One of my kittens has bee sneezing for the last 2 days, and sometimes winks one of her eyes. The vet game me Clavamox, but if she has URI then it's caused by a virus, so I don't see the point in giving both my kittens antibiotics.
Also, shouldn't I get them tested for herpes, and FeLV and FIV, and possibly vaccinted against them. My vet mentioned nothing about these things, and when I asked her she was very vague.
I am going to seek out a different vetinary clinic as I was not happy with the one I went to. Of course I just picked the closest one to my house with no recommendations.
Thanks,
J.
Should I give them Clavamox
Re: Should I give them Clavamox
Please keep your posts in one thread.
What do you mean, your vet was vague? What exactly did she tell you? She probably didn't want to vaccinate at this time due to the potential of the upper respiratory infections. You never want to vaccinate a kitten or adult cat who is suffering an illness.
Testing for FELV is not quite effective until they are around 10 weeks of age, so your vet probably wants to ensure the URI is cleared long before then in BOTH kittens (since this is highly contagious, your other kitten will probably develop the symptoms as well). There is no need to test for rhinotracheitis unless there is a problematic situation that does not respond to treatment, or if other symptoms develop that do not respond to treatment. Once the infection clears, both kittens can be tested for FELV/FIV and if negative, vaccinated accordingly.
The clavamox's purpose is to combat or treat any secondary infections that are common with any illness. Listen to your vet, and heed her advice, it is commonplace to use clavamox in young kittens with URI's. After the course of antibiotics are up, you will want to get them both rechecked, your vet can then discuss testing and vaccinating at that time, providing they are infection-free and healthy.
What do you mean, your vet was vague? What exactly did she tell you? She probably didn't want to vaccinate at this time due to the potential of the upper respiratory infections. You never want to vaccinate a kitten or adult cat who is suffering an illness.
Testing for FELV is not quite effective until they are around 10 weeks of age, so your vet probably wants to ensure the URI is cleared long before then in BOTH kittens (since this is highly contagious, your other kitten will probably develop the symptoms as well). There is no need to test for rhinotracheitis unless there is a problematic situation that does not respond to treatment, or if other symptoms develop that do not respond to treatment. Once the infection clears, both kittens can be tested for FELV/FIV and if negative, vaccinated accordingly.
The clavamox's purpose is to combat or treat any secondary infections that are common with any illness. Listen to your vet, and heed her advice, it is commonplace to use clavamox in young kittens with URI's. After the course of antibiotics are up, you will want to get them both rechecked, your vet can then discuss testing and vaccinating at that time, providing they are infection-free and healthy.
..........Traci
Re: Should I give them Clavamox
Traci thank you very much for the reply this makes everything very clear. My vet didn't discuss any of the information with me that you wrote. She just picked them each up looked at them briefly and then acted like she wanted to leave, and was in a hurry.
Thanks again,
J.
Thanks again,
J.
Re: Should I give them Clavamox
Well, if you were terribly uncomfortable with her, by all means, see a new vet.
Upper respiratory infections can fast turn serious in tiny young kittens, so please keep a watchful eye on them, their appetites, their water consumption, attitude and energy level. If further symptoms develop, such as watery eyes or discharge from the eyes or nose, if appetite decreases, if lethargy is present, don't hesitate to get them to a new vet or ER vet immediately. Veterinary eye ointments are available for kittens with conjunctivitis, sub-q fluids available for treating high fevers or lethargy, and an additional course of antibiotics may be necessary for serious symptoms or prolonged symptoms. If not further or worsening symptoms develop, you should at most, get them rechecked at the end of the first course of antibiotics to ensure they are cleared of infection, and are healthy, gaining weight, etc.
Upper respiratory infections can fast turn serious in tiny young kittens, so please keep a watchful eye on them, their appetites, their water consumption, attitude and energy level. If further symptoms develop, such as watery eyes or discharge from the eyes or nose, if appetite decreases, if lethargy is present, don't hesitate to get them to a new vet or ER vet immediately. Veterinary eye ointments are available for kittens with conjunctivitis, sub-q fluids available for treating high fevers or lethargy, and an additional course of antibiotics may be necessary for serious symptoms or prolonged symptoms. If not further or worsening symptoms develop, you should at most, get them rechecked at the end of the first course of antibiotics to ensure they are cleared of infection, and are healthy, gaining weight, etc.
..........Traci
Re: Should I give them Clavamox
jdogggy, I changed vets several times because they were in a hurry. Not only does that kind of behaviour leave doubts about the diagnosis, but it also leaves us, the owners, confused and still worried because we have no understanding of what's going on. My new vet now at least has the time to sit down and discuss things with me. I see that as a big plus point.
Good luck to you and your kitty! Let us know how it goes.
Good luck to you and your kitty! Let us know how it goes.