THE WONDERS OF
ANTIBIOTICS
Used sensibly and only when absolutely necessary, antibiotics are a valuable asset in the treatment of feline illnesses By Steve Eldridge P O L IC Y A D V IS O R O N A N T IB IO T IC R E S IS T A N C E V E T E R IN A R Y M
H
as your cat ever been prescribed antibiotics? If so, you may have seen how, in a few days, she went from feeling very poorly back to her usual self. However, have you ever wondered what actually happened inside your cat to cause this transformation? If your cat has been prescribed antibiotics by your vet it will be to treat an infection suspected to be caused by ‘bad’ bacteria (most bacteria are ‘good’ and are needed for good health). Inside your 8
E D IC IN E S D IR E C T O R A T E
cat, these ‘bad’ bacteria have multiplied enough to cause unpleasant symptoms which, if left alone, could cause her condition to worsen or even die. Because the structure of the bacteria and how they multiply varies, the way they need to be attacked also varies. This is why there are different classes of antibiotics, each designed to attack specific types of bacteria in the most effective way. Some will break apart the cell walls of the bacteria, killing them. Others stop
the bacteria from reproducing, leaving your cat’s natural defences to fight off the ones that remain. To help your cat get better your vet will decide which bacteria are likely to be causing the illness and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. Because not all antibiotics are the same, it is important you only ever use them as prescribed for your cat and for that illness. Don’t be tempted to keep them for another time, or pass them to a friend for their pet, as
DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk
08-09_CW 453.indd 8
20/10/2015 14:47