Baytril Side Effects and Cat Blindness

Baytril (enrofloxacin) is a new antibiotic developed to supplement older antibiotics to which bacteria have developed resistance. It is also a drug that may cause cat blindness.

In his SPCA International article, veterinarian S hawn Messonnier reports that Baytril has a side effect of causing cat blindness in 8% of treated cats. For cat owners this issue has become a cause of concern. This article looks at the facts concerning Baytril side effects, how the medication might be used without risk of cat blindness, and alternatives to using Baytril in the first place.

Ratio of Cat Blindness Cases

1 cat out of 122,414 treated incurred permanent blindness as a Baytril side effect. Sadly, alternatives to Bytril could have been used. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association reviewed a study of 17 cats between the ages of 3 to 16 who exhibited symptoms of cat blindness after taking Baytril for a range of ailments.

The study found that Baytril caused degeneration of the retina cells, resulting in irreversible cat blindness. In all such cases, doses of Baytril were higher than 5 milligrams per 1 kilogram of body weight, and older cats developed blindness at lower doses than younger cats, though still exceeding the 5 milligram bar.

How to Avoid Baytril Side Effects

The JAVMA study revealed that the greatest risks of Baytril side effects occur in relation to the length of treatment and the amount of medication administered. Older cats due to weaker kidney function are at higher risk of contracting cat blindness. In addition, administration of Baytril through an IV which constitutes a rapid administration also puts the cat at greater risk of incurring blindness as a Baytril side effect.

Can Baytril Cause Dog Blindness

There is no study showing a causal connection between administration of Baytril and dog blindness. It is possible that the smaller size of cats bears relation to this Baytril side effect.

Alternatives Medications to Baytril

Veterinarian S hawn Messonnier urges against prescribing Baytril (enrofloxacin) whenever possible. Other cephalosporin antibiotics, amoxicillin, clindamycin, tetracycline or trimethoprim sulfa may treat infections without risk of cat blindness. Only in cases when such antibiotics fall short should Baytril be prescribed to cats.

Other Alternatives to Baytril

Homeopathic remedies can help return a sick cat to health and bolster her immune system. For a mild urinary tract infection cranberry supplements can be helpful. For respiratory problems a combination of alternative antibiotics to Baytril and homeopathic remedies will return the cat to health. Recurring mild Pyoderma may be prevented with frequent bathing and antiseptic shampoos (here's more information on Pyoderma ).

Reducing the Risk of Cat Blindness with Baytril

Veterinarian S hawn Messonnier recommends using Baytril only when no other antibiotic will be sufficient to treat the infection. Furthermore, reducing the dose of Baytril below 5 milligrams per 1 kilogram of weight is advisable. This can be achieved without reducing the effectiveness of the drug by combining it with homeopathic treatments and fluid supplementation that will minimize Baytril side effects.

Reference

SPCA International: "Baytril, Blindness, and Your Cat"

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