How to Treat Bartonella with Rifampin and Biaxin XL

Bartonella, also known as “cat scratch disease” can affect cat, dogs and humans alike. Cats transmit the disease through scratching with claws full of infected flea dirt that comes from fleas infested with the bacteria. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, areas with high flea populations may have as much as 40 percent of the cat population exposed or infected. Biaxin XL is considered one of the best antibiotics in the treatment of Bartonella, and Rifampin is occasionally prescribed to treat secondary fungal infections. It is important to follow dosing information exactly, as drug interactions can occur that reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Medications
  • Canned food
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Instructions

  1. The Easy Way

    • 1

      Read the dosing instructions carefully. The label on the pill bottle will tell you exactly how much and how often to administer the drugs.

    • 2

      Alter your pet’s feeding schedule. These drugs are normally given three times daily and must be given with food to avoid an upset stomach. Adjust your pet’s mealtimes so they coincide with dose times, even if it means feeding several smaller meals, rather than one large meal.

    • 3

      Set up a dosing schedule. All doses should be evenly spaced, and should be at the same time every day to maintain proper blood levels of the drug. For example, three times per day means first thing in the morning, early afternoon and before bed.

    • 4

      Feed your pet at the appointed time, reserving a tablespoon of canned food for pill administration.

    • 5

      Roll the tablespoon of canned food into a ball, and push the pills inside. Make sure the pills are completely covered, because if they touch the pet’s tongue at all, the taste may make her spit them out.

    • 6

      Tell your dog to sit, and “reward” her with the ball of food. For a cat, simply offer the ball as a treat. Make sure she finishes her meal.

    • 7

      Repeat the process on schedule, until all medication is gone. Observe your pet for signs of side effects including fever, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. Report any side effects to your vet.

    The Hard Way

    • 8

      Grasp the pet’s upper jaw in one hand and her lower jaw and the pill in the other hand.

    • 9

      Tilt her head back until her throat is straight.

    • 10

      Use the index finger of the hand holding the pill to pry her lower jaw down, and drop the pill into her throat.

    • 11

      Close her mouth immediately, and cover her nose while you stroke her throat in a downward motion. This should make her swallow.

    • 12

      Check inside her mouth to be sure she is not hiding the pill. If so, try again.