Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 3/25/2009

Question
I'll make this succinct. I have a fantastic mobile vet because I have 7 rescued cats. But, 1 of them is still ferral and living outside, very healthy appearance, good appetite but last night showed up with a swollen right check around 12:30am. I would normally place a clavamox in his food (he's easily 15-18lbs) once a day to ward off any infection but I didn't have any so I gave him a 22.7mg Baytril, knowing it's an antibiotic but not knowing the nature of the swelling. Again, this evening he showed up and his wound more apparent, something bit the side of his face which was still swollen and obviously had been bleeding, again, I put a 22.7mg Baytril in his food, which he ate. My question is this, after giving him that twice, I realized that I do have some Clavamox left, less than a year old, 125mg. He is ferral, been feeding him for 2 years, never touched him so an exam by my vet not possible. So my question is, will the Baytril help any resulting infection? I have 4 left and only given him 1 each day, or should I switch to the Clavamox? Thanks so much for the help.

Answer
Kristen -

You should have your veterinarian determine what meds to give your cat.  


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM

Kristen -

I read your response.  I will not recommend medication for an animal that I have never seen nor given a physical. It is not medically sound for me to recommend meds for an animal that has a disease and has not been given a physical exam.  The fact that the animal is feral has no bearing on my decision; I treat feral cats on a regular basis and each of them has had a physical before they receive medication.  Some have to be sedated, but all are given physicals.  
You say that you have a great mobile veterinarian - have that person check your feral to the best of her/his ability and then you can determine what meds the cat needs.

Additionally, medication should not be given arbitrarily. That is exactly how bacterial resistance comes about and how certain strains of bacteria like MRSA are developed.  One has to be judicious when administering antibiotics; one should also not use antibiotics that are outdated or kept too long.

Charlotte Sherrell,DVM