Cat with pseudomonas infection.

Dr. Marie replied:

You're definitely not a bother! I absolutely love helping people out online! I just hope I can be of some assistance to Shakey.

That's frustrating that Zithromax is not available in France. I can understand why. When we first started to realize that it was so effective against respiratory diseases in cats it was prescribed a lot. Over time it was realized that overuse of zithromax can contribute to antibiotic resistance. So, it is not a drug that should be used as a first line antibiotic. I will still use it a couple of times per year for a stubborn case that needs it.

You may want to ask your vet if it is possible to get something called an "emergency drug release". In Canada (where I practice), if a drug is not available here we can sometimes have it shipped to the country if we fill out some government paperwork.

You won't be able to buy it online without a prescription from a vet, and likely they would not be able to ship it to France without governmental permission.

Regarding the gentamicin, I have no concerns with using this drug as long as Shakey has healthy kidneys. Most likely she has had some bloodwork done to be sure of this. If the gentamicin is continued for a significant amount of time your vet may want to do some bloodwork partway through the treatment to make sure the kidneys are ok. The drug is not likely to cause kidney problems, but if any problems were lurking it can make them worse.

Cats tend to handle corticosteroids well, so if she needs a tablet a day for now then this is likely ok.

It sounds like your vet is on the right track.

I really hope things are improving soon!

Dr. Marie


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