Why are my kitten's URI symptoms getting worse even on Clavamox?

This may be a virus and not a bacterial infection. If that's the case antibiotics will not help and the virus needs to run its course which can take up to two weeks. As long as she isn't getting worse, running a fever and is eating I would keep monitoring her. If at any time she does get worse or isn't getting any better after 7-10 days, I would call your veterinarian. Let her rest unless she wants to play. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

Since there are still symptoms of the infection then he needs to be rechecked for further treatment. Some cats need pulse therapy medicine to help keep it under control. Also a lot of upper respiratory infections in cats are viral induced and take time to fully resolve. They do make anti virals you can add to the food to help clear the infection also

This is not the antibiotic of choice for URI in cats, the most suitable antibiotics for this condition at this are are Zhitromax and Veraflox. doxycycline should never be given to a kitten this young and clavamox is usually much less effective for URI in cats.

URI can be caused by a host of bacteria and mycoplasma. Theres a possibility that theres still infection and your best chance of success would come from running a culture and sensitivity. Theres also a possibility that there's been some permanent damage/changes to your kitten's respiratory passage way and sinuses. This may results in permanent noise and some cats will have discharge forever. It would be hard to say if this is present without an advanced diagnostic such as a CT/MRI. Adding in Lysine may help as well. Best of luck with the kitten!

I'm so sorry that Sally is having this problem. We commonly see viral infections in young cats that have secondary bacterial infection that respond to antibiotics, but it is less common that older cats will develop viral upper respiratory infections unless they are exposed to other cats. I have attached more information on upper respiratory infections in cats below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=613 There are other antibiotics that we will sometimes try for some of the other upper respiratory infections we see, as well as anti-viral or Lysine treatment for Herpes virus. I would recommend discussing with your veterinarian if there are any other testing or treatment options that they would recommend for Sally since she does not seem to be responding to Clavamox. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

I'm very sorry your kitty is sick. Respiratory infections are very common in kitties and almost all are caused by a virus, not a bacterial infection. Therefore, we do not recommend antibiotics if we are dealing with an upper respiratory infection. There are several things you can do at home though. To help with nasal and sinus congestion symptoms, I recommend using the shower to fill your bathroom with as much warm steamed air as possible and then place your kitty in the room for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day, the goal is to help humidify the air and allow your kitty's nasal passages to drain and clear some. You can also purchase over-the-counter treats or a gel formula containing the amino acid supplement L-lysine made for cats. These can sometimes help clear a viral infection. Follow the label instructions to know how much and how often to give to your kitty. If your kitty stops eating or drinking, you will need to have it examined by your veterinarian to avoid complications such as dehydration.