Kitten won't eat Lysine Treats

Hi Everyone

I have a kitten that is roughly 5.5 months old.  I got him from the shelter.  He was on clavamax when I got him and we continued with 2 more rounds.  He had been bitten by a bot fly before he got to the shelter.  The vet said that I should get him Lysine treats to boost his immune system.  I bought them, he hates them.  Won't touch them.   I even tried mixing a couple with tuna fish.....didn't touch them.  Any suggestions on how I can get him to eat these?  He has a runny nose and of course gets crusted over a couple times a day, which then means I have to clean it.  And of course, he is not real pleased with me while I am trying to clean his nose.  Do you think that his immune system is weak due to not spending enough time with the mother cat?  Or any idea what causes this?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks much.

Heather

Hi, please see this thread: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/309898/...t-recommended-for-herpes-kitties#post_3876358

Hi Any other suggestions on how to clear up his nose?  Or are there any vitamins or supplements that will build the immune system?  He hasn't been diagnosed with anything, just has a runny nose all of the time.

As was mentioned in the thread that talkingpeanut linked to, you'll probably want to talk to your vet about the lysine before just not giving it. Especially since your vet is the one that suggested it.

How is your kitty eating otherwise? Having a stuffed nose could be affecting his appetite and would also make treats not very appetizing, possibly. Poor little baby, I hope he feels better soon. Did the antibiotic he was on help at all? If not, have they considered trying a different one?

Hi,

The antibiotic did help.  He was on it three different times.  It would clear up within a short time frame, but when the medicine ran out, the runny nose was back within 4 days.  I asked about a stronger medicine and they said they didn't think it would help.  She of course said they could run all kinds of tests, but I don't want to submit him to that if they don't have a strong feeling they will be able to help.  His appetite is good.  I tried cutting up the treats into a pack of wet food to disguise it.  I did that this morning and I believe he ate some of the treats without knowing.  I think I will keep trying to mix it in with the food so that he eats it by "mistake" and see how he does.  I am not sure how long the lysine would take to make a difference, but am thinking at least a week.  I will give it another week and if I can't get him to eat enough and it doesn't seem to be getting better I will just have to take him back to the vet.  Thanks for your help!!

I have personally never used lysine, so can't say how long it typically takes. 

I think my question may not have been phrased well Was he on the same antibiotic all three times? Usually if it doesn't work the first time, my vet tries something else for the 2nd go around. It's worth at least trying something different. A given antibiotic don't necessarily work for all problems for all cats.

I AM glad to hear he's eating though. At least that is one battle you don't have to deal with. 

Hi,

Yes he was on the same antibiotic all three times.  The dosage went up each time, but it was the same antibiotic.

Yeah, upping the dosage won't necessarily help if the antibiotic itself won't work. Even with me, my doctors never give me the same antibiotic if it doesn't work the first time around on my sinus infections. I think there is actually a reason for it (resistance possibly).

The maintenance dose for Lysine is 500 mg/day.  The flare up dose is 1000mg/day.  For lysine to be effective, it must remain in the system, so giving half the dose twice a day works better.  It can take up to a month to see any significant improvements, too.  I use powdered lysine for my cats, but you can also use tablets and crush them into wet food.  Add a little bit of water and stir in until mixed and serve.  If you can find capsules, that's even better because then you can open the capsule, empty the contents on the wet food and mix in.  If you get the 1 pound container of powdered lysine, 1/2 teaspoon is equal to almost 500 mg.  I have found It's best to give it with wet food.