Did Orbax cause diarrhea?

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi. I've referenced your previous question here. In your previous question you mentioned that Bandit had had diarrhea and a big belly (but that the big belly had been present for quite some time.)

It's good news that nothing obvious was found on the blood tests but this can definitely make things frustrating. Often cases go like this...especially with cats as they can be so good at hiding the cause of their illnesses.

First, let's address the Orbax. Being a "broad spectrum" antibiotic is actually a good thing. This is an antibiotic that covers a large number of problems. I wouldn't say that diarrhea is common with Orbax. I am guessing that whatever was initially causing the diarrhea is resurfacing. I would not stop the medicine unless your vet advised you to.

I woud definitely use the Metronidazole that your vet prescribed. This medication is usually very good at combating inflammation in the intestines. It is my first choice for dogs or cats with diarrhea when we don't know the cause of the diarrhea.

It is interesting though that your other two cats are vomiting. Are they all up to date with vaccinations? If not then it's possible that there is a viral problem affecting all of the cats. If this is the case then things should improve gradually over the next few days. If any of the other cats lose their appetite then they should be seen by the vet as well.

As a point of interest, once Bandit gets started on Prednisone you may find that things improve in his belly. It's possible he has some inflammatory bowel disease. Cats with IBD will be much more sensitive to things and get diarrhea much easier. Prednisone, even though it is prescribed for his asthma should help.

I can't remember if you mentioned this but it's a good idea to have your vet do a fecal exam if not already done. If all of the cats are ill it could be a parasite of some kind.

I have had many many cases like this where it is frustrating because we don't have answers. It sounds like your vets are doing the same things that I would.

I hope things improve soon!

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

Aw, sorry to hear about your dad. I hope everything is ok with him, especially on his birthday.

I think your plan to start the metronidazole is a good one.

I have never seen an animal get diarrhea because of Orbax, but mild gastrointestinal signs are included as a possible side effect on the label. (However, this symptom is a potential side effect for a large number of drugs used in cats.) The fact that you stopped the medicine, but he still had diarrhea makes me think that the Orbax is not the problem. But, if you do decide to stop it then you'll need to make that decision along with the vet. I am thinking that there may be some type of a virus but it's hard to say. In most cases with adult cats if there is a virus they get over it within a few days.

Thanks for posting the link on your FB page. I have been meaning to add some code to my site to encourage people to share about my service after they have had their question answered but have been too busy to do it just yet!

Dr. Marie.