Lecaderm for cats

Lekaderm is a combination medication for topical use in cats for dermatitis, eczema, and other skin conditions. Its key feature is its comprehensive action—it effectively eliminates the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition. It is popular among breeders and veterinarians due to its fast and effective action. Its formula was developed by specialists at Arterium.

General description

This ointment is for external use. It is packaged in 15g tubes. Each tube is additionally packaged in a cardboard box and comes with instructions for use. Store the medication on a shelf in a cabinet or other location out of direct sunlight. The temperature should be between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Lekaderm is a unique development among veterinary drugs. It has no analogues among drugs created for animals, but has the same composition as the human ointment Triderm, which is successfully used for treatment of dermatitis, complicated by infections or fungi.

Efficiency and complex effect are achieved through a combination of three active components:

• betamethasone dipropionate;
• gentamicin sulfate;
• Clotrimazole.

The composition includes liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly, purified water, benzyl alcohol, and other auxiliary components. They perform several functions:

• provide the necessary consistency to the preparation;
• retain the pharmacological properties of active components over a long period;
• improve the penetration of active substances into the skin;
• soften the epidermis in affected areas and have a positive effect on tissue regeneration.

Operating principle

Lecaderm has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antifungal properties. Its triple action is the result of a combination of three components that effectively complement each other:

• Betamethasone Dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid. This hormonal substance has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the synthesis of substances involved in inflammatory processes. Furthermore, it constricts blood vessels, eliminating itching and redness. It effectively suppresses allergic reactions by modulating the immune system and reducing vascular permeability.
• Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including streptococci, staphylococci, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. It is equally effective against primary and secondary infections.
• Clotrimazole It has antifungal properties. It prevents the development of fungal infections caused by Candida, Mycosporum, Trichophyton, and other pathogenic fungi.

In general, the drug is considered safe for animals, but since it contains a hormonal substance, a doctor's consultation is required before use.

When used

Lecaderm is prescribed to cats for the treatment of the following diseases:

• for eczema;
• for allergic dermatitis;
• for dermatophytosis caused by fungal infections;
• at atopic dermatitis;
• for bacterial inflammation of the skin.

The drug is often used for dermatitis accompanied by a secondary infection. In this case, the medication works on two fronts: it stops the underlying condition and eliminates the inflammatory process. If Lecaderm is used to treat allergic dermatitis, the underlying cause of the allergy must also be addressed, such as protecting the animal from insects, adjusting the diet, and so on.

How to apply

According to the instructions, Lekaderm for cats is used externally. Follow these steps:

1. Affected areas of the epidermis should be cleaned of crusts and scabs. Special cleansing lotions may be used.
2. Next, completely shave the affected area. This will simplify the application process and improve the penetration of the active ingredients into the skin.
3. Apply a thin layer of ointment over the entire affected area, leaving 1-2 cm of healthy skin at the edges. Gently massage the ointment into the epidermis, using gentle movements.

Don't let your cat lick the medication. To prevent this, you can use a neck collar. Alternatively, you can hold the animal until the ointment is completely absorbed. This process usually takes no more than half an hour. When applying the ointment, be careful not to get it in the animal's eyes. Avoid applying it to open wounds.

Please note! Lekaderm is often used in combination therapy, that is, in combination with other medications.

Typically, treatment is performed twice daily—morning and evening. Once the pet's condition noticeably improves, the ointment is applied only once daily. Treatment is usually continued until test results confirm the absence of a bacterial or fungal infection, but the course should not exceed 20 days. If necessary, the next course should be started only after 20 days. Lecaderm ointment for cats should not be used continuously, as it contains a hormonal substance and can be addictive. With long-term use, the dosage should be gradually reduced.

Contraindications and side effects

Contraindications include hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients. It is advisable to avoid using the ointment during pregnancy and lactation. The decision on use should be made by a physician, taking into account the mother's condition and the risk to future offspring.

The medication is generally well tolerated by animals. In case of intolerance to any of the components, the following symptoms may occur:

• itching;
• redness;
• peeling;
• weeping wounds, etc.

If side effects occur, a different medication should be considered for treatment. In some cases, an antiallergic medication may be required.

Advantages and disadvantages

Lecaderm is successfully used to treat skin diseases in cats and has many advantages:

• Quickly relieves itching and other unpleasant symptoms.
• Eliminates inflammation and prevents the development of secondary infection.
• It is highly effective, as it has a triple effect (treatment results are usually noticeable within a few days).
• Rarely causes side effects, can be used for cats of different breeds and sizes.
• It is successfully used for the treatment of dermatological diseases of various origins.
• It is quickly absorbed and does not leave greasy marks on bedding, upholstery and other surfaces.

Another advantage is the medication's affordability—it's available in almost all veterinary pharmacies. The price of a 15-gram tube of Lekaderm ranges from 450 to 550 rubles at various retail locations.

The disadvantages of the drug include the following:

• The need to trim the hair in the affected areas.
• Compliance with a special regimen for long-term treatment.
• Preventing licking of the drug (sometimes this becomes a real problem, especially in the absence of a cervical collar).
• The need to take breaks between courses during long-term treatment.

In most cases, fast action and high efficiency outweigh the inconvenience of use.

Owner reviews

Ekaterina, owner of a 4-year-old cat:

"Our cat periodically brings fleas home and starts itching profusely. The only thing that helps us with the scratching is Lecaderm. We first treat the fleas, then use the ointment for a couple of days. The itching usually subsides on the second day, and within 3-4 days, the skin is completely restored. It may not be the cheapest product, but it works great. I always keep a tube of the ointment in my medicine cabinet."

Olga, owner of a 7-year-old cat:

"Our cat suffers from food allergies. When introducing a new food, he initially feels fine, but after 1-2 months, he starts scratching profusely. He scratches until he bleeds. We tried a bunch of medications, but he continued to scratch until the vet recommended Lecaderm. The symptoms began to subside within just a couple of days. Now we always have this medication in our medicine cabinet. As soon as an allergy flares up, we immediately apply this ointment. It works great every time."

Veterinarian Reviews

Mikhail, a veterinarian with 11 years of experience:

"I consider Lekaderm one of the best medications for treating dermatitis in animals. Its main advantage is its rapid action. Usually, by the second day, the animal begins to scratch less and becomes calmer. Another advantage is the prevention of secondary infection, which greatly complicates the course of the disease. The price is reasonable and it's available in all pharmacies."

Galina, a veterinarian with 7 years of experience:

"Lecaderm is effective. It's hard to argue with that. It always works, eliminating even the most severe itching and inflammation in a short time. However, I wouldn't recommend pet owners use the ointment without a doctor's prescription. The use of hormonal medications should be supervised by a doctor."

Read also:

• Dexamethasone for cats
• Dexafort for cats
• Vakderm for cats