? Has anyone used doxycycline AB?

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by LisaStew, May 18, 2016.

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  1. LisaStew

    LisaStew Member

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    Mar 13, 2016
    The vet now wants us to try doxycycline for Bubby's noisy lungs prior to an inhaled steroid because if there is an infection steroids can make it worse. I've researched online and one site said it could interfere with insulin and antacids. She wants him to have a liquid 2.5ml twice a day followed by food and water for 14 days. The med sounds scary to me saying it can damage the esophagus if not completely washed down, but I guess if we give him watered down food afterward it should be fine. Just being cautious and trying to avoid doing the bronchoscopy. We tried 1/4 Zyrtec once a day which helped a bit with itchy ears and legs but not with the lungs.
     
  2. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

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    Jul 18, 2011
    If it is a liquid, there is probably sugar in the suspension. Can you have it compounded to avoid the added sugar? Or can you get it in pill form (if so you can put it in a gelcap and that will protect the esophagus)? I take it myself, but I've never given it to one of my cats, so I can't help there.
     
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  3. LisaStew

    LisaStew Member

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    Mar 13, 2016
    Unfortunately Bubby is terrible about taking pills. Everything I give him I put in his food. He has no problem eating pills mashed up in his food, as long as I top it with freeze dried duck treat powder.
     
  4. LynnLee + Mousie

    LynnLee + Mousie Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    We've used it once for a really bad respiratory infection in a kitty we pulled out of the shelter. It worked for her just fine with no side effects. And it was the liquid form.
     
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  5. LisaStew

    LisaStew Member

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    Mar 13, 2016
    Yes they want to treat for possible chronic bronchitis or mycoplasma infection just to be safe before we treat for asthma.
     
  6. Mandarin'sMom

    Mandarin'sMom Well-Known Member

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    Nov 17, 2014
    Doxy used to be our go-to antibiotic at the shelter where I volunteer (that was before the nationwide shortage and the increase in prices). It is really effective for respiratory infections and our vet even used it on young kittens. I don't think we have ever had serious issues with it. It always came in syrup though to mask the terrible taste - so beware of that. I usually have one syringe with the meds, followed by a second syringe with water. That way, you can make sure the meds go down all the way and it helps them get rid of the terrible taste.
     
  7. LisaStew

    LisaStew Member

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    Mar 13, 2016
    This is good to hear. I know it tastes bad but I wonder if he would still eat it in his food. He was on clindamycin he would take that in his food which surprised the vet. I've never had to give him liquid medicine. I tried pilling him in the past with no luck so we will just have to see. Thanks
     
  8. Melanie and Smokey

    Melanie and Smokey Well-Known Member

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    Feb 24, 2010
    With Doxy, you can get it compounded without sugar and the risk of the damage pilling Doxy can do is not worth it, you get the liquid compound with that stuff.

    We had to Doxy the whole dang household (8 cats at the time I think) for a month because the ophtho thought it would be best for helping Mittens weepy eye. It is the best AB for when you want to get through membranes - eyes, stomach, lungs, etc. I discussed it at length with the compounding pharmacist at that time because it scares the crap out of me to give it. He said only the pill runs the risk of esophagus damage when it becomes stuck, if it is compounded into a liquid it makes it safe. He said he'd never heard of a client having problems from the liquid. I still water chased those I was able to catch that long, but it helped with my worries.
     
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