What is Fenbendazole?
Fenbendazole is used widely in dogs to treat a wide range of parasites, that include the roundworms, lungworms, hookworms, whipworms, the parasite Giardia, and so on. It is a common treatment for Giardiasis and is generally considered safer than metronidazole. It is also capable of treating a few types of tapeworms. It is identified as a benzimidazole Antiparasitic agent.
Fenbendazole Tablets are commonly used in veterinary medicine. Even though it has not been FDA-approved for use in cats or ferrets, veterinarians can still prescribe it in a few cases. In cats, the same Fenbendazole is helpful for effectively treating parasites, but its use is marked as “off label” and “extra label.”
How does Fenbendazole work in cats?
Fenbendazole targets the worms, attacks their energy sources, and blocks their energy production. It ensures that they are left for starvation and are ultimately killed. The effect of the medicine also shows up (in a few kinds of worms) in the immature stages of their lives, as they are in their stage of larvae or eggs. The transport system in the affected parasites works with the help of microtubules, and Fenbendazole aims to disrupt the entire system. Higher doses of Fenbendazole for cats are also responsible for disrupting the metabolic enzymes of the parasites.
How is Fenbendazole used?
Fenbendazole (abbreviated FBZ) is recommended for use in large and small animals. Pets suffering from chronic diarrhea, for which the cause cannot be known and found through testing, can be given Fenbendazole for the next few days. It is used as a common form of dewormer, and the parasites that escaped the testing and did not appear in the testing fenbendazole for cats results can be found and treated, too.
Fenbendazole is also safe to be used in animals during pregnancy. It is usually given to cats mixed in their food (wet or soft meal) or via a syringe directly into the mouth, which is common in small kittens and cats. When given a meal, they can be absorbed well by the little animals.
Uses of Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is commonly used to get rid of gastrointestinal parasites from the intestines and stomachs of animals such as dogs and cats. It is highly effective against hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and Strongyloides. Additionally, it has shown efficacy against bronchial lung and tree parasites. The drug Fenbendazole for cats also used for Giardiasis is recommended for use in animals only. Panacur 150 is best medicine for cats and dogs.
How safe is Fenbendazole for cats?
Usually, it has been found safe for use in cats, even though it is termed “off-label” use. In a few cats, mild episodes of upset stomach can be seen. Digestive problems can often be seen when there is a larger parasite load to be treated. The parasites that are dying fast tend to cause certain stomach disturbances within the body of the affected cats; hence, stomach issues are common in such animals.
Deworming in Cats with Fenbendazole
Deworming in cats with the help of Fenbendazole is possible only after evaluating what worms have affected the animal. It should be based on the fecal or stool samples to find the presence of harmful parasites. It is effective in cats for treating hookworms, roundworms, Giardia (protozoal parasite causing Giardiasis), lungworms, etc.
Formulations of Fenbendazole
Fenbendazole is available for multiple veterinary purposes under different brand names. They are available as easy-to-consume formulations such as single-use packets, granules, chewing substances, liquid, and capsule formulations. In a few cases, vets may also prescribe the compound formulations of this medicine in conditions when the health of the pet may not be corrected with the help of FDA-approved medications.
Different formulations can also be prescribed for cats that can’t consume them in pills or have trouble with capsule intake. Compound medications are not FDA-approved medicines but are created safely by licensed pharmacists or renowned veterinarians to cater to a pet’s health recovery needs.
Dosing information on Fenbendazole for Cats
- Medicine should only be administered by consulting an expert veterinarian.
- Usually, it may not be effective with a single-dose dosage, and hence, it is recommended not once a day but for multiple days.
- 25 mg per pound is the ideal dosage for dogs and cats and is effective.
- The duration of the medicine depends on the condition that requires treatment by Fenbendazole.
- Prescription should be completed even if the pet starts feeling better to prevent resistance development or relapse.
- The dosage amount to be given to the cats depends on the animal’s weight and the formulation of the medicine.
- Treatment can extend a normal duration of 3-5 consecutive days, and a second round of its course can be needed if the parasites have not been completely killed.
Precautions in Using Fenbendazole
- Fenbendazole is not recommended in animals with hypersensitivity or known drug allergies.
- Vomiting may be seen after the administration, and dead worms may be frequently noticed in the stools on close observation.
- It is essential to discuss your cat’s medications, supplements or medicines she may be taking, and other health factors and medical conditions with a vet.
- Fenbendazole tablets are not suitable for action against all kinds of parasites, such as the spread of the tapeworm by fleas.
- The veterinarian may consider using another form of deworming medication for cats if Fenbendazole is insufficient.
- Fecal tests are generally performed to determine the medicine’s impact on the parasites, whether they have been killed, the frequency of their deaths, how many remain, etc.
Side effects of Fenbendazole
Possible side effects of Fenbendazole in cats and dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Too much of drooling
- Allergies
- Hives
- Swelling in the face
- Problems in breathing
- Lethargy
- Sudden collapse
- Upset stomach
An overdose of fenbendazole tablets may reduce the chances of toxicity in cats. Suppression of the bone marrow can be commonly seen in cats and dogs who have been prescribed its dosage for a longer time. It can subsequently lead to lower numbers of blood cells, too.
When should you call your vet in a medical emergency?
It can be a medical emergency and time to call your vet for help when any or a few of these happen:
- Severe side effects of the medicine are noticed
- The condition of the vet gets worse or fails to improve even after the first line of treatment
- There seem to be chances of an overdose
Conclusion
Fenbendazole for cats is a safe and effective Giardiasis medicine that also kills a wide array of parasites with few side effects. It promises a higher efficacy rate, but there can still be possible failure rates. Higher dosages can cause severe consequences for animals; hence, too much Fenbendazole is never advisable. Clinical evaluations of using Fenbendazole in cats suggest its safety and efficacy in treating parasites in such animals.
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