when does convenia wear off?

go6car

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Hi everyone -

I'm new (and have also posted this question on another forum, because I'm really worried). I hope you all can help....

I'm trying to find out when the various side effects of using Convenia (antibiotic shot) will begin to ware off, or when you started to see improvements in back-to-normal behavior.

My 12 year old kitty had surgery to remove a bladder stone a week ago today. She has recovered very well from the actual surgery. I had initially thought she was just extra-extra sensitive to the anesthesia and pain meds, but now I'm concerned that I'm seeing side effects of the Convenia shot given after the surgery to prevent infection. She's had other some other surgeries about 10 years ago -- all without incident (spayed, etc).

She is eating well, using litter box, grooming. However, I think she's having trouble actually seeing (intermittent big saucer eyes, tentative in walking around). She seems, at times, to not be able to "see" me until I'm on top of her. The eyes are not huge all the time - but seems to come and go.

She also had some muscle weakness, but that seems to have improved (she gets around well, slowly up/down stairs, sleeping in favorite places, jumped on bed etc.). That could have been typical post-op, though. She's sleeping a lot, but comfortably (and she usually sleeps a lot most her days, so that's normal)

She seems quite calm (just woke up from a nap on my lap and licked my hand). I have a call in to the vet, but would really like to hear your real-world experience for WHEN you start seeing your kitties back to normal after this drug....

Thank you so much for any advice you can share...
 

icklemiss21

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It would depend on the cat and dosage, I would give your vet a call and ask. It provides around 2 weeks of antibiotics but I am not sure if the seide effects last that long, but after surgery I would certainly be asking the vet in case the issues are not convenia associated.

I have seen diarrhea and refusing to eat with convenia but not the side effects you mention, at least not when we have picked cats up for the shelter 2 days after surgery

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=193544
That thread has some people who talk about Convenia and issues with it, mybe PM them in case they dont see your thread
 

white cat lover

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I've seen side effects from Convenia *once in awhile*, but nothing like what you are describing. I'd wonder if you aren't seeing side effects from anesthesia. A lot can change in 10 years since her last surgery, and as she is much older now surgery is harder on her.

Did she have any bloodwork done prior to surgery?
 

strange_wings

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My vet says right around 5 days - even if it is supposed to last longer. Why does he say that? Because that's right around the time that a spay incision will get infected if it's going to.

I agree with the others, that doesn't sound right and you should get your kitty back in to see the vet.
 
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go6car

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Seems like it now may be the Baytril injection she got right after the surgery. It was the typical dosage (22.7 mg/ml via IV).

Was also told it could be an odd reaction to going under anesthesia (blood clot, etc.). Next step is to see an opthamologist.

The vet's just not sure what's going on except that my kitty had an atypical reaction to something post op.

I am so hoping my baby's vision hasn't been compromised permanently.

Thank you for your support (especially since I'm new here!). I'm a nervous wreck over this, as I'm sure you can all relate...

Thanks
 

okie89

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Convenia is a slow releasing cefalosporin that lasts for 2 weeks. The side effects usually can last 3-5 days, if any side effects are seen, which is rare but it does happen. Side effects are vomiting, diarrhea, loss in appetite, and tenderness at the injection site. Neurological signs are not side effects of Convenia and should be seen by a veterinarian if these arise.

Baytril injections given intraveinously too quickly and/or without the proper dilution (1/3 minimum) can indeed cause neurological symptoms which can include dysnea (difficulty breathing), ataxia, and/or blindness. I would definitely consult your veterinary ophthalmologist with the dosage (including if it was or was not diluted; if it was, but how much) and route administration (IV).

Good luck with your kitty!

