toxicity in cats. Therefore, dosage adjustments for fluoroquinolones may be important in cats with renal insufficiency … extending the dosing interval may be most appropriate, since fluoroquinolones are also concentration-dependent.” — Trepanier LA. Feline Therapeutics. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings, 2013. https://www.vin.com/doc/?id=5709852 (retrieved 2024-11-01)
Wiebe V, Hamilton P. Fluoroquinolone-induced retinal degeneration in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002 Dec 1;221(11):1568-71. doi:10.2460/javma.2002.221.1568
“Quinolones should be used with caution in animals with known or suspected central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In such animals, quinolones have, in rare instances, been associated with CNS stimulation which may lead to convulsive seizures.” — Zeniquin product insert. Zoetis, 2019. PDF (retrieved 2024-11-01)
“The use of fluoroquinolones in cats has been reported to adversely affect the retina. Such products should be used with caution in cats.” — Zeniquin product insert. Zoetis, 2019. PDF (retrieved 2024-11-01)
Antibiotics references and resources
Torres-Henderson C, Summers S, Suchodolski J, Lappin MR. Effect of Enterococcus Faecium Strain SF68 on Gastrointestinal Signs and Fecal Microbiome in Cats Administered Amoxicillin-Clavulanate. Top Companion Anim Med. 2017 Sep;32(3):104-108. doi:10.1053/j.tcam.2017.11.002