Need help with prescription dosing please!

My daughter's cat at her grandmother's house 2 hrs away is sick with what sounds to be a upper respiratory infection. Boot's is a 13 yr old female cat tree that is spayed and has her shots. She has runny eyes and nose for a few days. Tractor Supply there told her to use oxytetracycline hlc 10 grams, but did say how much. Everything I've read says this isn't for cats, please help. I'm in school and can't get to her and she isn't able to take her to the vet.

You really need to get this information from the vet but you do have some options.  

If transportation is the problem, consider calling a mobile vet to come to your grandmothers.  I don't know where you live but a quick search should bring up anyone near your grandmother.

If finances are an issue, check to see if there is a VCA near your grandmother.  They offer a free first exam and she would only need to pay for the antibiotic.http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/offer

If neither one of these is an option, consider calling one (or more)  of the free on-line vets.  I have no experience with using them, but this seems to be a fairly straight forward question, if you know the weight of the cat.   Below are three, but searching will show up more.

http://www.petcoach.co/

http://web-dvm.net/askthevet.html

http://www.vetlive.com/free-veterinary-advice-ask-an-online-vet-for-free/

Oxytetracycline is indeed used to treat URIs, also amoxycillin, which is available OTC when sold to treat fish.  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...&sprefix=fish+amo,aps,142&tag=&tag=thecatsite     You really do need to ask a vet which antibiotic to use and how much to give your kitty, based on weight.  

Good luck.  I hope your kitty feels better soon!

And welcome to TCS!    

msozzy1 said:

My daughter's cat at her grandmother's house 2 hrs away is sick with what sounds to be a upper respiratory infection. Boot's is a 13 yr old female cat tree that is spayed and has her shots. She has runny eyes and nose for a few days. Tractor Supply there told her to use oxytetracycline hlc 10 grams, but did say how much. Everything I've read says this isn't for cats, please help. I'm in school and can't get to her and she isn't able to take her to the vet.

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I'm very sorry; it's difficult and frustrating when you cannot fix a situation directly yourself.  But unfortunately we cannot answer your specific question regarding dosage.  Giving medical advice is strictly against TCS rules because it is not safe and irresponsible.  We can provide some support and share experiences; but we are not vets and we cannot personally see things.

 Cat Care Policies, Guidelines and Stances
1.  If you suspect that your cat may be ill, please contact your vet immediately.  No online advice can replace direct veterinary intervention.You are welcome to look for advice in the health forum while waiting for that appointment, but never delay proper veterinary care waiting for Internet advice.

2. Do not provide medical advice. Discussing various options is encouraged and you may share your experience including details about what kind of medication was administered and dosage. However, do not suggest to another member that they should change anything in the course of treatment prescribed by their vet without first consulting with a qualified veterinarian.

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Mard has given you some good information in where you might be able to go from here.  I hope you are able to figure something out for Boots.  I wish we could help more.   

Thank you. I just wasn't sure as to what to do as I could not get there and didn't want to leave her there with a sick kitty. I believe that not giving this medication was the best route, and she is being monitored. Thank you for response, I appreciate your help. I was so scared. I really do hate having any animal that is sick.

Cat's have a very different metabolism from many animals. Items that are innocuous to people and other animals can kill a cat. I would not give any medication that hasn't been  approved by the cat vet. I hope kitty get's better soon 

We have not given her that med. I called our veterinarian and spoke with them. Sorry about the delay. I think she seems to be doing better. Thank you everyone for the information and concern for Boots.

Thank you so much for the update.      That's wonderful news that Boots seems to be doing better.  I hope she's back to full health soon.