Despite the fact that cats are considered very clean animals, they do get sick. Pets are often prescribed a drug such as Bifidumbacterin for cats. No one is immune from disease, but the duration of the disease and its course largely depends on the owner.
After all, it is important at the very beginning to bring the cat to the veterinarian for examination in time to make an accurate diagnosis, possibly undergo the necessary tests and monitor effective treatment. You need to be prepared for all this. This costs time and, of course, money. But as they say, a cat becomes a full-fledged member of the family, and it needs to be treated just like any other family member.
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Useful medicines in the medicine cabinet
Every cat first aid kit should have a remedy for diarrhea and sudden vomiting in cats; Bifidumbacterin is perfect for these purposes. Veterinarians consider this remedy to be effective and quite effective. This is especially true for cat owners who like to walk on their own and often visit the street. There they can eat stale food, which will lead to vomiting and intestinal upset. Bifidumbacterin is a modern drug, it is a probiotic, the main effect of which is to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. It is prescribed not only for constipation; if a cat has diarrhea, Bifidumbacterin will also be needed. This drug can be used both for chronic diseases and for temporary problems. The drug should be used with caution if the cat suffers from chronic constipation, as well as if the animal is susceptible to allergies.
What symptoms does it eliminate?
As already written above, Bifidumbacterin is prescribed for vomiting and stool upset in cats. But these symptoms can occur in quite serious diseases, which means you must first correctly diagnose the disease, and only then take the medicine, as a primary or additional remedy.
The dosage is calculated taking into account the weight of the animal. For example, for a kitten weighing less than 2 kg, you can give not a whole capsule, but half of it, after first opening the Bifidumbacterin capsule and carefully dividing the contents.
When vomiting, give Bifidumbacterin to a cat according to the regimen recommended in the instructions. It is not advisable to increase the dose of the drug on your own.
Visit to the veterinary clinic and necessary diagnostic measures
If the cat does not eat, has frequent, profuse vomiting, elevated body temperature and a lethargic state, then the owners urgently need to take their pet to the veterinarian. Before starting treatment, the doctor conducts a full diagnostic examination of the pet, which consists of the following:
- assessment of the general condition of the animal - coat, body temperature, listening to the heart and respiratory organs;
- Using the palpation method, the doctor determines the tone of the abdominal muscles, as well as the presence of foreign formations;
- general blood and urine analysis;
- blood chemistry;
- identification of parasites;
- blood testing for the presence of pathogens of infectious diseases;
- stool test for worms;
- ECG;
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
All these diagnostic studies will help determine the disease that is bothering your pet and prescribe timely treatment for it.
Storage conditions
"Bifidumbacterin" should be stored in a dry and dark place, out of reach of children . The recommended temperature should be no more than +10°C. The shelf life is no more than 1 year from the date of production. It is indicated on the packaging. After the specified storage period, use of the drug is prohibited.
Transportation of this medication must also be carried out at a temperature no higher than +10°C, but transportation up to +20°C is allowed for no more than 10 days.
About the drug
Before purchasing, it is better to consult a veterinarian, since the drug is available in different dosage forms:
- pills;
- candles;
- powder form, in special bottles.
For each case, the most appropriate form is selected, and much depends on the character of the cat. And here the owner needs to make a decision, because he knows his cat like no one else. If a cat can swallow a Bifidumbacterin tablet, then there is no problem, but not all animals can do this. For some pussies, this moment turns into real torture.
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The drug contains live and active Bifidobacteria, but they are dried in a special way during production. All this allows us to talk about the safety of the product, because no chemicals are used as additives. That is why Bifidumbacterin is recommended for use in kittens, but older than 2 weeks of age.
Babies often experience stool upset when switching to food after mother's milk. In this case, the prescription of this drug will be relevant. Important to remember! Babies should not be suddenly switched to adult food. The use of Bifidobacterin as a medicine will help to improve the kitten's stool as quickly as possible.
