Cat on Clavamox for URI: Is increased discharge normal? When to worry?

It can take several days for an antibiotic to take effect against a bacterial infection, but not all upper respiratory infections are bacterial in origin. Many are actually viral which will have to run their course with supportive care. The drooling and foaming at the mouth can sometimes be seen shortly after administering oral medications such as Clavamox since they taste badly to cats. Matted fur could be caused by not feeling well enough to groom. Not eating is common in cats that can't smell well since they are smell-driven when eating. I would recommend that you try to give Sam water or pedialyte to stay hydrated, and try "smelly" cat food such as canned cat food or canned tuna. If he isn't better tomorrow, becomes profoundly lethargic, or you cannot get food or water into him, then he should be re-evaluated by your vet for other treatment options or even hospitalization.

It may take 7-10 days for the condition to resolve. As long as he is still eating, breathing normal, and has normal energy then continue the medications as directed and monitor his condition. If he has a viral infection then it will need to just run it's course as the antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection. If he stops eating, becomes lethargic, or has any breathing issues then he should be rechecked by a vet.

Hello, sorry to hear about Gimli. It is really dependent on what kind of infection you kitten has. Most upper respiratory infections are viral which antibiotics cannot treat. Therefor, you must await for the virus lifecycle to end. You may talk to your vet about using lysine gel or topical anti-virals to help shorten the virus life cycle. Hope this helps.

Upper respiratory infections are not uncommon in kittens like Smokey. Its also not unusual that they cause eye problems as well. I would advise to start Smokey on 250mg of lysine twice daily. You may be able to find this at a pet store but it is used in humans as well. Otherwise your vet will likely carry it as well. Call the doctor to let her know whats going on. She may have further recommendations. If Smokey's eyes start to get irritated or have a green/yellow discharge, he needs antibiotics for his eyes as well. I hope this helps!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Marigold had an upper respiratory infection. A dark colored discharge is completely normal and is just what accumulates near the corner of the eye. It consists of the dried discharge left from the tear film that gets deposited onto the eye and flows across the eye. Unless you notice redness and a green or yellowish discharge I wouldn't worry. A clear discharge with a lot of squinting and redness would be something to have your vet evaluate right away. Sounds like this is completely normal and is found in both normal cats and dogs. Good job treating the conjunctivitis, sounds like it has resolved.

Hello. The shivers could be from his body fighting the infection, & the drooling is either a reaction to his medication or nausea. How is his appetite? Is he eating & does he seem to feel better overall? If not, I would take him back to see the vet, but if he does seem to be improving by eating & drinking fairly well, then you can give the antibiotics a little more time. But if his appetite is poor & he does not seem any better, try to have him seen as soon as possible. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You can use a humidifier or have Ariel in the bathroom when you take a hot shower. That will help clear her up a little. Also using a warm wet cloth to wipe the discharge from her nose may improve the nasal air flow. I like to add some tuna juice to the food for increased odor if she isn't eating normally as cats often don't eat well when conjested. Be patient she will improve daily. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.