Should You Be Giving Orbax To Your Cats?
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When your kitty is feeling under the weather the best thing to do is to take him to the vet for a checkup. After a thorough examination and consideration of his symptoms, your vet may prescribe a series of antibiotic treatments if your cat is diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Just as humans must take responsibility for our healthcare, we must also be aware of the best treatments for our pets. Not all medications are safe, but some are necessary. Orbax is a drug that is used to treat infections, and it’s commonly prescribed, but should you be giving Orbax to your cats?
What is Orbax?
Chewy explains that Orbax is the brand name for the drug orbifloxacin which is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It’s is used to treat bacterial certain types of bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It’s fed in liquid or tablet form.
What is it for?
In cats, this medication is commonly used to treat skin or wound infections such as abscesses, or infected cuts, or puncture wounds. It is also used to treat urinary tract infections and skin infections in dogs. Sometimes vets will prescribe this medication for off-label use. This means the treatment of a condition that is not listed on the label. When this happens, the vet may also provide additional directions about how to use this medication and extra precautions to take. In some cases, the directions that your pet’s vet gives you may be much different than what is otherwise recommended, according to VCA Hospitals.
How fast does it work?
Orbax takes effect within one to two hours after it is administered. Cats begin responding to the treatment almost immediately on the inside. However, the side effects may not appear for a few days. This medication starts working to heal the body and eliminate bacterial infections, gradually decreasing its numbers in the system until the infection clears from the body. Orbax is a short-acting mediation that stops working within 24 hours when discontinued. It can take longer if your pet has kidney or liver disease.
What are the side effects of Orbax?
Not all cats experience side effects from taking Orbax. It is not uncommon for mild side effects to occur. The most frequently reported side effects are lack of appetite, diarrhea, and or vomiting. These are usually mild and may go away during treatment. Some serious side effects can occur with the use of this drug. The symptoms of an adverse reaction include persistent lack of appetite, seizures, trouble with coordination, skin rash, fever breathing issues, or excitability. Giving your cat an overdose can lead to eye damage or blindness. Orbax may also cause abnormalities in the cartilage of cats. This condition can cause problems walking.
What are the risk factors associated with Orbax?
Orbifloxacin is not safe for cats that have allergies to it or the quinolones class. Don’t give this drug to cats that are under 12 months of age. Orbax is not safe for pets with a history of seizures, kidney or liver issues, or if the pet is dehydrated. Orbax must be used with caution in cats that are lactating or pregnant. It should not be used at the same time as cyclosporine. It is unknown what the potential side effects may be for kittens that are unborn or nursing on a mother that is being treated with Orbax. Orbax should not be given to cats in conjunction with dairy products, antacids, iron, zinc, nitrofurantoin, phenytoin, sucralfate, warfarin, theophylline, methotrexate, glyburide, flunixin, or other antibiotics. Drug interactions may occur with adverse effects. Your veterinarian should be old about any herbal therapies, supplements, vitamins, or other medications that your cat is taking.
How difficult is it to get your cat to take Orbax?
According to VetApprovedRX, Orbax is prescribed in a choice of tablets or suspended in a liquid. It is odorless and tasteless because of a unique taste-masking technology that causes it to pass by the tastebuds without being detected. When blended with foods your cat will not detect its presence.
Is it safe to give your cat Orbax?
When Orbax is prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to treat your cat, it is generally considered to be safe, but only when used as prescribed. All instructions provided by your veterinary health provider must be followed closely. As with any medication, some pets can have mild or severe reactions. Although severe reactions are rare, they can happen. It’s important to administer the medication in the recommended dosage with the prescribed frequency. Watch for signs of side effects. If your cat develops any unusual symptoms call your vet immediately and follow the instructions given. He may either have you continue to administer the medicine and watch your pet closely or discontinue treatment and use a different medication. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Should you be giving Orbax to your cats?
The decision whether or not to give your cat Orbax is up to you, but it is a medication that is proven to be effective in treating various health conditions such as skin and bacterial infections in felines and dogs. Most medications come with some potential for side effects, but unless your cat falls under a high-risk group, the odds are that this medication will relieve his or her health issues without causing other problems. Orbax is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed for both cats and dogs and animal healthcare specialists usually consider the benefits to outweigh the small risk of adverse reactions. If you have further concerns about giving your cat Orbax, it’s best to discuss your thoughts and feelings with a professional animal healthcare provider. It’s best to know the facts about all medications prescribed for your pet. The information can help you to make an informed decision about your cat’s healthcare options.
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