According to reviews from the owners, it is most convenient to use powder. One bottle contains the daily dosage of Bifidumbacterin for a cat.
"Bifitrilak"
The drug contains a mixture of antioxidants, a prebiotic, natural sugars, micro- and macroelements, a natural mineral sorbent and antimicrobial natural substances. It is a brown powder with shiny inclusions that have a pearlescent sheen. It has no taste or smell. This is a pure, natural product with prebiotic, probiotic and sorbent properties. Absorbs and removes toxins from the body.
The activity of the drug is determined by the bifidobacteria and lactobacilli included in the composition, which are active against a wide range of opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. Expanded vermiculite, used as an adsorbent, absorbs gases, alkaloids, and heavy metal salts.
The drug is used mixed with milk, water, colostrum or feed. The suspension is prepared immediately before use, shaking the composition well until smooth. Adult cats are given 0.3 grams per day for 2-3 days. For kittens, the dose is halved.
Is there an alternative?
Often, veterinarians will prescribe drugs that are similar in their effect, for various reasons.:
- price;
- out of stock;
- I just like one drug.
For example, Bifidumbacterin can be replaced with analogues: Lactobifadol, Bifidum - skhzh or Lactobacterin. But here you need to listen to the recommendations of the attending veterinarian. Only he can decide which drug will be most effective in this particular case.
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Similar medical products
If for some reason it is not possible to treat a cat with Bifidumbacterin, veterinarians replace it with a medication identical in pharmacological action. Bactisubtil is often prescribed to replace the probiotic in question for cats. It also effectively treats digestive disorders and diarrhea in four-legged pets, but the cost will be higher. Another analogue is Lactobifadol, which restores normal digestion and populates the gastrointestinal tract with beneficial microorganisms.
Instead of “Bifidumbacterin”, “Bifiform”, produced in the form of small capsules that cats easily swallow, and “Lactobacterin”, which is a lyophilisate for preparing a suspension taken orally, can be prescribed. Each pharmaceutical drug, despite many similarities with Bifidumbacterin, has contraindications, prescriptions and other features of therapy, which must be taken into account before starting to treat a cat with one or another analogue. But it is better for a veterinarian to select the most suitable probiotic.
Pharmacological properties
The medicinal properties of zoonorm are determined by bifidobacteria on activated carbon particles, which are microcolonies. The activity of this drug is determined by the ability of microcolonies to adhere to the mucous membrane of the animal’s gastrointestinal tract and retain healing properties when passing through the aggressive environment of the small intestine and stomach.
Lactose filler has a beneficial effect on the growth of bifidobacteria. The drug "Zoonorm" actively fights opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms. In the shortest possible time, it normalizes the intestinal microflora and activates digestion.
“Zoonorm” promotes the complete synthesis of B vitamins, the absorption of calcium, and has an immunomodulatory and antitoxic effect. The drug is given to cats and kittens in 5–10 doses. The duration of treatment is determined by the veterinarian.
The composition FOSim, which is used in Viyo, guarantees the absorption of active components - inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in the intestines. An excellent nutritious drink increases the number of beneficial bacteria that strengthen the animal’s natural defenses. Fructo-oligosaccharide fibers, as well as inulin from FOSim, are not processed in the stomach.
Oral suspension "Subtilis" consists of a mass of live strains of microorganisms Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis and water. The drug is produced in polymer tubes of 1 ml, packaged in 5 or 10 pcs.
Instructions for use Lactobifadol for cats
Probiotic that normalizes intestinal microflora. Made with the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, which competes with opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms for space in the intestines. This opposition explains the antimicrobial effect of the drug against Klebsiella, Clostridia, Shigella, Candida, Staphylococcus, Yersinia and other pathogenic microorganisms.
Enterol is one of the few probiotics that is used to treat people and pets. Available in sachets and capsules.
