Diarrhea & Antibiotic

My cat was put on Clindamycin for possible lung infection and since then it's been a week of bad diarrhea. It's not completely watery, but more of a yogurt like consistency(not to gross anyone out) and he's also gassy when he goes. We started him on Fortiflora about 5 days ago and it helped very slightly. It went from no shape at all to taking a bit of form when coming out, but still very loose. I tried to give FortiFlora as far apart as possible from the antibiotic, but he is getting it twice a day making it quite hard. I've called up the vet and was told they don't feel safe to stop or decrease the dosage but couldn't give me advice as to what to do with the diarrhea except to let it happen. I just noticed today that he's lost weight and am waiting for call back from vet. So while I'm waiting, I searched the forum and saw recommendation of Bene-bac. Does Bene-bac tend to have better effect than FortiFlora? What else can I do to help with his diarrhea? Thanks.

Many kitties cannot tolerate clindamycin.  Call the vet and ask for a different antiobiotic since your kitty is having such a serious reaction.  You can also try feeding him some plain yogurt or adding plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) to help with the diarrhea.  Also, plain acidophilus from the supplements section can be sprinkled on canned food and mixed in.  Just crush 1/2 a tablet onto the food and mix in. 

I've never used bene-bac but have heard good things about it here on the forum.  However, call the vet and ask for a different med.

Sorry your kitty is sick... I would ask the vet for some Hill's I/D or W/D - for the duration of the antibiotic - as this will help form up the stool quickly and it is easily digested. OR just ask for a different antibiotic as Stephanie suggested. I have never used Bene-bac but, yes, it is worth trying. I would check with your vet first though. Also, agree with the use of Acidophilus - you can get it at any pharmacy, the people form. It comes in a capsule and just sprinkle 1/2 capsule on the wet food. Best of luck with you cat - hope your kitty feels better very soon :cross:

Clindamycin is the best and strongest antibiotic, only given for very serious infections, and does cause diarrhea in people too.

Canned pumpkin and yogurt do help, just go with it, it will pass once he's done with the med. I would not change it, everything else is less potent.

Clindamycin is the best and strongest antibiotic, only given for very serious infections, and does cause diarrhea in people too.

Canned pumpkin and yogurt do help, just go with it, it will pass once he's done with the med. I would not change it, everything else is less potent.