Cat Flu Injection: Types of Medication Used

What Medication is Given to a Cat When It's Given an Injection for a Cold?

Generally, there is no specific cure for a cat's cold, so treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms. If a cat's cold symptoms include conjunctivitis or fever, it typically requires an injection of antibiotics to combat viral infections. Additionally, antiinflammatory medications are administered to counteract inflammation.

Antibiotics, while effective, can be toxic and may cause irreversible harm if overused. During treatment for a herpes virus infection, antibiotics can lead to side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort, decreased appetite, and imbalances in gut flora. However, the use of antibiotics is crucial to prevent secondary bacterial infections that could further complicate the cat's condition.

Antiinflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat various types of inflammation, offering both antiinflammatory and analgesic effects. However, excessive use can damage a cat's kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, placing a significant burden on the cat's digestive system during the medication process.

Beyond injections, there are other treatments that may be necessary for a cat's cold:

Eye Drops: Cats with colds caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus may suffer from conjunctivitis, with excessive eye discharge that can impair vision and affect their mental state. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to severe eye infections, potentially resulting in blindness. In such cases, Lantoclear eye drops can be used to target the purulent discharge caused by conjunctivitis during a cold.

Airway Therapy: Combining airway therapy with injections can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. Airway therapy primarily helps to reduce congestion or swelling in the throat, and it is particularly important if a cat is experiencing severe coughing.

Interferon: Interferon is an auxiliary treatment for cats with colds, designed to interfere with the replication of viruses within the cat's body and accelerate recovery.

Saline Solution: Cats with colds often have a runny nose, and in severe cases, the mucus can become thick, causing nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose. In such instances, using saline solution to wipe away the mucus around the nose can help soften mucus plugs and relieve breathing difficulties.

Lysine: If a cat's cold is caused by a herpes virus infection, lysine supplementation may be necessary to counteract the binding of arginine in the cat's body with the herpes virus, and it can also help prevent recurrent colds.

While cats are our pets, they are also an integral part of our families. It is important not to abandon a cat when it is sick and to provide them with careful and loving care.

This article aims to clarify the question of what medication is administered to a cat during injections for a cold. We hope this information is helpful to all cat owners. For more questions about cat colds, you can click on the "Cat Colds" section or consult with an online veterinary doctor.