Okie
 

the_food_lady

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So when I read that it was Baytril your cat received (and not Convenia), I immediately remembered that some cats can react to Baytril; it can impact and impair their vision. This is why some Vets won't use it unless it's a last resort choice of antiobitics. I remember my own Vet from years ago, when I had a senior CRF kitty telling me about this. Apparently this is one of the risks of using it in some cats. I'll try to find some links here with info on this. You should make an appt to see a Vet Ophthalmologist ASAP:

Other potential side effects in cats include lethargy, vocalization, aggression and vision loss. In rare cases, the use of Baytril in cats has been reported to adversely effect the retina sometimes leading to vision impairment, even blindness. According to the Bayer corporation, they are taking a number of actions to investigate this issue, including involving a board of veterinary ophthalmologists. They also advise that Baytril injectable solution injections not be given to cats. The above rare, but potential side effects of baytril dog and baytril cat antibiotic medication are just a sampling and should not be viewed as a comprehensive, all inclusive set of potential issues.
http://www.discountpetmedicines.com/...antibiotic.htm

Of course on the drug company's website (see link below), under the section "Retinal Toxicity in Cats", they assert that there's no issues:

http://www.baytril.com/13/Safety_and_Toxicology.htm

Here's another site that speaks to a warning about Baytril and vision issues (note it was written in 2003), particularly if cats is given too high of a dose for its weight:

http://www.showcatsonline.com/x/baytril_warning.shtml

Here's a very reputable medical article (written in 2003) discussing Baytril causing acute and irreversible blindness in some cats:

http://www.tufts.edu/vet/vet_common/..._march2003.pdf

Do a search on Google, in the search box type something like "cat baytril blindness" and you'll find more articles.

I would be contacting your Vet about this first thing ........... and I would be getting kitty into the nearest Vet Ophthalmologist ASAP.
 

okie89

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Baytril IV in animals is scary. You have to give it VERY slowly, if given IV, and diluted at a minimum of 1:3. Patients can actually die if it's given too fast, as it can cause the pet to stop breathing.



Okie
 
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go6car

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Thanks everyone for your kindness and all the good info.

(I don't think I responded earlier when asked, but our kitty's blood work pre-surgery was normal).

We see the Ophthalmologist tomorrow morning. I hope we'll have some answers. Our kitty is NOT a good patient, and they mentioned having to sedate her again for the exam, which I'm dreading. All this has me scared to death of her reactions since we don't know what caused the blindness in the first place.

The only thing I know so far is that the bladder stone biopsy came back as "struvite". The vet mentioned something about a special diet that we'll have to put her on.

Thanks so much.....
 

mews2much

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My Coco had bladder stones when she was 13 and they were dissolved with S/D.
After they dissolved she was put on C/D.
Then she got CRF so she is on kidney food now.
My Coco has been on Baytril for over a year.
I have heard it can cause blindness in cats.
She has never had it in a i.v. just the pills.
My sphynx had Baytril also and it was the only antibiotic that worked for her infection.
Good Luck with your cat.

 

icklemiss21

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Sedating for an opthamology appt seems a little strange, sedation can cause dilation of the eyes so they would not be seeing the true eye issues she is having, especially since you are not sure what caused the reaction. Ask them if they have a restraining bag. I now have one at home and use it before leaving the house but they have let me borrow theirs to put cats in before the appt - as well as putting them in it at the vet

They just zip up around the cat
http://www.klaw-kontrol.com/
http://www.whiskerswagsandmore.com/s...rooming/Detail
http://www.thepetonline.com/four-fla...e-p-41380.html
 

okie89

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Originally Posted by icklemiss21

Sedating for an opthamology appt seems a little strange, sedation can cause dilation of the eyes so they would not be seeing the true eye issues she is having, especially since you are not sure what caused the reaction. Ask them if they have a restraining bag. I now have one at home and use it before leaving the house but they have let me borrow theirs to put cats in before the appt - as well as putting them in it at the vet

They just zip up around the cat
http://www.klaw-kontrol.com/
http://www.whiskerswagsandmore.com/s...rooming/Detail
http://www.thepetonline.com/four-fla...e-p-41380.html
Oh, cat bags are GREAT for vet visits! If you can get them into them.... by the time I see the kitties, they are bugged out and won't do it, so I would definitely recommend doing it at home! Great suggestion, Icklemiss! I need to use that in the clinic!


