Comprehensive Vet Guide 2025: Veraflox® (Pradofloxacin) for Cats 🐾💊

Written by Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc – trusted veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder 👨‍⚕️🐾

This in-depth 2025 guide explores Veraflox®—a veterinary oral suspension of pradofloxacin, a 3rd-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic used exclusively in cats (and some dogs internationally). Learn how it works, dose safely, manage side effects, monitor treatment, and how Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz support feline health. 🩺📘

1. What Is Veraflox® & How It Works

Veraflox contains pradofloxacin, an advanced fluoroquinolone that blocks bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV—key enzymes for replication—making it effective against diverse Gram‑positive, Gram‑negative, and anaerobic bacteria :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Developed by Elanco, it was FDA‑approved May 2025 for treating feline wound and abscess infections :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. Indications & Off‑Label Uses

• FDA‑approved: skin wounds and abscesses due to susceptible bacteria—Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staph. felis/pseudintermedius :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Off‑label: upper respiratory infections (e.g., Pasteurella, E. coli) and UTIs in cats :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Note: Not recommended for dogs in the US—risk of bone marrow suppression :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3. Safe Dosing & Administration

Dosage: 7.5 mg/kg orally once daily for 7 days (~3.4 mg/lb). Use the syringe provided, shake well before each dose :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Give on an empty stomach; if GI upset occurs, small non‑dairy meal is okay :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Rinse the syringe after use and discard any unused after 60 days :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

4. Onset & Duration of Effect

Pradofloxacin reaches therapeutic levels within 1–2 hours; clinical improvement often within 1–3 days :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

Short‑acting: one daily dose sustains effective blood levels for 24 hours :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

5. Potential Side Effects

• Common: GI upset—vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, hypersalivation (< 3–5% of cats) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Rare: elevated WBC or muscle enzymes, sneezing after dosing, reversible bone marrow suppression if >7 days :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cartilage/joint risk: may affect tendon/cartilage in growing kittens—avoid <12 weeks :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Neurologic/spikes: use caution in cats with CNS issues due to fluoroquinolones’ potential to cause seizures :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Ocular risk: older fluoroquinolones have caused retinal damage; pradofloxacin showed safety in ocular studies, but caution advised :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

If severe vomiting, diarrhea, neurological signs, or vision problems occur, discontinue and contact your vet immediately.

6. Contraindications & Precautions

• Not for rabbits, ferrets, dogs (in US)—bone marrow toxicity risk :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Avoid in pets <12 weeks, pregnant or lactating without vet approval :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Use cautiously in those with CNS disorders or seizure history :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Avoid antacids or mineral-rich foods within 2 hours—they reduce absorption :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

7. Drug Interactions

• Concurrent antacids, dairy, iron, aluminum—delay dosing by 2 hours :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Other antibiotics: risk of additive antibiotic side effects or antagonism—consult vet.
• NSAIDs, corticosteroids: may increase cartilage risk—use vigilance in young or active pets.

8. Monitoring & When to Call Your Vet

• If no improvement within 3–4 days, return to clinic for reevaluation or culture update :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Concerning symptoms—severe GI signs, lethargy, seizures, visual changes—warrant urgent veterinary care.
• Repeat bloodwork if treatment extends past 7 days or adverse signs appear.

9. Handling & Storage

• Store at room temperature <86 °F; stable for 60 days after opening :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Shake thoroughly before each dose, rinse syringe after use.
• Wear gloves if handling frequently; wash hands afterward to avoid photosensitivity :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Keep out of reach of children and other animals—even diluted, it’s prescription-strength.

10. Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

• Ask A Vet: Tailored dosage guidance, safety reviews, side‑effect triage.
• Woopf: Daily dosing reminders, missed-dose alerts, symptom tracking.
• Purrz: Logs of appetite, GI signs, energy levels—valuable records for vet check‑ups.

11. Real-Life Outcomes

Most cats show rapid improvement within days. One vet reported: “Veraflox often clears abscesses and wounds very effectively—liquid form ensures owners can dose easily.” :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

12. Frequently Asked Questions

🐾 What if my cat misses a dose?

Give as soon as remembered unless it’s nearly time for the next. Do not double dose.

🐾 Can Veraflox treat UTIs?

Yes—off‑label use based on culture. VCA lists UTIs among treated infections :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

🐾 Is it safe for kittens?

No—use only in cats 12 weeks and older due to joint/cartilage risk.

🐾 Can I stop after 5 days if symptoms improve?

No—complete the full 7‑day course to prevent resistance or relapse.

13. Summary Table

14. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan

Veraflox® offers a powerful, cat‑specific option for treating serious skin and soft tissue infections. The easy‑to‑administer liquid and once‑daily dosing make it ideal in busy households. With careful use, culture guidance, and support via Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz, most cats experience safe, rapid healing. Always monitor for side effects and complete the full course to prevent resistance. 🐾💗

For dosage advice, side‑effect monitoring, and infection tracking, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. Your cat’s health matters—every day. 🐱📱