TREATMENT
Because Cryptosporidium species, Giardia species, and T. foetus have been detected in the feces of cats with and without diarrhea, a positive test result does not always prove the agent
is the cause of diarrhea. If the diagnostic workup does not reveal another cause of diarrhea, initiate treatment. Like bacteria,
protozoans can have variable responses to different drugs. So be prepared to try an alternate drug if a cat's clinical signs
don't resolve.
Cryptosporidium species
More than 100 compounds have been evaluated to treat cryptosporidiosis in laboratory animal models, people, and cattle, but
no treatment has consistently eliminated clinical signs or the organism from the gastrointestinal tract. Few studies have
described the treatment of feline cryptosporidiosis, and to our knowledge, none have been controlled.
Tylosin
In one case report, clindamycin hydrochloride (25 mg/kg orally daily) was administered to a cat with chronic cryptosporidiosis
and lymphocytic duodenitis.28 After 60 days of therapy, there was no further improvement in stool consistency, and oocysts were still detected. So clindamycin
was discontinued on Day 60, and tylosin was administered (11 mg/kg orally twice daily) for 28 days. Stools were normal within
seven days after tylosin therapy was initiated, and the fecal samples assessed for oocysts during the treatment were negative.
The results from eight fecal examinations were negative for oocysts six months after the completion of tylosin therapy. The
inflammatory changes in the bowel resolved after treatment, suggesting the inflammation was from Cryptosporidium species infection.
We have treated many cats with presumed cryptosporidiosis with tylosin at a dosage of 10 to 15 mg/kg given orally twice daily
for 21 days, and diarrhea has resolved in about 50% of the cases (Lappin MR, Scorza AV, Department of Clinical Sciences, College
of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colo: Unpublished data, 2006). However,
these observations are uncontrolled, and the signs in the affected cats may have resolved spontaneously. It is also possible
the anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effects of tylosin played a role in clinical responses. In addition, tylosin is not
tolerated by most cats because of its unpleasant taste.
Azithromycin
Azithromycin has been evaluated in animal models of infection and in people that have cryptosporidiosis with some encouraging
preliminary results.52 Azithromycin achieves high biliary concentrations. In a recent study, administering azithromycin to dairy cows infected
with Cryptosporidium species significantly reduced oocyst shedding and improved clinical signs of diarrhea.53 We currently recommend azithromycin at a dosage of 10 mg/kg given orally daily in cats that are intolerant or nonresponsive
to tylosin. The optimal duration of therapy is unknown but is usually several weeks. Other than the potential for mild gastrointestinal
side effects, the drug appears safe for use in cats.
|
Featuring Information from:
