Lactobifid is a probiotic widely used in veterinary medicine. It is prescribed for dogs and rodents, but is especially used to treat cats. The drug normalizes the intestinal microflora, accelerates the treatment of various diseases, neutralizes the negative effects of the use of potent drugs.
Description and composition
"Lactobifid" is a domestic drug in the form of round, slightly convex tablets of white or pale yellow color. Light marble stains are possible on a smooth, glossy surface without a shell. The tablets do not have a pronounced taste and odor; they are packaged in glass or plastic bottles, tightly closed with a lid. Each bottle contains 20 tablets.
"Lactobifid" is packed in cardboard boxes and supplied with detailed instructions, the date of manufacture of the medicine must be indicated on the lid. The drug is sold in any veterinary pharmacy without a prescription, the price is about 100 rubles per bottle.
The composition of "Lactobifida" includes a complex of probiotics: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, streptococci. The auxiliary components that provide the necessary taste and texture are:
- starch;
- lactose;
- skimmed milk powder.
"Lactobifid" is intended to normalize digestion, eliminate the effects of putrefactive bacteria, protect the cat's stomach and intestines from pathogenic microflora. The drug is useful in the postoperative and recovery period, in moments of severe stress of various nature. It helps to improve the absorption of food when changing feed, improves the condition of the skin and coat, and normalizes the well-being of the animal.
Probiotic tablets are beneficial for pregnant and lactating cats. They prevent postpartum complications, promote the birth of viable offspring with normal weight, and enhance lactation. "Lactobifid" diluted in milk is recommended for supplementary feeding of weak and small kittens. The tablets can also be given to animals suffering from chronic diseases: cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, urogenital infections. Usually, the medicine is prescribed during the period of remission, it relieves well the effects of treatment with stronger drugs: chronic constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, general depression, deterioration in the quality of wool.
Store the drug in a cool, dark place, away from food, animal feed, household chemicals and medicines. You can use the tablets within a year from the date of manufacture, the remaining pills are disposed of with household waste. The drug is non-toxic, no additional precautions are needed in contact with it.
Indications and contraindications
The main task of "Lactobifid" is to strengthen the immune system and eliminate negative consequences after taking antibiotics and other potent drugs. A probiotic is prescribed for:
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, bloating);
- bacterial and viral infections;
- taking hormonal drugs or antibiotics;
- metabolic disorders;
- pathologies of the liver and kidneys;
- stressful conditions;
- exhaustion;
- allergic reactions;
- poisoning;
- injuries, burns, severe blood loss;
- pregnancy.
The course "Lactobifida" can be recommended for aging and weakened animals, cats suffering from various chronic diseases. A probiotic-based drug is recommended to stimulate the growth and development of newborn kittens, before deworming and vaccination. The medicine is indicated in the postoperative period, it speeds up recovery and helps to avoid complications. "Lactobifid" is prescribed for stress caused by changing feed, moving, injuries.
The drug has few contraindications."Lactobifid" is not recommended for false pregnancy, mastopathy, pulmonary edema, suspected malignant tumors, postpartum exclampsia and infectious blood diseases. Possible individual intolerance to the components that make up the product. At risk are cats with poor lactose tolerance.
Exceeding the dose is not dangerous, in some cases it can provoke diarrhea or vomiting. There is no need to remove unpleasant symptoms, they go away on their own. In difficult cases, you can give the cat some adsorbent, for example, Enterosgel.
Instructions for use
The tablets are given orally and can be placed on the root of the tongue by lifting the cat's face slightly and holding it until the animal has swallowed. There are also special devices that allow you to quickly give a pill even to the most capricious cat. Some owners prefer to grind the pill and mix it with water or feed. This helps the cat to eat the medication without problems, but makes it difficult to control the dosage. It is important to make sure that no food or particles of crushed tablets get in the bowl. If in doubt, you can give the animal another dose of medication.
On the basis of "Lactobifida" you can prepare a healthy and easily digestible bioyogurt. Add 5 tablets to a glass of warmed skim milk, mix, close with a lid. The mixture is placed in a warm place for fermentation. It is important to make sure that the milk is not too hot or the probiotics will die. The resulting drink is fed to the cat instead of one of the meals, the animals eat it with pleasure. Milk mixture with probiotics can be stored for no more than a day. Bioyogurt is suitable not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of weakened or often sick animals. The course is best carried out during the off-season, in spring or autumn, when the animal's body is especially vulnerable.
The dose depends on the condition of the pet. The standard calculation is 1 tablet per day for an adult cat, half for a kitten. The duration of treatment depends on the disease, it is usually recommended to give "Lactobifid" in courses of 5-10 days. After a few weeks, the treatment course can be repeated.
The probiotic is recommended for normalizing digestion and gaining body weight after surgery or serious illness. The drug is quite nutritious (more than 300 kilocalories per 100 g), contains easily digestible animal protein and other useful components. The drug goes well with any food, does not cause gastrointestinal upset, stimulates appetite. As a preventive measure, tablets are given in the morning, before the first meal.
Drug analogs
If it was not possible to buy "Lactobifid", it can be replaced with other means of a similar action. Among the most popular medications are:
- FortyFlora. French preparation in the form of a powder, packaged in portioned sachets. Contains a complex of probiotics and flavors. The powder is mixed with food (preferably prepared canned food) once a day. The drug is recommended for weight loss, digestive problems, recovery from illness or surgery. There are practically no contraindications, the only drawback is the high price of the drug, about 1,300 rubles per package.
- "Subtilis". Suitable for the treatment of chronic diarrhea, eating disorders, disorders of the intestinal microflora after a course of antibiotics. It goes well with other drugs, the only contraindication is individual intolerance. Price per package - from 500 rubles.
- "Bifitrilak". A mild remedy based on bifidobacteria, suitable for recovery after surgery, stress, metabolic disorders. Relieves diarrhea and vomiting quickly. Not recommended for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and tumors of various nature.
"Lactobifid" is an affordable preparation with probiotics that improves the condition of the cat, normalizes the intestinal microflora. It combines well with any medications, is suitable for treatment and prevention.