Originally Posted by mews2much


My Coco has been on Baytril for over a year.
I have heard it can cause blindness in cats.
She has never had it in a i.v. just the pills.
Oral Baytril is pretty safe. Intraveinous baytril is not that safe, unless used correctly.

Originally Posted by go6car

Thanks everyone for your kindness and all the good info.

(I don't think I responded earlier when asked, but our kitty's blood work pre-surgery was normal).

We see the Ophthalmologist tomorrow morning. I hope we'll have some answers. Our kitty is NOT a good patient, and they mentioned having to sedate her again for the exam, which I'm dreading. All this has me scared to death of her reactions since we don't know what caused the blindness in the first place.

The only thing I know so far is that the bladder stone biopsy came back as "struvite". The vet mentioned something about a special diet that we'll have to put her on.

Thanks so much.....
Pre-op bloodwork wouldn't matter if it is indeed a reaction to Baytril. It wouldn't show any susceptibility to Baytril.
If they do decide to sedate her, since they are messing with the head, and yes, cat bags are great, but they still have teeth!
They would most likely use a mild sedative, nothing as strong as an anesthetic sedative. There is a reversable type of sedation called DexDomitor that is given intermuscular and then given a reversal called AntiSedan that is given the same way. When given the sedation, they are sedate in about 5 - 10 minutes, and after given the reversal, they are up in less than that. You may want to ask your opthalmologist if this is a good fit for your kitty.
Struvite crystals are very common. They are a type of triple phosphate crystal. They may put her on c/d or Urinary SO, depending on what brand they carry, and depending on the acidity of the urine.

Hope this helps you and your kitty!

Okie
 
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go6car

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Yesterday afternoon we had a huge turnaround. Went from huge saucer eyes and still being tentative walking around, to normal-looking eyes with reactive pupils (and normal behavior!). All of this in a matter of hours on day 8, post-op.

Just now got back (sedation and stitches--free!) from the Vet's. Thanks for all the great suggestions - they were very helpful! She actually behaved, but vocalized her contempt the entire time for all medical professionals.


Bad news - had vet and specialist look at her, and it definitely was the Baytril given via IV that caused such a severe reaction (and the compromised vision). But at least we have an answer and know what we're dealing with. This is still considered a rare side effect and not the norm, but will be reported to the manufacturer of the drug.

Our baby can actually see (we thought completely, but the exam says she's definitely compromised), but only she knows for sure how much. She has decided to keep this a mystery from us (probably to spite the hated vets!
) , and is determined to look and act as if the past 8 days never happened. We're still shaking our heads in disbelief! (Never underestimate the power of prayer!!).

We'll go on a special diet for the bladder stones, but for the next several days, she gets to keep her kitty 'junk' food, which I'm sure she'll appreciate for the short-term!

Best of all, I woke up this morning with her purring LOUDLY next to me, licking my face.

I have to tell you, what a great place this, and thanks to all for helping me keep my wits about me during this very stressful time!
 

icklemiss21

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It is great news that she seems to be on the mend, as far as reporting to the manufacturer, I would personally report it to your vets governing body as it could have been caused by too much / too fast as mentioned above
 

stephanietx

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Yay!!!!!!!!!!! So glad for the turnaround, but sad to hear about the negative side effect from the Baytril. At least now you know to put that on your "no list" for her in the future.
 

the_food_lady

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I too would be reporting your Vet to their governing body/professional association. I don't recall the age of your but I believe it's well documented that senior cats should only be given Baytril if there's nothing else appropriate to use....and if given IV, should be given very slowly and much caution used to ensure not giving too much. I would be absolutely livid if this situation happened to my cat. Here's an article from a vet about Baytril and the risks:

http://www.pettogethers.com/PowerRep...ndYourCat.aspx
 
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