Convenia side effects?

[barney74]

I have almost the same problem. Its a month since my cat was given Covenia and he is lethargic, uninterested and eats a little - not at all the cheerful boy I've had for 16 years. Despite the advice you have been given I am of the opinion that the covenia is the problem. What I would like to know is if anyone has managed to get their cat through the 60 days the time this drug sits maliciously in the body; when its supposed to be gone do they return to normal or are the effects long term?

 I now use a homeopathic vet and encourage my cat to drink a lot to rid the system of the harmful chemicals.

Jackie

 

[tmgallagher]

Hi - Did your cat ever recover. My healthy male had a persistent case of conjunctivits and received a Covenia shot and his Program flea shot.  Now he can't walk, he just blops down. He's eating some, but not like before. He sleeps all day and never meows anymore.

 

[white shadow]

Hi and welcome to the forum, tmgallagher!

I believe that you would be well-advised to find a competent feline-only Veterinarian - perhaps look for a cat-only clinic - and have your cat seen as soon as possible.

If you haven't seen this already, this well-respected Veterinarian will explain: Convenia: Worth the Risk?

 

[barney74]

Its now 72 days since Barney had his shot. He remains lethargic, sad, hardly meowing but eating slightly better and drinking madly. I contacted Zoetris the manufacturers of Covenia in the UK and they say it only affects the cat for 40 days and when used with other drugs (in Barney's case Metacam) there are no proven tests for adverse reactions but NOAH (UK drugs body) state there can be adverse affects - when I spoke with a representative he said most vets didn't read their website!

I know I wont ever get my Barney back as he has developed blindness following a seizure( possibly caused by drugs overdose) but I pray that you have a healthier long term diagnosis for your cat.

With love

 

[cattins]

I'm going to cut and paste a post I've just written on a different website because I think that reporting this is important.  My cat was given Convenia and not 5 days later she died. I just want to add to the discussion that my cat 13 year old went into the doctor for a UTI.  The doctor felt we caught early since she had just showed signs and sent her home. She was a "healthy" cat by vet standards.  Blood tests showed nothing remarkable and physical assessment was fine which included imaging (no blockage).  She did give her IV Fluids in case she could flush out the UTI (no antibiotic).

That night she was showing signs of lethargy and refusal to eat/move.  We took her to ER that night after seeing first vet and the doc confirmed no physical symptoms and UTI.  This doctor felt she was lethargic because she had been over-hydrated since she was drinking water fine and then given IV fluids.  She then gave her a shot of Convenia (without asking let me add).  The very next day/later that night (within hours) my cat was drooling and her head was shaking slightly.  I took her to the first vet who confirmed no physical issues but sent me to a different ER with a Internal Specialist since she was showing some neurological signs with the shaking and she was obviously sick now.  She stayed overnight at the hospital for 2 days... you can probably guess what we learned next and in the following order:

Severe Anemia
Liver Failure
Kidney Failure
Neurological Symptoms Increasing
Heart Murmur

We had to put her down within 5 days of receiving the shot.  We took her home to say goodbye to her brother and to a different specialist who informed us that there was nothing more they could do for her because she was too far gone.  For a cat that was given a clean bill of health (other than UTI WITH NO BLOCKAGE) by 2 different vets it is pretty suspicious that she was deathly ill within 48 hours.  It was a horrible feeling to know that should I have not went to the first ER (because I'm a helicopter cat mom) this would never have happened.  

Please, anyone reading this, think twice before administering this long lasting drug.  The side effects are devastating and usually happen quickly and can be fatal.  I would rather have given her medication orally for 2 years than have this happen!
 

 

[barney74]

My Barney died 5 weeks ago so, in many ways, I know exactly how you are feeling - empty, bereft and lost internally but at the same time angry that such a terrible series of events could have been imposed upon your innocent , reliant and loving pet.

All of our stories are different but have a link and I wonder how much longer the drugs companies can continue to persuade vets to administer these lethal antibiotics.

At present I am taking my UK vet to the RCVS regarding inadequate and inappropriate treatment, for not getting my consent to give the drug and for not informing me of the side effects.

