Clavamox for Feline Rhinitis

Feline rhinitis refers to an upper respiratory condition in cats that causes nasal and ocular discharge. There are two forms of rhinitis in cats: acute and chronic. Acute rhinitis occurs when a cat becomes infected with an upper respiratory virus while chronic sinus infections, nasal cancer, dental disease, and foreign bodies cause chronic rhinitis.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Cats experiencing rhinitis are examined to determine whether a bacterial agent is causing the discharge or if another underlying cause is contributing. Samples of the mucus are taken and tested for the presence and identification of the bacteria so that the proper antibiotic can be prescribed.

    Treatment

    • In cases where a dental condition is causing the discharge or if the bacterial culture indicated the presence of an anaerobic bacteria in the discharge, Clavamox is prescribed to treat the condition.

    Clavamox

    • Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that combines amoxicillin with clavulanic acid to kill gram-negative, or anaerobic bacteria. It is commonly prescribed to treat feline rhinitis caused by periodontal disease and anaerobic bacteria.

    Side Effects

    • Clavamox can have negative side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

    Duration of Treatment

    • Depending on the severity of the condition, cats will take Clavamox for 7-14 days and up to one month in order to treat the infection. In rare cases, treatment will last longer.