Looking for help with a cat's medication and possible side effects, please only knowledgeable answers?

Question

Our kitty was at the vet's office this morning and she was prescribed Metacam (for pain), Baytril (for infection), and a laxitive to help her stomach. The diagnosis was that she had an inflamation in her anal glands that prevented her from having bowel movements; this caused pushing on her bladder which created her infection. Anyway, she has been very lethargic (difficult to wake) and she has something that appear to be spasms in her sleep. She was given the Metacam via injection at 11:30am and we gave her the Baytril at noon, and she has had 2 doses of the laxative. I assume it is not the laxative because they generally do not have severe side effects. Could this be a side effect of the medication? I plan on calling the vet first thing in the morning to discuss this with him, but we would like some peace of mind tonight. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I would call him tonight, but this is a small city and it's amazing enough that they are open on Saturdays.

Answer 1

It is not a side effect of the medications. Do you know what her temperature is? Could be she is lethargic from a fever. Also, now that she is on pain medication she may just be comfortable enough to rest, if she has been in pain for the past few days and unable to sleep she may just be catching up. If you notice any vomiting, diarhhea or anorexia contact your vet. Here are some excerpts from Plumbs Veterinary Drug Handbook

Meloxciam (MetaCam)-
Adverse Effects/Warnings

Experience in Europe and Canada has demonstrated a relatively safe adverse effect profile for meloxicam in dogs. GI distress is the most commonly reported adverse effect, but apparently only occurs occasionally and is usually transient. Renal toxicity appears to be quite low. Very rarely, serious effects (including death) have been reported. It is unknown if the hepatotoxicity seen with some other NSAIDs used in dogs occurs with meloxicam.

Enrofloxacin (Baytril) -
Adverse Effects/Warnings

With the exception of potential cartilage abnormalities in young animals (see Contraindications above), the adverse effect profile of enrofloxacin is usually limited to GI distress (vomiting, anorexia). In dogs, rare incidences of elevated hepatic enzymes, ataxia, seizures, depression, lethargy and nervousness have also been reported. Hypersensitivity reactions or crystalluria could potentially occur.

In cats, rare incidences of ocular toxicity have been reported characterized by mydriasis, retinal degeneration and blindness. These effects were generally seen at higher dosage ranges (>15 mg/kg) and have necessitated a reduction in dosage recommendations in cats to a maximum of 5 mg/kg/day. Other rare adverse effects seen in cats may include: vomiting, anorexia, elevated hepatic enzymes, diarrhea, ataxia, seizures, vocalization and aggression.

Answer 2

Why not call the vet tonight? Most reputable vets have an emergency service line, or an alternate number to call in case of off hour emergencies. Most likely the spasms are from the Metacam, not much to worry about, and she's lethargic because of the metacam as well, just as pain killers make us lethargic. But ease your mind and call your vet, thats what you pay him for!

You may want to read up on Metacam, from what I understand, a lot of vets aren't very fond of it. Speak further with your vet about that. I doubt the baytril is what is bothering her, its just an antibiotic, unless she's got an allergic reaction. Most likely though, she's just feeling yucky, can ya blame her? Just hold her close to you and get some rest.

Answer 3

I don't know about the Metacam,I had a cat with cancer who took it daily for three months with no problems,but Baytril can cause seizures in cats and dogs.I would call the vet in the morning. I hope the cat is OK.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&articleid=1405

Answer 4

Only a vet can answer this question, I would take your cat to the vets as soon as you can, they know what they have perscribed and what the side effects are. So dont delay take him.I hope he is soon better.