Itraconazole for cats: posology and administration
Fungi are highly resistant organisms that can enter the human or animal body through skin lesions, through the airways or by ingestion and can cause skin diseases in cats or, in more serious situations, such as systemic diseases.
- Sporotrichosis in cats is an example of a fungal infection in which the fungus is inoculated in the skin by scratches or bites of infected animals and can affect animals and humans.
- The treatment of choice for feline sporotrichosis is itraconazole.
- An antifungal drug used in various fungal diseases.
For more information on sporotricosis and, continue reading this Animal Expert article.
Sporotrichosis is a zoonotic disease (which can be transmitted to humans) and fungal disease that occurs worldwide, however, Brazil is the country where the most cases of this disease are reported.
Fungal inoculation, the fungus that enters the body, occurs through existing wounds or injuries caused by contaminated equipment, as well as scratches or bites of infected animals.
Sporotrichosis in cats is quite common and, in these animals, the fungus is lodged under the nails or in the head area (especially in the nose and mouth) and enters the body, so it is possible for the animal to be transmitted to other animals or humans. scratch, bite or have direct contact with the wound.
Sporotrichosis is most common in adult male cats
If you notice suspicious injuries to your pet’s skin, without apparent cause and with a distinctive location or appearance, you should take your pet to the veterinarian, handle it immediately with gloves, and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Here’s a very characteristic picture of this disease so you can better understand its clinical signs.
The main symptoms of feline sporotrichosis are skin lesions, which can range from a single isolated lesion to several skin lesions scattered throughout the body.
These lesions are characterized by bumps/bumps and skin ulcers with secretions, but do not cause itching or pain. The problem is that these wounds don’t respond to antibiotics or other treatment, such as ointments, lotions, or shampoos.
In severe cases, there can be systemic damage and affect various internal organs and structures (such as the lungs, joints and even the central nervous system), ending the animal’s death if left untreated.
As mentioned above, this disease is likely to be transmitted to humans (it is a zoonotic), but it is not a reason to get away or abandon your pet, it is a reason to treat the disease as quickly as possible, avoiding discomfort. your pet and the contagion of those around you.
It is important that feline sporotrichosis is diagnosed as soon as possible and that the diseased animal receives the necessary treatment. The definitive diagnosis is confirmed by isolating the agent in the lab. Read on to learn how to treat sporotrichosis in cats.
Treatment of feline sporotrichosis requires ongoing daily care for a long period of time ranging from a few weeks to several months.
This disease is very difficult to treat and requires a lot of dedication from the tutors, because only cooperation and perseverance will lead to successful treatment.
It is often used as a remedy against sporotrichosis in cats. If you want to know more about this medicine, do not miss the following topic.
Itraconazole is an antifungal derived from imidazole and is used as a treatment of choice for certain fungal diseases due to its powerful antifungal action and fewer side effects compared to other drugs in the same group. It is indicated for a wide variety of fungal infections such as superficial, subcutaneous and systemic fungi, such as dermatophytosis, malassezis and sporotricosis.
In severe cases, it is recommended to combine potassium iodide. It is not an antifungal, but it stimulates the activity of certain body defense cells and, along with itraconazole, becomes the treatment of choice.
This medicine can only be obtained with a prescription and only the veterinarian may tell you the most appropriate dose, frequency and duration of treatment for your pet.
The frequency of administration and dose should be adapted to each animal, depending on the severity of the situation, age and weight. The duration of treatment depends on the underlying cause, response to medications, or the development of side effects.
Itraconazole is available as a drinkable solution (syrup), tablets or capsules. In cats, it is administered orally and is recommended to be provided with food to facilitate its absorption.
You should not stop treatment or increase or decrease the dose unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Even if your pet improves and appears to be cured, treatment should continue for another month, as finishing the antifungal early can cause the mushrooms to develop again and even resist the drug. In cats, it is common for most recurrent lesions to appear in the nose.
It is important not to miss the time of administration, but if the time of the next dose fails and approaches, you should not give twice the dose. You should ignore the missed dose and follow treatment normally.
Itraconazole is one of the remedies for sporotrichosis in cats and is a relatively safe and effective drug only when prescribed by the veterinarian and follows all its recommendations. Compared to other antifungals, it has the least amount of side effects, but it can result in:
If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or routine, you should notify the veterinarian immediately.
This medicinal product should not be used in animals that are hypersensitive to the medicinal product and is not recommended for pregnant, nursing or puppies.
It is important to emphasize that you should never take care of your pet yourself. Indiscriminate use of this medicine can result in an overdose with serious consequences such as hepatitis or liver failure, so care should also be taken in animals that are either liver and/or kidney patients.
Depending on the side effects, your doctor may decrease the dose, increase the interval of administration or even discontinue treatment.
It is impossible to eliminate all existing fungi because they naturally inhabit different types of materials and environments, but prophylaxis is very important. Periodic disinfection and hygiene of spaces and animals can prevent not only recurrence, but also contamination of other animals in the home and humans.
These are the main precautions to be taken in case of a cat with a fungal disease, especially feline sporotrichosis.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to Itraconazole for cats: Dosage and administration, we recommend that you visit our Skin Problems section.