Indications for use
For diarrhea, regardless of origin (viral, bacterial or stress), the instructions for use recommend using Enterol. The price of the drug is quite affordable - 10 sachets for preparing a suspension are 320 rubles. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes during antibiotic treatment.
Application and dosage
The probiotic for cats “Enterol” is used by adding it to drink (water, milk). To obtain the maximum effect, the drug is given to the animal not immediately after feeding, but after about two hours. You should know that this probiotic contains living cells, so adding it to drinks with a temperature below fifty degrees is not recommended.
The daily dose for an adult animal is one sachet per day. The dose can be divided into two doses - morning and evening. For kittens, the dosage is halved.
The drug contains a microbial lyophilized mass of live active bacteria, which are sorbed on lactose filler particles and crushed activated carbon.
So, are you already wondering what kind of formula so perfectly restores the microflora of the cat’s body?
First of all, Lactobifadol contains lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and secondly – vitamins and a set of useful acids.
And now more details.
Lactobacilli predominate over others in the cat's body. There are about 100 species of them and they are capable of naturally producing what are called antibiotic substances.
But bifidobacteria are not typical for cats, but they are useful, as they have a good effect on metabolism.
And this pharmaceutical duo:
- Increases immunity;
- Increases the body's resistance;
- Populate the gastrointestinal tract with normal microflora;
- Inhibits the development of putrefactive, opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria;
- Normalizes appetite;
- Normalizes digestion;
- Promotes the growth and development of the body;
- Stabilizes metabolism;
- Prevents obesity;
- Normalizes weight.
Let's look at when a probiotic specifically formulated for animals is needed:
- Dysbacteriosis: prevention and treatment;
- Diarrhea;
- Improved digestion;
- Stomach diseases;
- Intestinal diseases;
- Diseases of the pancreas;
- Kidney diseases;
- Dermatitis;
- Viral diseases;
- Pregnancy;
- Old age of the animal;
- After anthelmintic therapy;
- After taking antibiotics;
- After antitumor therapy;
- After hormonal therapy, etc.
To begin with, the main thing is that Lactobifadol should absolutely not be given with hot food, since live strains die from high temperatures!
But with food at room temperature, with water or milk, it is recommended to give a probiotic up to 2 times a day at the rate of 0.2 g per 1 kg of pet’s weight.
You calculate the course of treatment yourself until you achieve positive results. This usually does not take more than two weeks.
Alena: “My cat is almost 15 years old and she gets sick often. The last time we gave her antibiotics, the thought occurred to me that the doctor did not tell us anything about recovery from antibiotic therapy, and the cat began to have intestinal disorders.
I went to the veterinary pharmacy myself and, after consulting with the pharmacist, took Lactobifadol. I calculated the dosage according to the instructions, it turned out that it was a tenth of a measuring spoon. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that just three hours after taking it, the cat went potty well. After taking the course, her constipation went away.”
Evgeniya: “We were prescribed a probiotic after quite aggressive treatment for arthritis. My whim, despite the fact that the medicine is tasteless, flatly refused to eat food in which Lactobifadol was mixed.
I had to force-feed her medicine through a syringe. I infused the drug for 10 days and strictly according to the instructions, I observed loose stools and gas formation for three days. But then the bad symptoms went away. Now the stool has returned to normal, the cat is healthy.”
Marina: “We came to the veterinarian with a complaint that the kitten had some problems with the gastrointestinal tract - he either went to the toilet normally, or was upset, it had nothing to do with food. We were prescribed Lactobifadol, which we mixed into homemade yogurt. The kitten greedily licked the bowl of yogurt and the presence of the medicine did not distract her in any way. On the third day the problem disappeared and did not appear again.”
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For diarrhea, regardless of origin (viral, bacterial or stress), the instructions for use recommend using Enterol. The price of the drug is quite affordable - 10 sachets for preparing a suspension are 320 rubles. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes during antibiotic treatment.
Application and dosage
What factors contribute to imbalance in a cat's intestines?
