Interferon for Cats - Oral, Eye Drop and Injection

Interferon is an immunomodulator, i.e. an active agent used in drugs to treat immunodepressed conditions. While we call the drug interferon, interferons are a type of cytokine, proteins that regulate and adjust the immune system. They can do this by increasing or decreasing its ability to produce antibodies. Interferon cytokines can be divided into two types. Type I interferon includes alpha, beta and omega, while type II interferon includes the gamma protein.

In cats, interferon is mainly used to improve, strengthen and restore immune function. This is usually due to a disease which has compromised the immune system, often a virus. It can be given to cats in various forms, including oral medication, injection or eye drops. The type of administration depends on the use of the drug, something which will be determined by a veterinarian. Following their guidelines is imperative for both the type and dosage of interferon. The veterinarian will take the cat's diagnosis, general health and treatment goals into account when choosing a regimen. The response should be assessed over time rather than assumed from the first dose.

While interferon is prescribed by veterinarians all over the world, there are no completely conclusive studies on its efficacy. However, there are sufficient studies to provide evidence that it has the potential to offer some benefit in the initial stages of certain diseases. In any case, the success of the treatment will depend on the individual case, making it difficult to predict its effectiveness.

There are several diseases for which interferon is prescribed. Its efficacy varies depending on the disease it is being used to treat. The main conditions treated with interferon in cats include:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline rhinotracheitis (FVR)
• Infectious peritonitis
• Chronic stomatitis
• Herpes keratitis

The most common disease interferon is used to treat is feline immunodeficiency virus (sometimes known as feline AIDS). Positive results have been recorded with this type of drug treatment. Other publications also support the use of interferon to treat feline leukemia, although further study is required. In both cases, a reduction in the effects of symptoms has been recorded.

Interferon has been used for other diseases related to immunodeficiency, such as feline calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis. While there are even fewer results to prove its effectiveness in this area, it has shown some positive results. Infectious peritonitis, chronic stomatitis and herpes keratitis are other pathologies for which interferon has been used, and at least some supportive data can be found.

What studies do seem to suggest is that interferon should not be used for these diseases in their advanced stages. The reason is that it simply would not be effective. Its administration will likely be used more in the future, but this will depend on the outcome of verification studies. It is very important to remember that interferon is not a cure for any of these diseases. Rather, it is a palliative treatment to improve a cat's quality of life. The veterinarian will consider the cat's diagnosis, disease stage and overall health when deciding whether treatment may be beneficial. Monitoring can help determine whether symptoms are improving and whether the treatment plan needs to be adjusted.

Before interferon was manufactured specifically for cats, human recombinant interferons were used in an attempt to improve the living conditions of cats affected by feline AIDS and feline leukemia. The results were inconclusive and did not support its use. Since an alternative has now been created for veterinary use, this is what needs to be administered for the most effective results. A cat should not be given a human interferon product or leftover medication unless a veterinarian specifically directs it, as formulations and dosing schedules may differ.

As we state above, interferon comes in different forms. The most common form of interferon administration is a subcutaneous injection. The injection is placed under the skin and is the most direct way of giving the drug. This is especially used for cats which are suffering from FIV or FeLV. The injection is one of the fastest-acting ways to administer interferon. The injection schedule and length of treatment can vary, so it is important to follow the veterinarian's instructions rather than changing the timing independently.

Oral interferon is often used in low-dose prescriptions. It is usually liquid and needs to be administered with a non-hypodermic syringe. Administering oral interferon requires restraining the cat and opening its mouth so the medication can be given. While oral interferon is used to strengthen the immune system, low-dose oral interferon is also used to treat dermatological problems in cats such as:

• Idiopathic facial dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Indolent dermatitis
• Dermatitis resulting from herpes virus infection

One of the key differences in determining which way interferon should be administered is the action required. Oral interferon tends to be used to bolster the immune system. Interferon injections tend to be used in an antiviral capacity, even if they do not decrease the presence of the virus in the system. This is similar to different treatments for HIV/AIDS in humans. If giving oral medication is difficult, ask the veterinarian to demonstrate the technique or discuss a suitable alternative; forcing a dose can cause stress for both the cat and its caregiver.

Interferon for cats is also administered as eye drops. This is most commonly, and almost exclusively, used to treat feline herpes virus symptoms. It can be tricky to give the cat interferon in this way, so you will likely need some help holding the cat in place. Use only the prescribed drops and avoid touching the eye or surrounding area with the dropper tip, as this can contaminate it. As with any medication given to a cat, you will need to monitor it for side effects or an adverse reaction. Side effects can include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Muscle pain
• General malaise
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Anorexia
• Breathing difficulties

The extent of the side effects will depend on the dosage and the individual cat. Contact the veterinarian if symptoms are severe, persist or cause concern. Interferon comes in liquid form whether it is for oral administration, injection or eye drops. It needs to be kept refrigerated and should not be shaken. Follow the storage instructions on the product and check with the veterinarian if you are unsure how to handle it.

As with any medication for cats, interferon should be prescribed by a veterinarian. If we want to know where to buy interferon for cats, this means we have to get a prescription from the vet. In general, veterinarians who request this product will only provide it to caregivers when necessary.

There is no fixed price for interferon for cats. Its cost will depend on where you live, the dosage required, the type of administration and other factors such as the cat's weight. We can say, however, that it is generally quite an expensive medication. This can make it prohibitive for some cat guardians, as veterinary bills can pile up. As a palliative treatment, the individual circumstances will need to be discussed with the vet. It can be helpful to ask what the full treatment plan may involve, including follow-up appointments or monitoring, before starting. Do not reduce the dose or stop treatment to manage costs without first speaking to the veterinarian.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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