I continue to fee guilty so send you my love and prayers to help you through this horrid experience.

Jackie

 

[prairie woman]

If you go to the manufacturer's site to read about Convenia you'll soon discover that it is being prescribed 'off label' to many pets for a variety of illnesses.  I took my cat in and despite my questions I wasn't given the full picture of the risk involved.  That was about 6 days ago and he seems to be doing ok.  As soon as I got him home I went to the net to read up on it and was in a fury to learn that it had been misused for my elderly cat's condition.  I have been watching him carefully because that vet is going to get a visit soon from me without the cat.  I am also considering a complaint to the state veterinary board regarding the off label use of the drug.  I'm troubled because the vet reassured me rather than answer my questions.  When I asked about risks and side effects he did not disclose any to me.  I brought my pet home ill-equipped to deal with any problems because the vet failed to fully inform me. And he did it so easily despite the fact that he had never seen my pet before and only had the basic information on him.  He did no blood tests or other tests.   

My pet was not eating, had experienced several days of diarrhea, was lethargic and had a fever.  No skin disease or evidence of abscess.  My vet was out of town so I took him to someone new because he just couldn't wait for treatment.  I knew he needed fluids.  I had been syringe feeding him but it wasn't enough.  The fluids and the drug helped him and he appears to be recovering.  I started feeding him Gerber baby food meat mixed with a little baby rice cereal.  Now he's graduated to a wet canned kitty food and his regular dry food.  His bowl movements have form to them now.   He's gained some weight but seems to have a cold.  I'm watching that and my vet should be back shortly.  I am unsure from the literature on line whether he can now have other antibiotics if needed. 

Don't let a vet get away with killing or damaging your pet by prescribing this drug 'off label'. Contact your state's vet board, send a written complaint to the vet and contact the manufacturer.  It is likely they will tell you their drug is not the cause of your pet's condition but eventually the complaints to the vet boards will reach a critical mass and something will be done.   

 

[barney74]

I am so sorry to hear of your problems and hope that your cat will make a sound recovery. If you read back you will note that in the UK I have contacted the veterinary professional association(RCVS) and the manufacturers of the drug. The only way to get things changed is to work together and pressurised the drugs company to come clean. Unfortunately vets are strongly influenced by these companies so we cannot expect much from them. Good luck

Jackie

 

[kspenney]

Penney went to the veterinary August 13, 2013 because she wasn't drinking and wasn't urinating as was usual for her. Penney was given a Convenia/Baytril/Dex injection. I didn't question it and I'm not in the medical profession. Maybe I should have learned what the vet wanted to give Penney, come back home and learned more about it -- but hindsight is always a should-have.

Penney started horrible sneezing Sunday, August 18, 2013, and she would shake her head and fluid would fly everywhere. Penney hasn't acted the same since last Tuesday, August 13, 2013. She did start eating, drinking and eliminating more like normal but that didn't last long.

To myself I questioned if any of these could be the cause for how's she acting now:

1. She isn't eating good, at least not like she was eating before. I bought her a water fountain (vet suggestion) and she would drink from it at first then stopped.

2. She started sneezing Sunday, August 18, 2013.

Could any of these have caused the sneezing to start?

A) I started wondering if maybe it could be the dirt work I had done and the seeding and fertilizer that was applied. Even though she doesn't go outside she does go down into the garage and I know it's not airtight. So, starting today I'm not letting her down into the garage. I have to go out and water the seeding and I could be bringing in stuff on my clothing and self. Don't know what to do about that if that's the cause of the sneezing.  I started watering the seeding August 14 or 15, 2013.

B) Another thought I had that might have started her sneezing is that it was really hot driving back home from Maryville last Tuesday. She started panting about halfway home. When we got home and I let her out of her carrier she went right upstairs and into my bedroom and under the bed.

C) I bought different litter this time, same brand but different clumping (I think that's right) and she started using that last Monday or Tuesday.

3. She does eat her dry food, at least more than she did before but she's not eating and drinking what had been normal for her. Since she's not eating and drinking much, she isn't eliminating much.