There are a number of negative factors that can have a detrimental effect on a cat’s intestinal microflora.
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These include:
- stress;
- poor nutrition and poor quality feed;
- vaccination;
- surgical interventions;
- inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system;
- renal failure;
- pancreatic diseases;
- taking antibacterial and steroid drugs.
The risk of dysbacteriosis in a cat increases in the following cases:
- long trips;
- changing of the living place;
- the need for the animal to stay “in foster care” with friends or in cat hotels;
- the arrival of a new family member.
The listed situations often lead to stressful conditions, and in such cases, cats’ appetite and functioning of the digestive system may be disrupted, which provokes dysbiosis.
Selection rules
Large and small breed dogs require the same strains of beneficial bacteria. You can calculate the dosage according to the diagram in the instructions or during a consultation with a veterinarian. Many drugs are packaged in bags of different sizes for ease of measuring doses.
When purchasing a drug, you need to familiarize yourself with its composition. The more strains of bacteria are indicated in it, the faster the result of their work will appear. The number of microorganisms in one dose can be easily calculated using the diagram in the instructions.
Remember, for preventive purposes it is enough to give 3-4 million bacteria. And for treatment, a dog needs to take 20-30 million beneficial agents at a time.
In addition, when choosing probiotics, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- The shelf life of the drug should not expire before the date of the last dose.
- The product must be certified.
- There should be no grammatical errors on the label and instructions.
- Probiotics should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Microorganisms must be encapsulated to protect them from gastric acid.
Despite the fact that probiotics are not a medicine, but a dietary supplement, they should only be purchased from specialized veterinary clinics.
How to choose the right composition?
First of all, we want to warn pet owners that probiotic milk formulas that are formulated for humans may be harmful to your pet. The microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of cats is significantly different from that of humans.
Experienced veterinarians name three important nuances when choosing this drug:
- It is desirable that the drug contains 10 or more strains of beneficial bacteria.
- Each dose of the drug must contain at least twenty million microorganisms.
- You should choose products from a world-famous company that produces probiotics for cats. Feedback from veterinarians and owners is also very important in this case.
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It should be noted that even knowing the principle of choosing these drugs, you should not self-medicate: the drug should be prescribed to your pet by an experienced veterinarian after the animal’s tests have been carried out. It must be purchased from specialized veterinary pharmacies or pet stores. Pay attention to the storage conditions of probiotics: they usually retain their properties at low temperatures.
The shelf life of such products does not exceed two to three weeks, since that is how long beneficial bacteria live. Even if, according to the instructions attached to the drug, its shelf life is, for example, a month, already in the fourth week its effectiveness is significantly reduced.
Top 5 popular drugs
In veterinary clinics, doctors will help you choose probiotics for any breed of dog, and draw up a list and treatment regimen. The most effective drugs include the following medications.
Fortiflora
Purina produces Fortiflora, a probiotic for all dog breeds. The drug is granules filled with colonies of beneficial microorganisms.
Their shell has a dense thermal protective layer that protects against friction and moisture. As a result, the bacteria are not exposed to gastric juice and begin life only in the intestines. In addition to symbionts, the food supplement contains vitamins, proteins, and amino acids.
When is a cat especially susceptible to dysbiosis?
Cats become especially susceptible to dysbiosis in the following cases:
- while staying in a special hotel for cats;
- when moving to a new home;
- when a new animal appears in the house.
Emotional or physical stress can upset the balance of microflora in a cat's intestines, leading to constipation or chronic diarrhea. The consequences of these diseases can be very serious. The absorption of amino acids and other elements important for the health of the animal is impaired. As a result, this can trigger the development of allergies, sepsis and even intestinal lymphoma.
Often, pet owners are interested in what to give their cat for diarrhea. To answer this question, it is necessary to do tests and find out the cause of the disease. Only after receiving the results will the veterinarian be able to tell whether probiotics for cats are indicated in a given case.
