A new study, published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association looked at how effective Cefovecin (Convenia) was as an antibiotic when treating upper respiratory infections (URTI) in cats as compared to oral medicines like Amoxicillin-Clavulinic Acid (Clavamox or Clavaseptin) or Doxycycline.
The study looked at shelter cats with an URTI and divided them into groups. One group received amoxicillin-clavulinic acid orally twice a day for 14 days. The second group received doxycycline once a day for 14 days and the third group received a single injection of Cefovecin which is an antibiotic that is supposed to stay in an animal’s system for 14 days. They then graded each of the cats on the severity of clinical signs including eye and nose discharge, sneezing, coughing, attitude and appetite.
The conclusion of the study was that the oral medicines were more effective than an injection of Convenia.
I should add, however, that many times, cats who have an URTI can recover with no antibiotics. But, if antibiotics are necessary (i.e. if there is green nasal or eye discharge or a fever) then the oral choices (i.e. Clavamox and Doxycycline) are the best choice.
Kitten image courtesy of pmarkham, flickr.
Good information, if owners are not compliant with giving mess or if kitty hates pilling then convenia may be your next best option. Thanks for the info!
(meds that is… Darn you autocorrect!)
I find this discussion interesting as my vet did give a litter of shelter puppies with parvo convenia. Yes they were snap tested. Yes she is a “real” vet.