Are Tobramycin eye drops safe for my cat with kidney disease?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately no. :( Tobramycin is an antibiotic eye drop. Anything that contains an antibiotic requires a prescription. Also when it comes to eyes we have to very careful with what we prescribe, making sure it is safe for the eye and the condition being treated. If the kittens are having eye issues it’s best to have them seen to obtain a prescription. Good luck!

The dexamethasone steroid in Tobradex could worsen the eye condition if Habla also has a corneal scratch or ulceration. Tobramycin opththalmic antibiotic drops without the dex would be much better to give three times a day for 7 days if you are not able to take her to a vet for a fluorescein stain to rule out a corneal scratch or ulcer. If the eyes are swollen because of conjunctivitis (a bacterial eye infection) and especially if there is also ocular discharge, Apisal or Refresh saline drops alone will likely not clear the infection. Good luck!

Unless the eye infection is caused by something else in the body, systemic antibiotics are rarely used or indicated. Ophthalmic antibiotics are much more likely to cure an infection of the eye in a timely manner. Sometimes what looks like an infection isn't actually caused by bacteria. It could also be caused by corneal abrasion or ulceration, allergies, foreign body, autoimmune disorder, etc. I also prefer other types of injectable antibiotics over gentamicin. It is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that can be kidney toxic and has a pretty long list of adverse effects. I only use it in cases that do not respond to safer antibiotics.

If it is just a little bit of discharge, then I would continue to monitor it. Tobramycin is an antibiotic, and if it was prescribed for Jackie, it should be safe. But you don't want to accidentally treat a bacterial infection when the true cause of the discharge is something like a corneal ulcer. Applying this medication before a vet makes a diagnosis may make it harder for the vet to determine the cause of the issue, if needed. Use a warm wet washcloth to remove the discharge. If it continues in a couple of hours, I would recommend that you call the vet that prescribes the medication to see if they recommend an exam or that you use the ointment.

Tobramycin is an antibiotic. It will not help to alleviate itching or swelling. You will need to call your vet to get something for that - there is nothing over the counter you can put in the eyes for this. So sorry. The best you can do is use a cool/cold compress on the eyes which should help some - 5 minutes at a time if he will let you. Do this every few hours until you can talk to your vet.

It isn't toxic per se, but it should be used with caution in pets with kidney disease. Kidney disease is an insidious condition because a pet can show no clinical signs until one day they are suddenly "sick". This is because most pets can be asymptomatic until they lose about 75% of kidney function. Once diagnosed, we are already "behind the 8 ball" in treatment. It is likely a combination of all her conditions contributed to her downward spiral, especially at 16 years old. I am sorry for the loss of Tigger. May she rest in peace.

Doxorubicin is a very effect chemotherapy drug but, with all medications, there can be side effects. Since your vet knows your cat's entire medical history, he/she is the best person to guide you with advice on the best treatment regime for your cat. I am assuming that your vet believes that this drug is needed to help treat your cat's cancer and the benefits outweigh any risks associated with the drug. Your vet will need to monitor his kidney values closely for any changes while taking the drug and discontinue, if needed. So sorry that your cat has a tumor and I really hope that he goes into remission.