Immunostimulants for cats - which drugs and when to use?

Despite the fact that the protective properties of the cat's body are very strong, in some cases immunomodulators are still required. These instructions for use of the drug Imunofan for cats most fully describe not only the capabilities of this medicinal product, but also suggest when it should be used.

Imunofan is intended for the treatment of humans. But this remedy also effectively speeds up the process of recovery of the body of cats and dogs after debilitating diseases and significantly strengthens it. In pharmacies, this drug is sold in the form of a nasal spray, suppository or injection solution. Injections are suitable for animals. In veterinary practice, ampoules with a capacity of 1 ml are used. There can be 5 or 10 pieces in boxes, and they are also sold individually.

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Composition and release form

Initially, the drug was intended for humans, but over time it was transferred to the veterinary class and began to be used to treat cats and dogs. Its active substance is arginyl-alpha-aspartyl-lysyl-valyl-tyrosyl-arginine. There are three forms of drug release:

• injection solution 0.005% - 5 ampoules per 1 ml per package;
• rectal suppositories;
• spray in the nose.

The forms of the product differ in composition. The solution consists only of the active component in combination with prepared purified water for injection. The suppositories consist of solid fat, glycine and the stabilizer-emulsifier Tween 8. The spray contains the following additional components:

• antiseptic benzalkonium chloride;
• sodium chloride (salt);
• ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (trilon B);
• aminoacetic acid (glycine);
• water.

The release form is selected depending on the nature of the disease and the characteristics of the cat’s body. Injections are considered the safest option - they can even be given to kittens up to a year old. All versions of Imunofan do not harm the pet when used correctly, but it is recommended to discuss the dosage and other nuances of use with a veterinarian, especially when treating pregnant, young and elderly animals.

The price of the medicine is 320-400 rubles. It is sold in veterinary and general pharmacies, clinics, and pet stores. Ordering medicine through online markets will be cheaper than a regular purchase. The veterinary drug should be stored in the refrigerator, keeping the original packaging. Animals and children are not allowed near it.

Analogues of the drug Imunofan

Instead of Imunofan, other immunomodulators can be used:

• Gamavit (“Micro-plus”, Russia);
• Fosprenil (“Micro-plus”, Russia);
• Feliferon (BioInvest, Russia).

Comparative table: analogues of the drug

Photo gallery: analogues of Imunofan

Gamavit is a veterinary drug that is available packaged in 6 ml, 10 ml and 100 ml glass bottles

The effectiveness of Feliferon is due to increased resistance of the animal’s body and suppression of DNA and RNA containing viruses

Fosprenil is a homeopathic antiviral drug with immunomodulatory properties.

Properties and principle of operation

The medication is a broad-spectrum immunomodulatory drug. It is used both for the treatment of already developed pathologies and for their prevention during travel, scheduled visits to the clinic, exhibitions, and walks. The medicine has the following effects on the body:

• restores and enhances cell immunity;
• removes toxins and waste products from the animal’s body;
• improves liver function and helps restore its functions by stimulating cell regeneration;
• stops inflammatory processes;
• increases the body's resistance to external threats;
• corrects the functioning of the immune system when it is impaired;
• returns the flow of oxidative and reduction processes to normal;
• accelerates the rate of circulation of antibodies in the bloodstream, promoting faster destruction of bacteria and viruses.

Imunofan administered to your pet in advance will help the body begin an active fight against the disease in the early stages, increasing the chances of a successful recovery. This makes it effective in the fight against serious pathologies such as canine distemper. In addition, the drug enhances the effect of anticancer drugs, which makes it useful in the fight against cancer.

Advantages and disadvantages

Immunostimulants for cats have multiple positive effects on the animal. They enhance anti-infective protection and help get rid of parasites as quickly as possible. Also, these drugs reduce the risk of recurrent disease and stimulate post-vaccination immunity, protecting the pet from many dangerous diseases. However, when using these drugs, it is important not to forget to control the dose of the drug, and you should not prescribe the drug unnecessarily to completely healthy animals. Thoughtless use of immunostimulants can lead to the development of an autoimmune process, and immunosuppressants can cause a deficiency state. The advantage of using immunomodulators is their availability and a wide selection of drugs, the name of which reflects their mechanism of action.

