Side Effects and Cautions of Antibiotics for a Cat With Kidney Failure

Chronic renal or kidney failure is the leading cause of death in older cats. According to the Feline Advisory Bureau, approximately one-fifth of cats 15 years or older suffer with some form of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment can slow progression of the disease, which is irreversible. Antibiotics are not generally prescribed for kidney treatment but are used for secondary infections resulting from a weakened immune system. It is critical to understand cautions and potential side effects of antibiotics for cats with kidney failure.

  1. Feline Kidney Failure

    • Kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and removing toxins from the body while balancing the body's water and salt levels. When kidneys begin to fail, they cannot remove waste products from the blood, and toxins build up in the body. Chronic renal failure is a slow, progressive disease that gives little indication of problems until approximately 70 percent of the nephrons are destroyed. Nephrons are structural parts of the kidney that are responsible for all basic kidney functions.

      As the disease progresses, typical symptoms include poor appetite, increased thirst and urine production, weight loss, dehydration, lethargy, and depression. Additional signs may be poor coat, vomiting, or bad breath. Diagnosis is achieved by testing blood and urine samples. Depending upon the stage of the disease, treatment includes fluid therapy, a diet with low phosphate content and reduced protein, and close monitoring. The condition is always fatal.

    Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics, even in healthy cats, can be poisonous to kidneys if given in high doses or for prolonged periods. The severity of side effects depends on the individual animal, but it is greater for cats with kidney disease. It is important to discuss all aspects of a particular antibiotic with the veterinarian.

    Clavamox

    • Clavamox is a combination of amoxicillin from the penicillin family, and clavulanate used for treating bacterial infections. This drug is usually prescribed in feline kidney patients for secondary infections such as urinary tract infections. Side effects may include upset stomach, vomiting, and appetite loss. Administering the proper dosage after the cat eats can reduce these side effects.

    Baytril

    • Baytril is a broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribed for a variety of infections. This drug is often prescribed for infections in the kidney. However, Baytril can cause retinal problems, even blindness, if administered in high doses. Baytril also lowers the seizure threshold and is not recommended for cats prone to seizures. This drug should be given once daily for optimum effectiveness. It should not be given within two hours of any product containing calcium, aluminum, or iron, because those elements may inhibit absorption.

    Antirobe

    • Antirobe is an antibiotic that has been approved for use in dogs but has also been prescribed in cats for dental infections. This drug is especially effective for killing anaerobic bacteria found in cats' mouths. Antirobe may cause upset stomach, and regular bloodwork is recommended to monitor kidney and liver function.

    Convenia

    • Convenia is an antibiotic that is injected, rather than given orally. It is used for treating secondary skin infections in cats but has not been sufficiently tested in cats with severe kidney problems. This drug was approved for use in the United States in 2008. Possible side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.