Cobactan for cats

Cobactan is a powerful fourth-generation antibiotic prescribed for cats with bacterial infections. It is typically used when other antibacterial treatments have failed. Initially, the drug was developed for cows and other farm animals by Dutch specialists at Intervet. It is now successfully used to treat pets.

General description

Cobactan is an oily suspension for injection. It is white in color, but may have a barely noticeable brown tint. If the bottle is left standing for an extended period, the suspension may separate. This will result in a sediment at the bottom, but it can be easily shaken.

The medicinal solution is packaged in clear glass bottles with a capacity of 50 or 100 ml. Since the medication is designed for farm animals, the manufacturer does not offer smaller packaging options. Even a 50 ml bottle for cats is uneconomical, as almost the entire bottle would have to be discarded. This is because, once opened, the medication is only suitable for use for 28 days, after which it must be discarded.

Since a smaller bottle of Cobactan costs 1,500 rubles or more, some clinics sell it in syringes. You can purchase only the amount needed for the entire course. This purchasing option is more convenient for cat owners, as they don't have to pay for a medication that will later be discarded.

If the medication is in a vial, no special storage conditions are necessary. The temperature should be between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the antibiotic should be stored out of reach of sunlight. Do not freeze the suspension. If you purchased the medication in a syringe, it's best to refrigerate it, but warm it to room temperature before administering it to the animal. You can warm the medication fairly quickly by hand.

How it works

The main component of Cobactan is cefquine. Its content in 1 ml of solution is 25 mg. This substance is characterized by broad antibacterial activity. The drug is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is capable of destroying the following types of pathogenic microorganisms:

• salmonella;
• Citrobacter;
• Enterobacter;
• streptococci;
• corynebacteria;
• staphylococci;
• E. coli;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• clostridia;
• harmful bacteria;
• proteins, etc.

Cobactan's active ingredient inhibits bacterial proliferation and has a destructive effect on the walls of pathogenic microorganisms, leading to their rapid death. Depending on the animal's size and characteristics, the concentration of the antibacterial agent in the blood reaches its peak 15 to 60 minutes after injection. The drug's effect lasts for 24 hours, so it's recommended to administer the injections at the same time.

Please note! This antibacterial product does not contain stabilizers, preservatives, or other auxiliary components that could cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is classified as a low-hazard substance. When taken at the correct dosage, it does not cause adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, or other internal organs.

When is it applied?

According to the instructions, Cobactan for cats can be used to treat conditions caused by bacteria. It is prescribed in the following cases:

• with tracheitis;
• in case of pneumonia;
• for bronchitis;
• for other inflammations of the respiratory system;
• for cystitis;
• for arthritis;
• for dermatitis;
• for salmonellosis;
• for pasteurellosis;
• with meningitis;
• for diseases of the digestive system caused by bacteria;
• for inflammation of the genitourinary system;
• in sepsis, etc.

Antibacterial agents are considered safe, but the decision to use them should be made by a doctor. Incorrect treatment may not only fail to produce the desired results but also alter the clinical presentation (symptoms) of the disease.

Depending on the severity and characteristics of the condition, Cobactan may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Additional medications are usually prescribed to relieve symptoms.

How to apply

Cats are given antibiotic injections. intramuscularlyFor small animals, it's better to replace regular syringes with insulin syringes. They have a thin needle, making injections less painful. To calculate the correct dosage, weigh the pet and then measure out 0.1 ml of the medicinal solution for every kilogram of body weight.

Be sure to follow a few simple rules:

1. Before use, shake the contents of the bottle well to ensure the suspension is uniform.
2. For injections, use sterile syringes and needles.
3. Inject the medication in a different location each time. This is necessary because injections are painful.

Cobactan injections are given to cats once daily, at the same time if possible. Treatment usually lasts 3-5 days; in some cases, a doctor may prescribe a longer course, but this is usually unnecessary. Avoid skipping injections, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Avoid stopping treatment prematurely, even after some symptoms have resolved, as this can worsen the condition and further treatment.

Contraindications and side effects

The veterinary instructions for use indicate that Cobactan should not be used in cats if they are allergic to any of the ingredients. If your pet has hypersensitivity, ensure the safety of the product (no allergic reactions). It is also not recommended to use the antibiotic during pregnancy or lactation.

Important! This medication has no other contraindications, but consult a veterinarian before using it on young kittens or animals with severe chronic kidney or liver disease.

Painful swelling and a lump may develop at the injection site. This usually requires no special treatment and resolves on its own within 10-15 days. No other side effects are noted in the instructions. In case of allergic reactions, the animal should be given an antiallergic medication.

Advantages and disadvantages

Cobactan has many benefits:

• Highly effective. This fourth-generation antibiotic is highly effective in killing a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Safety. Rarely causes side effects, and is well tolerated by animals even with slight overdose.
• Minimal contraindications. The antibiotic is approved for use in virtually all animals, regardless of breed or weight.
• Can be used in combination therapy. It can be combined with other medications. Cobactan should not be used concurrently with other antibacterial agents, particularly cephalosporins.

The following points should be noted as disadvantages:

• Painful injections. Due to pain, the animal may resist injections, complicating treatment. At a minimum, you'll need to enlist the help of an assistant to hold the pet.
• Large packaging. Buying even a 50 ml bottle for cats is impractical. You won't be able to use it all, and you can't store it open for long.

Cobactan is generally easy to find. It's sold in both traditional and online veterinary pharmacies. Many veterinary clinics also stock it.

Owner reviews

Irina, owner of a 9-year-old cat:

"We were prescribed Cobactan to treat cystitis, which developed due to chronic renal failure. We couldn't find the small bottles at the pharmacy, and I really didn't want to pay 1,500 rubles for 50 ml, so I bought the medication in syringes at the clinic. The injections lasted three days. Improvements were noticeable after the first injection. To be fair, I should note that this was a combination treatment. There were no side effects."

Ekaterina, owner of a Scottish cat:

"The cat was treated for salmonella due to poisoning from stale meat it had taken from the trash. Cobactan was the primary treatment. To stop the diarrhea and other symptoms, the doctor prescribed Smecta and other medications. The medication is effective, but very painful. Giving the cat the injections was a real ordeal—she struggled and scratched."

Veterinarian Reviews

Alexander, veterinarian, 10 years of experience:

"Cobactan is a very powerful antibiotic. I only prescribe it when fluoroquinolone antibiotics are ineffective. Side effects are extremely rare, so the medication is considered safe, although it should not be used without a doctor's prescription."

Alina, a veterinarian with 5 years of experience:

"I first learned about this antibiotic during an internship on a cow farm. It was used to treat necrobacteriosis. The results were excellent. I still use this medication now, including on my pets, although not often due to the high price and large packaging. But if other antibiotics don't work, Cobactan is the best option."

Read also:

• Enromag for cats
• Ciprovet for cats
• Tylosin for cats