Is Orbax antibiotic safe for my cat's UTI? Retinal damage risk?

Aw, handsome boy! I'm sorry he's having some issues. While I wouldn't say its dangerous to give clavamox and orbax together, I don't recommend that you do that without talking to your vet about doing a urine culture, to identify for certain what bacteria are present and what medications will kill the bacteria. Treating without knowing whether the additional antibiotic is necessary could lead to bacteria becoming resistant to those medications. Ensure that he IS ABLE to urinate and pass urine, as male cats tend to have very small urethras and could get an obstruction in their urethras from inflammation of the tissue and crystalline and mucoid debris in the urine. Occasionally, stones may form in the bladder and can also cause obstruction in the urethra. If your vet didn't do an Xray, you may want to talk to your vet about doing that if the problem persists. For now, if he IS DEFINITELY passing urine, he's eating, and he seems to be feeling ok (not vomiting, etc), ensure he's getting a lot of water to drink--you can switch him to wet food to increase his water intake, and consider a pet water fountain. Keep multiple sources of water available throughout the house as well. If increased water does not help reduce his symptoms after a few more days, take him back to the vet for further workup (possible X-rays, possible urine culture). Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

All fluoroquinolones have the potential to cause retinal degeneration in cats, but most studies and case reports have been in regards to enrofloxacin. The risk seems to be dose dependent and is more likely to occur with rapid IV infusion or prolonged treatment.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Doxycycline is not a good antibiotic for a UTI. If you are worried about a UTI in Jewel it is best to take her to a vet so they can look at the urine under the microscope and determine which antibiotic would be best and safest for her. If she doesn’t have bacteria in her urine, an antibiotic will not help her. Good luck and kisses to Jewel!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I use clavamox all the time in cats with heart murmurs. I believe it is a safe antibiotic and does a good job for animals with urinary tract infections. I would continue the clavamox as prescribed by your Vet. I hope this helps and I wish you and Mittens the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to the upper respiratory infection or an ulcer for example. Regardless, he is likely going to need eye medications. I recommend you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

Hello. I would be very cautious about using the Efex for such a long period of time. Our veterinary formulary says the maximum use in cats should not exceed 30 days, but even at this time frame, you can still wind up with side effects from the long term use of any flouroquinolone, or run into a problem with antibiotic resistance. If the otitis interna was definitively diagnosed by radiography & myringotomy & this antibiotic was chosen based on a culture & sensitivity, then I would administer the antibiotic with frequent rechecks. Otherwise, an MRI may be necessary to confirm the condition. This may be the antibiotic to use, but 42 days is a bit worrisome. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If antibiotics are warranted then there is no limit to how many times a year an animal can have them. If this is the same infection and it can be cultured then that might be a wise next step. That way the Vet can choose the correct antibiotic and not create resistance. I hope this helps and have a great day!