One of my cats has to get a depo shot about 1-2 times per year and I am concerned about the long-term side effects. The problem is that he gets allergies and developes sores around his mouth and he bits in between his toes so much that it bleeds. The vet recommends the depo shot when this happens but I would like to find a natural alternative. He is already on non-allergenic holistic pet food.
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
Natural Alternatives to the Feline Depo Shot
- Thread starter mustangmel
- Start Date
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2008
- Messages
- 5,120
- Purraise
- 34
What is depo?? Lol, I take it it's not a birth control shot...
- Joined
- Nov 17, 2005
- Messages
- 22,206
- Purraise
- 35
DepoMedrol - I believe it's a type of steroid shot. I can't remember right now.
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2005
- Messages
- 27,231
- Purraise
- 38
Depo is the birth control shot .. it cats it is used for allergies and something else...
I would suggest a holistic vet... FYI IMHO holistic food and hypo allergenic are not the same food, see most holistic s have LOADS of grains and starches which is what most cats are allergic to in food .... Have you done either allergy tests or a standard elimination diet.???
I would suggest a holistic vet... FYI IMHO holistic food and hypo allergenic are not the same food, see most holistic s have LOADS of grains and starches which is what most cats are allergic to in food .... Have you done either allergy tests or a standard elimination diet.???
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #5
No, this is the Depo-Medrol shot. It's a pretty common treatment for excessive grooming, Feline Rodant Syndrome, etc. but it can cause liver problems and Diabetes.
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2005
- Messages
- 27,231
- Purraise
- 38
Thank you for the clarifing.. here is a HUMAN template http://www.rxlist.com/depo-medrol-drug.htm... the Bc shot is also used in cats in some countries
What are you feeding>>>?? Have you had allergy testing done>>?? If so what did the test say and was it a muscle test , blood test or other ?? Have environmental and air allergens been eliminated>>/?? Have you seen a Holistic or holistic minded vet>>??
Depomedrol is a long acting steriod (anti-inflammmatory) shot that is used for many different conditions. Depo shots once or twice a year is not nearly as likely to cause liver problems, or problems with diabetes, as giving steriods daily (such as prednisone or prednisolone.)
This link, from the Merck Veterinary Manual is very technical, but might give you an idea about the different drugs, and potential for side effects. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/191604.htm
Depp Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is not licensed to use in cats. It a human drug used to prevent estrus (heat cycles) in felines. These drugs often cause the problems you mentioned, liver and diabetes issues. Here is a link hich discusses the use of Depo Provera to regulate estrus in cats. http://www.cfainc.org/articles/reproduction.pdf
There are really no good alternatives to steroid medications. The best answer is to use the lowest dose, for the shortest duration, to get the problem under control.
Good luck!
This link, from the Merck Veterinary Manual is very technical, but might give you an idea about the different drugs, and potential for side effects. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in.../bc/191604.htm
Depp Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) is not licensed to use in cats. It a human drug used to prevent estrus (heat cycles) in felines. These drugs often cause the problems you mentioned, liver and diabetes issues. Here is a link hich discusses the use of Depo Provera to regulate estrus in cats. http://www.cfainc.org/articles/reproduction.pdf
There are really no good alternatives to steroid medications. The best answer is to use the lowest dose, for the shortest duration, to get the problem under control.
Good luck!
