Content
- what is diazepam
- Can you give diazepam to cat?
- Diazepam doses for cats
- Diazepam contraindications for cats
- Diazepam adverse effects for cats
- Diazepam overdose in cats
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will talk about a remedy that we should be especially careful with, diazepam. This precaution is due to your Side effects about the central nervous system. The benefits of medication depend on a prescription and dosage strictly controlled by the veterinarian. Therefore, we must never give diazepam to cats on our own.
Therefore, we review the characteristics of the use of this drug, its contraindications and adverse effects. So if you're wondering if can give diazepam to cat, read carefully to know all the details.
what is diazepam
Diazepam is a benzodiazepine known for its hypnotic and sedative properties. It acts as a central nervous system depressant and has been used in medicine since the 1950s. Its effect is due to the fact that it increases the action of certain neurotransmitters and depresses transmission between certain neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). This effect will be greater or lesser depending on the dose administered. Therefore, it will be beneficial in some clinical situations. Below, we will explain if can give diazepam to cat and its uses.
Can you give diazepam to cat?
Yes, you can give diazepam to cats. diazepam has tranquilizing or anxiolytic, sedative effects, anticonvulsants, musculoskeletal antispasmodics and muscle relaxants. Among its uses, its role as a sedative stands out. This allows it to be included as one of the medications in the premedication and induction of anesthesia, that is, it is part of the medical protocol that is followed before the complete anesthesia of the animal to be submitted to any intervention. This use facilitates the management of anesthesia during the course of the operation and improves recovery.
Diazepam is also used in cats when the animal has seizures or is in a state of hyperexcitability (hyperactive cat). Another use is as an orexigen, meaning an appetite stimulant in weak and anorexic cats. It can also sometimes be used to treat behavior problems such as aggression or marking territory with urine. Of course, always with the vet's prescription.
Diazepam doses for cats
Due to its uses, diazepam is often administered by the veterinarian of injectable form. It is often used as an emergency treatment, and once the cat is stable, the medication is switched to another oral type that can continue to be administered by the caregiver at home. Diazepam is usually limited to short treatments and can be given intravenously, intramuscularly or rectally by the veterinarian.
The dosage will depend on the reason for the prescription. That is, it will vary depending on what you want to treat. These are not the same dosages for seizures, for anesthetizing or for stimulating appetite, for example. And it also depends on the route of administration, if a single dose is prescribed, as in pre-medication, or several, the evolution and weight of the animal, etc.
Likewise, there is no fixed duration for its use, but it will depend on each particular case with all the factors involved that we mentioned. Therefore, we should never administer diazepam to our cat on its own. You can only give diazepam to cats if it is prescribed by the veterinarian, who will also have to monitor the animal's evolution and remove it in case of prolonged treatments, as it is a drug that can create dependency. For this reason, moreover, it cannot be stopped abruptly.
For all that, if you are considering administering diazepam to put a cat to sleep because your feline is too nervous, agitated, or needs to calm it down for any reason, it's not a good idea to do this with diazepam. In either case, it's best to go to the veterinarian clinic so that a professional can determine what's wrong with your cat. Also, in the following video you will find different ways to calm a cat, as long as it doesn't have any health problems:
Diazepam contraindications for cats
Of course, diazepam should not be given to a cat who has previously had a hypersensitivity reaction to this substance or if you suspect she may be allergic to it. Also, due to the way diazepam works, we must be very careful with its administration. along with other drugs. Therefore, if our cat is receiving any medication and the veterinarian does not know about it, we should report it to avoid interactions that could alter the metabolism or effectiveness of the medication or be dangerous.
On the other hand, diazepam cannot be administered by a extended period without strict veterinary control. Remember that dependency is possible in these cases. In addition, care should be taken when administering diazepam to cats:
- Elderly.
- Very debilitated, in shock or in a coma.
- With kidney or liver problems.
- Dehydrated or anemic.
- In a situation of respiratory depression.
- Obese.
- With glaucoma.
- During pregnancy or lactation.
In the latter case, if the veterinarian decides to use it, the puppies must be monitored closely to detect early any signs of sedation that may interfere with the normal sucking of milk.
Diazepam adverse effects for cats
Adverse effects of diazepam in cats include:
- Somnolence.
- Lack of coordination.
- behavior changes, such as aggressiveness or hyperexcitability.
- liver damage, which will manifest as depression, vomiting, anorexia and jaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Increased appetite, which is why it is sometimes prescribed for this purpose.
In these cases, the veterinarian will have to evaluate the treatment modification. Any other effects that appear to be associated with diazepam should also be reported to your veterinarian. Also, if diazepam is given intravenously too quickly, it can cause a low blood pressure, blood clots and heart problems.
Diazepam overdose in cats
You know you can give diazepam to cats, but if it's given at a higher dose than recommended, it can cause serious adverse effects, as severe depression of the central nervous system, manifesting as disorientation, decreased reflexes or coma.
This is made worse if the cat is taking other drugs that affect the central nervous system. Any of these signs is cause for urgent appointment with the veterinarian, who will have to prescribe supportive treatment. In some cats, a drop in blood pressure and cardiorespiratory depression is also detected.
Now that you know when you can give diazepam to a cat, you might be interested in this video where we explain when to take the cat to a veterinarian:
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
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