Baytril is a medication used to treat bacterial infections in cats and other pets. Baytril contains an active ingredient called enrofloxacin; it’s used to treat a number of different bacterial infections. However, there are reports of the adverse effects of Baytril in cats leading to death and other gory experiences.
This observation may be true on one hand and false on the other hand; but before we delve more, I would love to establish that, Baytril is safe for cats; it is approved by the FDA for use in cats for the treatment of bacterial infections. Baytril could become detrimental to cats for several reasons; drug contraindications and misuse of Baytril could cause the loss of the pet when poorly managed. Let’s see how this option works.
Why Baytril Killed Your Cat: Possible Contraindication
There are some restrictions that pet owners must adhere to when using Baytril for treatment of infections in cats. These restrictions help Baytril work effectively and make it safe for cats.
Baytril should not be used in pregnant cats; giving pregnant cats Baytril can cause birth defects, complications, or even death in severe cases. Also, Baytril is not recommended for use in growing kittens and nursing cats. In addition to this caution, the use of Baytril antibiotics should be restricted when your cat has certain health conditions:
- Use Baytril with caution when using on cats with kidney disease or heart problems. This is because these conditions can increase the risk of toxicity (serious side effects) from this medication.
- Do not use Baytril if your cat has had an allergic reaction to the drug in the past or if they have shown sensitivity to cephalosporins (another type of antibiotic).
- Baytril should not be used at all if your cat has anemia or liver disease unless specifically directed by your veterinarian.
If you’re unsure whether your cat fits into either of these categories, let’s consider Baytril interactions with other drugs used along with it. While you are unsure of why Baytril killed your cat, it is imperative we discuss some drugs that can cause more complicated effects and reactions when used alongside Baytril. These drugs include:
- Antacids
- Cyclosporine
- Penicillin
- Sucralfate
- Theophylline
- Cephalosporin antibiotics
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Rimadyl
- Aminophylline
- Nitrofurantoin
Giving cats Baytril (enrofloxacin) with any of the aforementioned drugs may react adversely leading to death and other complications in your cats. So, if you are not aware of drug interactions and contradictions, ensure you tell your vet the drugs you are using or you have used for your cat before Baytril.
Uses of Baytril In Cats
Baytril (enrofloxacin) is a veterinary medication that can treat and prevent a number of infections and diseases in cats. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by eliminating or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Baytril is typically used to treat and prevent a variety of bacterial infections such as:
- Respiratory tract infections such as upper respiratory infections, “kitty colds,” upper airway disease, and feline asthma
- Gastrointestinal tract infections such as diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease
- Urinary tract infections such as kidney diseases like renal failure and bladder stones
- Skin infections such as abscesses and cellulitis
Baytril is not useful against viruses, so if your cat has a viral infection, this medication won’t help it.
How Does Baytril Work?
Baytril kills bacteria by preventing the bacteria from replicating DNA, thus, the bacteria are unable to grow and reproduce, which will cause them to eventually die off.
The way Baytril works depends on the type of bacteria it is fighting. If it is a gram-positive bacteria, Baytril will interfere with the DNA replication process, which prevents it from growing and dividing. If it is a gram-negative bacteria, Baytril will work by disrupting the membrane of these cells and causing them to leak their contents. This can lead to death if enough leakage occurs.
Basically, Baytril prevents the growth of certain bacteria by disrupting the bacteria’s DNA metabolism. This makes the bacteria unable to grow or reproduce and causes them to die off.
How to Give Baytril to Cats
Baytril can be given to cats using either an injection or tablet form, giving Baytril injections to cats is not recommended because Baytril injections can increase their chances of developing certain side effects like itchiness, and redness around the injection site.
As for Baytril tablets, you can crush the tablet into its food bowl and let your cat eat it that way; this works well for cats who are picky eaters or are prone to vomiting when they’re sick. Do not mix Baytril with milk or other dairy products because it will render it ineffective; instead, use water as a diluent so that there is no interaction between the two substances when they are administered simultaneously.
Baytril Dosage for Cats
Typically, the recommended Baytril dose for cats is 5 mg per kg of body weight. You would administer this once daily for about 3 – 5 days; if the signs of infection do not subdue within this period, you should discontinue the medication and talk to your vet for further reassessment of situation.
Also, it is important you follow the instructions on the package for how much Baytril should be given per day and how often it should be administered, these will vary based on your pet’s weight and age. You can also ask your vet for specific instructions regarding how much and how frequently you should be giving this medication to your cat.
Baytril for Cats Side Effects
Some side effects from Baytril may occur, but they are rare. These possible side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Excess salivation and drooling
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Blindness
- Seizures
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Weight Loss
In summary, before you conclude Baytril killed your cat, you need to be sure you have used Baytril as it is supposed to be used. Proper usage of Baytril will help cats become better and healthier again; however, when Baytril is misused, it can lead to adverse and severe reactions in cats.
You need to ascertain your cat’s health status and physiological state like pregnancy and lactation before administering Baytril to cats. Also, you need to be wary of Baytril interactions with other drugs you want to use along with it. Ultimately, always get medication advice from your vet before administering Baytril and other drugs to cats.
Related: Rabbit Ear Infection Home Treatment: Baytril & Others