I’ve had the cat to the vet, but I’d appreciate help confirming what the vet told me.
My cat is about 20-21 pounds and may have an inner ear problem (the only evidence is a cocked ear–no nystagmus, discharge, swelling, gait trouble, or abnormal blood work). My vet prescribed 68mg of Baytril by tablet/day. This is about 7.5mg/kg. When I asked about this in reference to reports of retinal toxicity resulting in blindness in cats at doses of 5 mg/kg (or even below), he said that 5mg/kg is the minimum dose for ear infections, and characterized this as an “off-label usage.” He went on to say that toxicity would be reported only from the initial trials, which I know isn’t true, since I’ve read a couple of later studies that identify toxicity as a problem. His explanation makes me less comfortable with his judgment rather than more.
I can’t confirm that this dosage is safe for my cat. After my vet’s explanation, I am even less certain. I am working on an appointment with another clinic, but because of the holidays, there’s a wait. I won’t rely on anything you all tell me, but would appreciate your help locating a clear, study-based article or two on the safe dosing range for cats. I don’t have good access to a veterinary database through my university library. Thanks.
I’m a large animal veterinarian, so I don’t have first-hand experience giving Baytril to cats. However, the ophthamologists that work at the same hospital I do put out an email a few months ago reminding other veterinarians who treat cats about Baytril’s toxicity. Here’s a paper I found that sums it up nicely:
The retinal issue is certainly not some wacky side-effect that was only seen with very high doses in the initial toxicity studies.
Unless you veterinarian has obtained a bacterial culture from your cat where the only antibiotic the bug is sensitive to is Baytril, I would be very leery about giving it.
Thank you, that’s very helpful. In fact, I found and cited that article to him earlier today (“I’m not trying to second-guess your judgment, but I’m worried about this article from Tufts that said…”). To the extent that I can get abstracts, it seems like Baytril is not a first-line treatment.
The vet grudgingly conceded that I could cut the dose to “about 3/4 of a tablet” if I was worried. That puts it at about the standard dose. In addition, I questioned the weight the tech obtained, since it was 21.5, 2# higher than in October, which is a lot for a cat. The tech said she’d follow up, but didn’t. I weighed the cat at home, which I know is often inaccurate, but our scale says he’s 19.5, not 21.5, and our scale accurately weighs 2# hand weights when I subtract my own weight.