If your Kitty suffers from chronic diarrhea or irritable bowel disease, you have not only a sick cat but an awful mess to clean up. Tylosin, marketed under the name Tylan, can help Kitty's gastrointestinal system get back to normal. But it won't be of any use for a constipation sufferer.
Tylan
While your vet might prescribe Tylan for Kitty if he's suffering from diarrhea, it isn't used for constipation. If your cat's constipated, your vet might prescribe laxatives -- but don't give laxatives to Kitty unless your vet gives the OK. In addition to gastrointestinal disorders, Tylan is used to treat other infections, including those involving the urinary tract, the skin, the respiratory system and the ears. It shouldn't be used in pregnant or lactating cats. If certain intestinal parasites are causing Kitty's distress, Tylan can knock them out. If your friends are true cat people, they'll understand the happiness you experience when Kitty's poop returns to normal.
Side Effects
Tylan has few side effects unless Kitty is allergic to antibiotics in general. If he's inadvertently given antibiotics he's allergic to, he might stop eating or vomit. Occasionally, Tylan makes can make Kitty's diarrhea worse. Because the pill form's bad taste makes the medication hard to give to cats, many vets use an injectable form. With any injectable medication or vaccine, there's always a risk of swelling at the injection site. If you do give Kitty a pill, he might salivate after swallowing it.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
More common as cats age, inflammatory bowel disease can occur in the large or small intestine, or both. IBD might respond to careful management, although it's actually incurable. See your vet, who might recommend a change of diet to help Kitty. She might also prescribe Tylan to help alleviate the diarrhea. Other drugs, including steroids, might be prescribed for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Cryptosporidiosis
A fairly common parasite in cats, cryptosporidia could be the cause of Kitty's misery. Once inside Kitty, these parasites inhabit the small bowel. Kitty can pick them up if he comes in contact with infected cats' droppings or if they've been shed from infected animals near food or water. Kitty comes down with diarrhea, along with dehydration if the diarrhea is severe. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, treatment might include 10 to 15 milligrams of Tylan, depending on Kitty's weight, for two to three weeks.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Writer Bio
Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City.