Sneezing, lethargy, not eating and drinking, and her elimination is way off. These symptoms are not normal for her. Another thing, she doesn't sit on my lap any longer.

August 22, 2013 - The sneezing has become less frequent. I had stopped letting her go down to the garage (that began August 20, 2013). She's still not eating very much. Drinking, not much either. There has been nothing in her littler box since yesterday evening and I don't see anywhere where she might be eliminating otherwise. She doesn't play anymore and she doesn't get on my lap like she used to.

I know I've repeated myself there but I'm so beside myself about how much Penney has changed since taking her to the vet. Penney's a rescue kitty and I love her so much. She's not even three years old yet. Before August 13, 2013, she was so playful and such a talkative kitty and I miss that part of her so much. She's been with me since November 2011.

It's been a bit of a help to read what everyone has written here! Thank you so much!

 

[white shadow]

Welcome to the forum, kspenney !

I'm going to make a suggestion, if I can: I think it's good to have your report about an adverse reaction to Convenia in this thread.....at the same time, I don't want to suggest anything to you by way of treating Penney's symptoms here - lest, it take the thread off and away somewhere else, and cause 

Perhaps, if you'd like, copy some of what you have here and start your own new thread just for her current condition, so people can offer suggestions.

 

[barney74]

I am not sure whether Covenia is totally responsible for her condition - lethargy, inappetance, constipation yes but the sneezing is new to me - it is an allergic response however. As you know Covenia stays in the body for up to 60 days and its side effects evidence themselves soon after injection. I never got my Barney back feeling that his body had been overwhelmed by the amount of drugs administered by the vet. In the UK a website NOAH shows all the contra indications of drugs and you may wish to see if there are any between the group of drugs Penney was given.

All I can say is give her plenty of liquids - some Royal Canin rehydration fluid will help her appetite.

I pray that given time your young friend will recover. Do let me know.

Jackie

 

[kspenney]

Probably sneezing wasn't the correct term to use. Penney was making sounds and then there would be this fluid from her nose or mouth and it would go everywhere. Penney acted in other ways that weren't usual for her. Like for days she didn't make a sound and Penney is a very vocal kitty. Anyway, the violent sneezing or whatever it was has subsided and she's acting some better. I still believe the Convenia was to blame for Penney's unusual actions. Actually, that medication is for skin infections as I understand it. My concern now is if Convenia stays in the system up to 65 days, what if anything can I expect?

Anyway, thank you very much for sharing.

Kay

 

[barney74]

From my experience nothing will happen in the forthcoming weeks except that she will make a slow gradual recovery but whether you will regain her old personality is another question. She is young so will have the kidney capacity to cope with the drug - get a check if you are concerned. Keep the liquids flowing and some good food.

best wishes

Jackie

 

[catness]

Convenia saved my cat's life.

Despite all that is written (the bad stuff), this medicine saved my cat's life.  He had a traumatic injury and was not eating or drinking due to pain and infection.  I live in a remote location and kept him alive by giving subcutaneous fluids until the vet was able to give him Convenia and pain relief.  Within 24 hours he was eating/drinking and using the litterbox again.

I understand that some people's animals may have unfortunate side-effects to certain drugs.  People also have side-effects to some drugs.  Convenia is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which basically means that it covers most bases against different sorts of infections.  Its a cephalosporin, like keflex or cefotaxime.  Sometimes antibiotics cannot cure the sepsis that the animal has, especially if it is too advanced. 

Apart from the fact that not all antibiotics are able to treat every infection, and the fact that some animals have adverse events or allergic reactions, I am sure that vets would not prescribe a drug which they knew would kill off their patients.  No patients, no money.  Apart from that, pets are usually vets because they love animals.

The nursing care that we give to our sick pets also plays a large part in their recovery.

 

[denice]

I think the issue that most of us has with Convenia is the lenghth of time it stays in the system.  If a cat has an adverse reaction to a medication that is given daily it will be short lived.  The Convenia stays in the system and the reaction and the damage it is doing will last until the medication works out of his system.

 

[heartmycats]

 
Convenia saved my cat's life.

