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I've two kittens 2 months old. They're having loose stools. My vet suggest me to give METRONIDAZOLE 3 times a day. I want to ask is it good for my young kittens?
Mariyam,
<sigh>, I am not a vet, but I would get a second opinion. The vet should be trying to diagnose the problem. If the kittens have been diagnosed with giardia or cryptosporideum, Metronidazole <a.k.a. Flagy>, is a drug of choice. If the dosage is very low, it can probably be given to two month old kittens. I have never heard of giving the drug 3 times a day, but, usually once.
As I said, I would get some more information from your vet as to why this particular drug and what steps at diagnosis did he take. If you are not satisfied, seek a second opinion.
How long ago were the kittens weaned? It could simply be that if they were weaned in the last couple of weeks (most kittens are weaned about 6-7 weeks of age, they could be getting loose stool getting used to the solid food. It may also be they are being overfed which could also cause some stomach issues. Again, I am not a a vet, and your vet may have a valid reason for giving Metronidazole, but you have right to ask why.
Please let me know what happens.
Concerned regards... Norm.
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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