Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have an elderly male cat who has been having recurring
respiratory infections. There aren't the usual symptoms, ie,
sneezing, etc, at the start, and it's difficult to tell it is a
respiratory infection until there's yellow discharge from the nostrils.That's the only symptom and by that time the cold is
usually well established.

A course of antibiotics is given, Doxycycline, 50 mg twice a day, but no effect unless I give the same dosage every 8 hours and it usually takes 7 days before there's an improvement. After the course of antibiotics is given, another "cold" can develop if the antibiotics are stopped, less
than 24 hours later there is a discharge, at first white then yellow.

Meanwhile, my cat is on 12 supplements, 6 of which are to boost the immune system. Blood tests and urinalysis show nothing out of the ordinary except that the white blood cell count is a little higher. No other health problems.

I am concerned that continually giving antibiotics might lead to a resistance to them. Right now that isn't happening. Any suggestion as to what could be given to correct this would be
appreciated. Thank you.

It doesn't seem that the doxycycline is very effective. Has your vet done a culture and sensitivity on the nasal discharge? As with most feline upper respiratory infections, there is usually a viral component as well, for which the antibiotic does nothing.I don't know what supplements you are giving, but a few homeopathic remedies you might try are Kali bichromicum, Hydrastis, and Pulsatilla. Echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, and vitamin C might be helpful. If would be best to have your cat examined by a holistic veterinarian.

Thank you. He is currently on several of the things you suggested. I will add the other things mentioned. There isn't a holistic vet located anywhere near me and as for taking a culture I could suggest it but the vet seems to think it's a matter of giving the same thing again because it works, the respiratory infection clears but the problem is it then tends to recur so it doesn't solve the problem permanently.