Panacur Feline/Cat Symptoms

Cats can be a joy to live with, but are independent, willful pets that enjoy spending time outdoors on their own, rather than cooped up in the house. All that outdoor time makes a cat likely to pick up parasites like roundworms, via infested soil or mosquito or flea bites. When a cat has worms, the only possible treatment is deworming medication like Panacur, which kills the worms and allows the cat to eliminate the parasites. Symptoms of worms in cats are fairly obvious.

  1. Weight Loss

    • Worms lodge themselves in a cat's digestive system and feed off the passing nutrition. They can live this way for several years and even reproduce. Supporting other lives is not good for the cat, who is unable to use the nutrition it takes in. Cats who have worms display distinct signs of weight loss and sometimes dehydration.

    Abdominal Bloating

    • Despite this weight loss, a cat with worms takes on a bloated, swollen abdomen. Any enlarged, round abdomen is indicative of a worm taking up space in the intestines. Some tapeworms grow to be several feet long, and take up a lot of extra space.

    Dirrhea, Constipation and Worms in Stool

    • The disruption of the digestive system causes serious repercussions, like diarrhea and constipation. Diarrhea exacerbates a cat's weight loss and dehydration, while constipation makes the cat bloated and lethargic. In tapeworm infections, segments of the worm break off and move through the digestive system. These segments are obvious as white, grain-like formations in the cat's stool.

    Effects

    • Panacur, or fenbandazole (generic name) is not FDA-approved for cats, though it is not harmful. Side effects of de-worming may include diarrhea and vomiting, which may lead to dehydration and temporary weight loss. These symptoms do not occur in all pets, and are less likely with the newer de-worming medications. The symptoms should not last longer than one to two days, and may indicate a more serious problem if they are prolonged. Always consult with your vet before administering de-wormer, in case your cat has special circumstances, and take your cat to the vet if vomiting and diarrhea persist after de-worming.