Urinary Tract Infection meds ??

**kittybella** · 12-02-2007, 08:00 AM

Hello,

Has anyone ever been given Clindamycin Hydrochloride (liquid) for their cats uti?
She is not showing any outward signs of an infection and does not have any crystals in her urine, but when they tested her urine at the vet's office there was some bacteria. Well, I like to research all medication online and I could not find a single reference for administering this medication for that problem. I know I am not a vet, but how could there not be a single thing about it online??

I want to think I am just being overly cautious and the vet does know what she is doing, but I have had some issues with a vet in the past (who ended up having his license suspended) and I just don't want to take any chances. I don't believe that this medication will harm her in any way, but I definitely don't want to give her something that is not necessary!

Any help or info is deeply appreciated,
Thank You!!!

**jenluckenbach** · 12-02-2007, 08:44 AM

I have not personally done any research, but YES, clindamycin is for infection. I have used it mostly for gum (or mouth) infections, but was also told to use it for a UTI that was not responding to clavamox.

**columbine** · 12-02-2007, 09:06 AM

Clindamycin is an antibiotic, so the most important thing about it is to finish out the entire course (give her all the medicine that's been prescribed). Skipping or stopping early just weeds out the weak germs, leaving the strong germs to make a worse infection. That's the only tricky thing I can think of.

Love, Columbine

**Freedom** · 12-02-2007, 09:52 AM

Good for you to keep on top of the care you pet is receiving.

If you don't understand something, you should always phone in and ask your question. We can't think of all our questions at the time we are in the exam room with the vet and our sick pet.

I have phoned in with questions such as this. On Monday (unless your vet has Sunday hours), call in and say what you posted in #1 above. That when you looked on the internet, you found that med could be used in URIs, but you didn't see any mention for its use in UTIs. And you just want to verify that you picked up the proper medicine.

It helps you build rapport with the vet and vet's office staff, and let's them know you DO YOUR HOMEWORK. This helps in future as I have found my vet now explains much more to me during an exam than what I was getting in the beginning. Some pet owners just want instruction to follow; others want to understand "why." You are letting them know you want more. It will take some time for them to build on this and realize but ihave found that over time the vet is now much more forthcoming.

You can even ask WHY you got this and not clavamox. Be specific in your request!

And if you do make the phone call, please take a moment to update this thread; love to hear the results of the conversation!

**Medusa** · 12-02-2007, 07:52 PM

My Puddy has been on Clindamycin several times for infection, especially after her kidney was removed. It's more potent than Clavamox and I always have some on hand. I hope your kitty does well on it. Please keep us posted.

**Catlady711** · 12-02-2007, 09:52 PM

Clindamycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. To diagnose your cat with a urinary bacterial infection, I'm guessing they obtained a sample to look at under the microscope? If they were able to actually see which bacteria was causing the problem then that makes it easier to choose which antibiotic would work best. While some meds may not be the most commonly used for some things, if the vets previous experiences with drug A to treat infection B then they tend to stick with what works. Sometimes that means 'off lable' use of a drug, a use that the drug is not specifically aimed at treating if that is what has worked in their experience.

If you are concerned that you have the right meds then I'd call the office tomorrow morning and ask to be sure so you have peace of mind.

Clindamycin is a bitter tasting medicine, especially as a liquid. I hope your vet flavored it for you. If not and your cat is really disliking the meds then ask your vet if he can flavor it for you.

I hope the infection goes away soon.