Indications for use

The medication is used for the prevention of various pathologies and during the recovery period after them. It is also suitable for treatment, but only as part of complex therapy. Imunofan is effective against infectious and viral diseases, inflammation and tumors, liver dysfunction, and various types of intoxication. It is used in veterinary medicine to combat the following pathological conditions:

• carnivore plague;
• parainfluenza, infectious rhinotracheitis and other respiratory diseases;
• diseases of the stomach, intestines and digestive system;
• retarded growth and development in kittens;
• pathologies of the reproductive system;
• intrauterine infections;
• other bacterial and viral diseases.

All forms of medication have the same principle of action and are prescribed for the same diagnoses. Additionally, they are prescribed in the postoperative period, during the removal of external and internal parasites, during the treatment of complications, and in other cases when the cat’s body is weakened and requires external support.

Terms of use

The dosage and details of the instructions for use of Imunofan for cats depend on the release form. Before using the medication, you must remove it from the refrigerator and warm it up a little. To ensure that the procedure remains safe, you should carefully adhere to all hygiene and sanitary standards, use only disposable instruments and work with rubber gloves.

Injection

Imunofan can be administered to your pet intramuscularly or subcutaneously. It is advisable to have a veterinarian do this, but if necessary, you can carry out the procedure yourself. Injections are given once a day. To ensure that the injection does not harm the cat, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Use only sterile disposable syringes. Never reuse needles, even if they appear clean.
• Choose devices with a short needle. They are easy to use and cause less discomfort to the cat.
• The injection can only be given after the animal has been securely secured. This may require the help of a second person. If the cat is not held well enough, it can not only scratch or escape, but also injure itself on the needle.
• The injection should not be given immediately after eating. It is advisable to wait 1 hour (minimum 30 minutes) from feeding to the procedure.
• Before the injection, you must make sure that there are no air bubbles in the syringe.

If the owner does not have medical skills or is not confident in his abilities, it is better to refuse an independent injection. Subcutaneous injection at home is given in the following order:

1. Pull back the cat's skin at the withers. A wide fold should form into which the needle can be inserted without any problems.
2. Take a syringe with a solution, insert a needle into the withers area at an angle of 45° to the spine, 1 cm deep. Make movements carefully, without effort or sudden movements, so as not to harm the pet.
3. Slowly inject the solution by pressing on the syringe. Carefully remove the needle and release the animal.

Injecting into a muscle is more difficult. It is used in cases where the animal is exhausted or injured. Instructions for intramuscular injection:

1. Feel the pet's muscle in the inner thigh. Massage it lightly so that the fibers can be felt under your fingers - this will make it easier to inject.
2. Take a syringe with medicine and release the air. Insert the needle 1 cm deep at an angle of 90° to the cat's thigh.
3. Introduce the veterinary drug by slowly pressing on the base of the syringe. Pull out the needle.

There is no need to disinfect the injection site. After the procedure, your pet may act restless from pain and stress - this is a normal reaction. But if it continues for too long, you should contact your veterinarian.

Nasal spray

The nasal form of the veterinary drug is most often used to combat respiratory infections. The spray comes with a special dispenser, but using it can cause stress to the cat. This is due to the fact that the jet from the dispenser flies out under high pressure, spraying over the face and causing discomfort from the collision.

It is best to use a regular pipette. Imunofan is injected into it from an opened bottle, after which the nasal mucosa is irrigated. Then the instrument should be washed, and the bottle should be carefully closed and placed in the refrigerator.

Rectal suppositories

Candles are rarely used due to disgust and difficulty in use. You cannot use a whole piece - it must be cut into two parts. You need to insert the suppository after defecation , having first thoroughly cleaned the anal area with a damp cloth without alcohol additives. As with an injection, the pet must be well secured before the procedure.

The suppository must be inserted gently, without effort, otherwise the mucous membrane of the animal can be damaged. The active substance is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. After use, diarrhea is possible - this is considered a normal reaction. But if the side effects are too severe, you may want to choose another form of treatment.