Thank you so much for this post. I just joined this site this very minute. I have been googling my cat's symptoms and medication for a couple days now trying to alleviate the stress I am feeling over the whole ordeal. She was abandoned by the neighbours last year and showed up at my doorstep this past April. 

Everything was going fine and I was trying to find her a home, but somehow she wormed her way into my heart (a very easy accomplishment I’m not ashamed to say), so I kept her. A couple weeks ago I notice a swelling of one of her nipples, and was uncertain what it was. I probably waited too long to seek medical attention, but when she became lethargic and turning her nose up at food, I took her in. The vet said he thought it was mastitis, though she had not been nor was she at the time, pregnant. I don’t know if she ever became pregnant previously because I didn’t know the neighbours well; only that they didn’t look after her the way they should, but I digress. 

Came home and she seemed a bit better after the vet gave her an injection at the office for her fever. For the first two days I gave her the pills and everything seemed okay. She was still subdued, but she was drinking and eating and using the litter normally, so I figured she was just fighting the infection. Then this morning I noticed she had some kind of ulcer on her posterior and it scared me to death. I took her in this afternoon and the vet (a different one) gave her convenia. He did not discuss it with me nor did he tell me about any side affects. Just said it was a concentrated antibacterial injection that would cover her for two weeks and the wound should heel up by then. He also gave her a pain injection (buprenophin) for which I was grateful because when we came home, she ate like a maniac and then promptly slept for several hours, which I think she needed. When she awoke, she walked around the apartment, sat with me for a bit and then went back into my room to hide under my bed. She was doing this last night as well, so I don’t think it’s something directly resulting from my visit today. I’m just so beside myself with worry and stress and I feel so completely helpless. All I can do is hope that what they’ve done for her will work and she will get better and stronger each day. 

Most of the stuff I’ve been reading on the net have just made my stress level worse, so I wanted to say thanks for this . It has given me an elevated hope. Ash has not been mine long, but she is such a beautiful and affectionate girl, I couldn’t help but love her from the start. What scares me most is the vet I saw had no idea what he was dealing with and seemed somewhat disinterested in finding out. He appeared more interested in just giving her the antibiotics and getting her out of the office. Shouldn’t they do blood tests or something? *sigh* 

sorry for the long winded post. Been holding a lot in because I have no one to really talk to about this. Needed to get this out. Thanks for listening .. . or reading, as it were.

 

[stephanietx]

Welcome to TCS!  Thank you for adopting Ash and giving her a home.  You have done the best you can with her problems.  You went to the vet at the appropriate times and you've gotten treatment.  Every cat responds differently to medications and your girl may do great on it.  It did help with both of my kitties who had the shot, but I didn't like the fact that it made them sleep all. the. time. for over a week.  They ate, used the box, and that was it.  So, be informed and if you notice any of the side effects, be prepared to call the vet or take her back in. 

 

[maureen brad]

Remy had over a dozen teeth extracted in late Oct. He had a covenia shot at that time. When he got home he walked like a drunk and had balance problems for days. The vet says he has healed well .He is a totally different cat now. He is lifeless and listless, isolating himself and sleeping all the time.He had been a social little guy and playful too.He does have FIV but the vet said he was a very healthy cat . He may be very healthy but what the heck happened to him? He eats fine and has no problems at the litterbox he just acts like a Zombie. I have read a lot about other cats acting this was after Covenia.Shouldn't this be gone by now?

 

[bigred1963]

Hello all!

i am besides myself reading all these bad things about covenia!   My baby boy BJ is very ill so I took him to my vet and he administered a shot of this i didnt even think about asking him about side effects-- STUPID ME--- If anything happens to him because of this I will NEVER FORGIVE MYSELF!!! hAS anyone ever had any good news with this??? please let me know

Thank you

Cheryl

 

[denice]

Actually most kitties don't have dire side effects from it, probably actually no more than many other antibiotics.  The problem with covenia is that if there is side effects it stays in the system so long and nothing can be done but wait it out.  With other antibiotics you can simply quit giving it and the side effects subside.  I personally prefer to pill every day but some kitties are extremely difficult to pill.  It's also used with ferals where daily pilling isn't possible.