About Hilary Schiavone-Brensinger Expertise I am very knowledgable in small animal health, care, and behavior. I have five cats, three ferrets, two birds, and a dog of my own, so I have a very broad spectrum in different domesticated species. I am also very knowledgable in disease, sickness, and ailments that are common among our pets, and also treatments. I am an extreme animal lover and am also a part of an animal rescue organization.
Experience I have been a veterinary technician for the past four years at both private and emergency practices. I belong to an animal rescue organization, and also am owned by alot of animals in my home! I can also answer any questions relating to orphaned wild baby birds. I am currently studying Veterinary Medicine.
Question My female cat (approx 9 years) has a raging UTI; she has been on Clavamox for a few days, but she doesn't seem to be getting any better. She doesn't eat, but I've seen her drink a few sips of water here and there. I have no idea if she is using the litter box. On the recommendation of our vet, we force fed her this morning. I'm very concerned. How long can a cat go without eating? Can Clavamox cause anorexia in cats? How many days should it take before we see some improvement? She is very weak; when she jumps down from a chair, etc. she falls because she is so weak. It saddens me to see her so sick. Our vet recommended teeth cleaning so her oral bacteria is not passed through her Urethra to her bladder when she cleans herself. The cleaning is scheduled in less than a week, but I am going to cancel if she is not better. Can you recommend ways to get her to eat? Is Clavamox the correct antibiotic? Thanks for your time.
Answer Hi Trudie! I am so sorry you and your kitty are going through this! Clavamox will not cause anorexia in cats, but an infection will. I would talk to your veterinarian about trying a stronger antibiotic called Baytril. You should see improvement within 3 days of starting an antibiotic. In no way, shape or form would I have the dental done. If she is this weak, anesthesia could have devestating consequences. Because she is so weak, I would also recommend hospitalization for a full day and night for IV fluids to rehydrate her and give her strength, along with Vitamin B Complex injections. Force feeding her is definitely needed for now, as a cat can't live with no food. Anorexia in animals can cause liver failure. Try chicken/beef baby food, as this sometimes stimulates the appetite. Science Diet Prescription Diet A/D also is appetite stimulating and is also very high in calories. I would definitely get back into contact with your veterinarian as soon as possible, as a higher dosage or stronger antibiotic are definitely needed to kill this infection. Fluids would also tremendously help whether they are IV or Subcutaneous (directly under the skin). I hope this helps and please keep me posted.
I'll be thinking of you and your little kitty gal!
Hilary
