Zeniquin for Cats

How It Works

• Zeniquin is effective against both Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria--for instance, Staphylococci sp. Zeniquin interferes with the DNA of the bacteria's enzymes, causing the bacteria to die. It may be especially useful for serious infections that don't respond well to more commonly used antibiotics. Zeniquin is absorbed into the system from the gastrointestinal tract, and approximately 70 percent of it is excreted through the cat's urine.

Uses

• According to Pfizer Animal Health, the company that manufactures Zeniquin, it's prescribed for treatment of bacterial infections of the skin and of soft tissue--for example, gum tissue in periodontal disease--where the bacteria is sensitive to marbofloxacin. Dr. Sharon Campbell, manager of operations for Pfizer Animal Health states "In cats ... Zeniquin achieves high plasma concentrations. It also achieves high effective tissue concentrations in the skin and urine, the major sites of infection." It was first approved for use in dogs and then later in cats. Zeniquin is authorized for use only in cats more than 1 year old.

Dosage

• Zeniquin is given by mouth as a tablet. The common dosage is 1.25 mg per pound of body weight given once a day, although it can be dosed at 3.5 mg per pound. The length of treatment depends on the type and site of infection but is usually 10 to 14 days. Signs of overdose could include depressed appetite, vomiting, dehydration, excessive drooling, trembling, redness of skin and swelling of the face.

Side Effects

• Side effects of Zeniquin can include allergic responses such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the cat's face and/or throat. Loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy and dizziness can also occur. In a field study conducted by Pfizer Animal Health, cats were given 1.25 mg per pound of body weight daily. Of these cats, 2.1 percent had diarrhea, 1.4 percent had softer-than-normal stools and fewer than 1 percent experienced vomiting. Some antibiotics in the fluroquinolone class can have a negative effect on the retina of cats, but according to Mark Papich of North Carolina State, "When marbofloxacin was administered there were no ocular lesions in cats ... even at 55.5 mg/kg of body weight."

Warnings

• Based on studies done by Pfizer, Zeniquin has a good safety record, but there are some cautions to be aware of. If a cat has a history of central nervous system disorders or seizures, if it's pregnant, nursing or is a breeding animal, or if it has any history of allergies to fluoroquinolone family antibiotics, it shouldn't take Zeniquin. Some medications--such as sucralfate and other antacids, or supplements such as iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium and zinc--can interact with marbofloxacin, so they shouldn't be given together.