Imunofan for dogs - instructions for use

As a rule, instructions for use of Imunofan are supplied with the drug (contained in the form of an insert sheet placed in a cardboard package along with the bottle). In case it is lost, we publish it here.

Indications for use

According to the instructions for use, Imunofan for dogs is prescribed in the following cases:

• in an immunodeficient state;
• with the plague;
• with enteritis;
• with infectious hepatitis;
• for intestinal pathologies caused by pathogenic bacteria;
• for respiratory viral diseases;
• for other diseases of a viral or bacteriological nature.

Dosage and course of treatment

The standard dosage of Imunofan for cats is fixed and does not depend on the age, weight, breed and other characteristics of the pet. Recommended amount of medication to take:

• injection - 1 ml (that is, a whole ampoule) once a day;
• nasal spray - 1 drop in both nostrils every day;
• suppositories - half a suppository once a day.

The duration of the course and treatment regimen depend on the nature of the disease. Standard deadlines for common violations:

• respiratory diseases and other pathologies of the respiratory system - 3-4 days;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive organs - 2-3 days;
• carnivore plague - from 5 to 6 days;
• infectious diseases - 5 days;
• disorders of the reproductive system and delays in kitten growth and development - 3 days;
• for prevention - one-time 3-4 times a year with a break of 3-4 months;
• before a potentially stressful event (transportation, clinic visit) - administer the dose 1 time 12-18 hours before it.

The veterinarian can change the dosage of Imunofan depending on the general health, characteristics of the body, severity of the disease, age and other characteristics of the animal. The doctor’s instructions should be followed even if they contradict the official instructions.

Side effects and contraindications

Imunofan has no absolute contraindications. It can be given to kittens, pregnant and lactating females, old or weakened animals. In rare cases, pets may develop an individual intolerance or allergy to the active substance. If an animal suffers from autoimmune pathologies, you should consult a veterinarian before treatment.

Injections and nasal spray have no side effects; when using rectal suppositories, stool and digestive disorders can rarely occur or worsen. No other undesirable reactions are observed, but with constant use of the immunomodulator, the animal’s natural immunity atrophies, so it is important not to exceed the recommended treatment time.

The medicine goes well with therapeutic and symptomatic medications. If necessary, it can be used in conjunction with antibiotics, but you should consult your doctor before doing so. It is undesirable to use Imunofan together with other immunomodulators, otherwise hypersensitivity and rapid suppression of natural immunity may occur.

User reviews

Reviews from animal owners and veterinarians about the drug are most often positive. Among the advantages are its safety, absence of contraindications and side effects, compatibility with other medications, quick and long-term effect. The disadvantages of the medication are the inconvenient dosage form and dosage in the packages. After treatment, there are almost always extra ampoules, suppositories or spray left.

One day our old cat caught a respiratory infection. For treatment, the veterinarian prescribed several medications, including Imunofan. After 2 days, our darling felt better, but I can’t say that this is solely the merit of this medicine.

Anastasia

Our cat has a stuffy nose. At first they didn’t pay attention to it, but he got worse and worse - in the end he almost couldn’t breathe. We took him to the veterinarian - he injected him with an antibiotic and Imunofan, then the next morning we gave him a second injection. He immediately perked up, had an appetite, and began to run. After 3-4 days, the disease returned, but now they took the cat to the doctor immediately and finally cured him with other medications. So I’m not sure what to think about this drug.

Stepan

I work as a veterinarian.
I have repeatedly used Imunofan to help small kittens, weakened and old animals for which conventional remedies are not suitable. I have no doubt about its effectiveness, but this remedy alone will not be enough - for a complete recovery you also need proper nutrition, vaccination, symptomatic therapy and comprehensive timely treatment of all health problems. Yaroslav

Storage conditions

Imunofan is stored in a dry place away from food (at a temperature range from 2 to 10C), where sunlight and moisture cannot penetrate. Also, this place should be inaccessible to children and animals. In packaging from the manufacturer and subject to all storage standards, the shelf life of the injections is 24 months from the date of release. It is not recommended to store opened ampoules. The expired drug is disposed of in accordance with current legal requirements.

About the drug IMUNOFAN

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