Loxicom for cats
Loxicom is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with inflammation in cats. The medication is effective as a pain reliever for various conditions, but only in combination with other medications that target the underlying causes.
Content
General description
Loxicom is a light yellow suspension. A sediment may form at the bottom during long-term storage, but this is easily broken up by shaking. The manufacturer uses polymer bottles with screw-on caps for packaging the liquid. Each bottle is packaged in a cardboard box and includes a dosing syringe with a scale for easy measuring of the required amount of medication.
The pain-relieving formula was developed by the British company Norbrook Laboratories Limited. The drug's base is meloxicam. In Loxicom, intended for cats, its concentration is 0.5 mg/ml. The composition also includes the following excipients:
- glycerol;
- citric acid;
- sodium benzoate;
- povidone K30;
- purified water, etc.
There are no special storage requirements for the suspension. The main thing is to store it in a dry place away from ultraviolet rays and at a temperature between 0 and 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the medication out of reach of children and pets, as unsupervised use can cause serious health problems, including internal bleeding.
Please note! Once opened, the medicinal liquid can only be stored for 6 months. To remember the opening date, attach a sticker.
Pharmacological properties
The medicinal suspension has the following effect:
- normalizes body temperature and reduces fever;
- eliminates pain;
- relieves swelling;
- relieves inflammatory processes.
The drug's mechanism of action is based on the active ingredient, meloxicam. Its key feature is that it blocks the production of substances involved in inflammatory processes, causing swelling and other symptoms.
The medication is absorbed in the intestines and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, making it effective regardless of the location of pain. Peak blood concentrations of the active ingredient are reached after 4.5 hours, but the drug begins to act significantly earlier. Meloxicam is metabolized in the liver and eliminated primarily through bile.
Please note! This medication is classified as moderately hazardous. It may cause side effects, so it is not recommended to use it without a doctor's prescription.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, Loxicom for cats is prescribed as a pain reliever in the following cases:
- for acute or chronic diseases of the joints and spine;
- for fractures, dislocations and other injuries;
- in case of damage to soft tissues (bruises, tissue ruptures caused by a sharp object, etc.);
- in inflammatory processes of other origins.
The drug can also be used for dental problems or other conditions associated with severe pain. Loxicom is often prescribed in the postoperative period to reduce fever, prevent swelling, and relieve pain. This medication helps the animal cope better with the aftereffects of surgery.
The drug is used exclusively for symptomatic relief. It helps reduce animal suffering during injuries, acute illnesses, or exacerbations of chronic diseases. Therefore, the medication is usually used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, in combination with other medications.
How to apply
For cats, a suspension containing 0.5 mg/ml of meloxicam is used. Before use, shake the bottle well to ensure even distribution of the ingredients. The medication should be administered once daily during feeding. It is not recommended to administer the medication on an empty stomach, i.e., before feeding.
The following treatment regimen with Loxicom is usually used:
- On the first day, the animal is given a “shock” dose of the drug – 0.2 ml per kilogram of weight or 0.1 mg of active substance per 1 kg.
- From the second day, the dose is reduced by half - to 0.1 ml per 1 kg of body weight (the so-called “maintenance” dose)
To measure the medicinal liquid, use the included dosing syringe. One division is designed for a 0.5 kg "maintenance" dose. The dosing syringe significantly simplifies the procedure and allows for precise measurement of the required amount of medication, thereby avoiding overdose.
The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor on a case-by-case basis. A course of pain relief should not exceed 10 days. It is not recommended to skip doses of the suspension, as this may negatively impact its effectiveness. If a missed dose is unavoidable, treatment should be resumed as soon as possible, maintaining the same dosage and regimen.
Restrictions and contraindications
This medication should be used with caution, as it has a number of contraindications. It should not be given to cats in the following cases:
- for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
- at renal failure and serious disruptions in the functioning of these organs;
- in case of liver failure and other severe liver diseases;
- in case of hemorrhagic syndrome (tendency to bleed).
Please note! Do not administer the suspension to an animal with a history of meloxicam intolerance.
The medication should also not be used on pregnant cats. Loxicom is contraindicated during lactation and for kittens under 6 weeks of age. The painkiller is not recommended for use in cases of dehydration, decreased blood volume, or low blood pressure. It should only be prescribed in cases of extreme necessity, and then only under veterinary supervision. The usual dose should be halved to reduce the toxic effects of the medication's components on the animal's body.
It is not recommended to combine Loxikom with the following medications:
- drugs that can thin the blood;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- diuretics;
- some species antibiotics;
- medications that are characterized by a high degree of binding to blood proteins.
The drug should also not be combined with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This increases the risk of toxic poisoning, which can cause kidney and liver problems.
Side effects
Sometimes when using Loxicom, an animal may experience the following side effects:
- vomit;
- diarrhea;
- loss of appetite.
If such symptoms occur, discontinue painkiller treatment. Side effects usually resolve on their own and do not require special treatment. If the pet is intolerant to the ingredients, an allergic reaction may occur; therefore, further use is discontinued and an antiallergic medication is given.
If the dose is exceeded, the animal may experience the following symptoms:
- vomiting, diarrhea and other digestive system disorders;
- depressed state;
- bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract (this is indicated by the presence of blood in the stool, as well as black feces).
In this case, discontinue use of the drug. The animal is prescribed symptomatic therapy depending on the severity of the overdose.
Price
The main advantage of using Loxicom suspension for cats is its high effectiveness, but its rather high price is a disadvantage. A 15-ml bottle costs between 800 and 1,000 rubles, depending on the region and pharmacy. The medication is not available in all veterinary pharmacies, which is especially noticeable for residents of rural areas.
Owner reviews
Anna, owner of a 12-year-old cat:
"I noticed my cat was limping. I went to the vet. After X-rays and some tests, they prescribed Loxicom, but the exact cause of the lameness wasn't determined. After the first dose, my cat started vomiting (a couple of hours later). We took a break and then continued. My pet liked the taste of the suspension, but it didn't solve the problem. The lameness persisted."
Victoria, owner of a Scottish Fold cat:
"We used Loxicom for our cat, who was diagnosed with dysplasia. The medication improved his condition slightly. He began moving around the apartment without any problems. We used it for five days, but the main treatment dragged on for months."
Veterinarian Reviews
Lyudmila, a veterinarian with 8 years of experience:
"I believe Loxicom is one of the best pain relievers for cats. It's generally well-tolerated by cats, and when used at the recommended dose, it doesn't cause any side effects. It's a bit pricey, though."
Anton, a veterinarian with 6 years of experience:
"Like other anti-inflammatory drugs, Loxicom can cause serious side effects. I've had several such cases. I haven't used it in my practice since then, as I believe cheaper medications are just as effective."
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