Valium For Cats Can Be Dangerous If Not Used Properly
Valium for cats, or known by its pharmaceutical name as Diazepam, is used as a sedative for cats and dogs alike. Valium for cats is generally used alone or in a combination with other drugs. Generally it is considered safe as a pre-operative sedative when used in animals.
Valium for cats is used as an anti-anxiety drug to address behavioral problems, including fear of loud noises, separation anxiety, territorial or social aggression between animals, spraying or urine marking and hair loss from excessive licking or grooming. Valium for cats is often used to treat aggressive dogs and cats to make them calmer and less aggressive, though there are situations where there can actually be a contradictory effect and the animal can become even more aggressive. When used to address aggression in cats, the animal’s owner must be warned to take appropriate precautions should the animal become even more aggressive. Valium for cats can also cause drowsiness and decreased coordination and is not considered a good sedative to calm an animal that is already excited.
Valium for cats is often used to treat seizures and is the treatment of choice for clusters of seizures, a condition known as status epilepticus. Valium for cats is also used as an emergency treatment when the seizure is caused by poisoning or when the cat ingests a toxic substance. Valium for cats is effective when used for long-term management of seizures in cats, though this is not the case with dogs as it tends to lose its effectiveness within a couple of weeks when used in dogs.
Valium for cats is used as a muscle relaxant, as well as to treat pain and muscle spasms related to inter-vertebral disc disease, urethral obstruction, tremors, muscle cramping and tetanus. Another main used of valium for cats is in stimulating the feline appetite. Valium for cats has been found to be a powerful appetite stimulant in cats.
While generally safe when dispensed by a veterinarian, cats on valium can cause the following side effects in some cats:
Some cats may have a hypersensitivity to the drug or even an allergy to valium
Valium in cats may interact with other medications. Check with your veterinarian in order to determine what other drugs your cat is getting that could potentially interact with diazepam. Such drugs include narcotics, cimetidine, barbiturates, propranolol, digoxin and certain antibiotics.
cats on valium can cause over sedation and disorientation in animals. They can become uncoordinated and display muscle weakness.
In some cats, valium can cause a paradoxical drug reaction where they become overly-excited rather than sedated.
Valium in cats can cause severe liver problems that can be fatal. If your cat has some underlying liver conditions, be sure to alert your veterinarian before using valium for cats. If your cat becomes more depressed, stops eating, vomits, or becomes jaundiced (yellow) while taking diazepam, contact your vet immediately.
Valium for cats should not be dispensed to your cat for a long term treatment until you have discussed all the potential side effects versus benefits for your cat. Long term treatment of cats on valium can lead to drug dependence, leading to undesirable behavior changes and even withdrawal symptoms once your cat is taken off the drug.
Precautions and Side Effects
Some Common Signs That Your Cat Has Been Given Too Much Valium or is Having a Negative and Potentially Dangerous Reaction to Valium: