FELINE CHLAMYDIA PSITTACI INFECTION
TREATMENT
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Although several antibiotics may have some effect on relieving the clinical signs
of chlamydial infection, tetracyclines remain the drugs of choice.
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As systemic infection has been demonstrated it is probably advisable to treat
both systemically and topically.
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Ophthalmic ointment containing tetracycline should be applied 3-4 times daily.
Currently only chlortetracycline is available in the UK.
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Oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg, 3 times daily) or doxycycline, a tetracycline derivative,
(10 mg/kg, once a day), should be given systemically.
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All cats in the household should be treated simultaneously for at least 34 weeks
or for at least 2 weeks after clinical signs have disappeared.
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Systemic tetracyclines are theoretically contraindicated in pregnant cats or
in young kittens where there is calcification occurring. There is little evidence
that treatment does, in fact, affect kittens' teeth but owners should be aware
of the possibility.
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Erythromycin and tylosin may also be effective treatments, but no controlled
trials have been carried out in cats.
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