Roundworm medication

I took the 5 kittens to the vet yesterday. They've had loose poop for a few days, and I noticed roundworms in it. YUCK. Yesterday, 2 of the kittens were throwing up, only saliva, almost like dry heaves. I didn't see any worms in the vomit, but called the vet right away. He treated with with Nemex, appropriate dosage for their weight.

2 of the kittens still had dry heaves and diarrhea, but this morning only 1 still did. He couldn't keep anything down. I gave him some wet food at lunchtime, and he kept it down all the time I was home. I'll know for sure in a 1/2 hour or so when I go home for the day. (I'm so lucky to work so close to home). His energy level is fine. His appetite is good and he is taking water. I'm hoping that this is the remants of the worms and the worm medication. How long does it take for the meds to work and to start seeing a normal stool? One of the kittens has nice solid stool, while 2 of them are what I would call 'soft solid'. The other 2 are very loose and I think they had the worms worse than the others.

They are due to be neutered on Thursday. Any advice will be appreciated.

It can depend on the individual kitty, and the severity of the roundworms. It can take up to a week for the stool to harden if in fact it was the roundworm causing it. The one's who are still having a little trouble may also be having a hard time with the medication. In 2 to 3 weeks, they need to get another dose of dewormer to make sure they got them all. Also, you didn't mention if they did a fecal exam. If not, I would ask them to do one on Thursday to make sure it's not just roundworms.

Thanks Sandie. This morning, there was no evidence of dry heaves, no saliva anywhere in the cage, but one kitten still has gassy diarrhea, although just a little bit. He didn't poop that much. All are eating well and keeping food down. I didn't realize it could take that long for the stool to harden. They did have worms pretty badly. I brought a stool sample with me on Monday, so he confirmed the problem. I'm also wondering about giardia. When they were outside, I made sure they had clean water and changed the bowl 3 times a day. Since they've been inside, they get bottled water, nice and fresh. They are going to be neutered tomorrow, so I'll have the vet do a double check just to make sure things are OK.I'm not sure what the treatment for giardia is though.

If the kittens had Giardia, they would be getting worse, not better, as the Nemex wouldn't have done anything to treat that. As they are getting better, you can be pretty sure it was the worms causing the problem.

Just to add, Nemex doesn't eliminate tapeworm. If you ever suspect the kittens also have tapeworm, they will need to have Droncit or Cestex from the vet.

Thanks. They've been treated for fleas and tapeworm. Poor little guys. Poked and prodded, but we want what's best for them of course.

Giardia can cause the sudden onset of "foul-smelling" diarrhea that can range from soft to watery and may even contain mucus and/or blood. So, in regards to your little one who is still showing a few signs, I would ask your veterinarian about something to help with the loose stool, in addition to the worming medication, to aid with the intestinal upset and definitely inquire about Giardia. Metronidazole, also know as Flagyl, is commonly used with Giardia and/or diarrhea but I'm sure there are many others. And just so you know, Giardia is easiest to identify with a zinc sulfate or other special fecal solution. Standard fecal solutions and direct fecal smears are not as likely to produce an accurate result. Kittens with Giardia or even just diarrhea, are at great risk for dehydration, so be sure to keep an extra close eye on his water intake. There are electrolyte solutions available for animals and it is possible to syringe the liquid directly into his mouth should it become necessary. Also, Giardia can be transmitted to humans, so you will want to remember to wash your hands frequently.

I hope I have been of some help to you and anyone else having similar problems!

Hi Meowkins,

I just found out one of my cats has Gaidira. He's had diarrhea and mucus and/or bloody stools off and on ever since I had him (5 years). He's been on Metronidazole since last Thursday. I checked his stoll last nught and half of it was formed and the other half was loose and it didn't have that horrible odor it used to have. Does Metronidazole cure Gaidira and can my other cats get it?