Lysine recommendations

[ja9390]

My boy needs to be on a lysine supplement. Last night at midnight he had a coughing spell followed by wheezing. He has had a history of this since November and the vet has always said no asthma but kept hitting him with steroids and antibiotics.

I took him in to see his new vet who wasn't working today but I got another wonderful girl who examined his heart and lungs for a long time. Couldnt hear a murmur or any wheezing. Said that it is possible he may develop asthma but he may benefit by being on a supplement to get his immune system stronger. Also suggested putting a humidifier in his room when he sleeps and to alternate him with hot steam and cold air when he has coughing spells. Since these spells have been spaced out over the last four months, she doesn't want to put him on an inhaler just yet but that is our next step if he gets worse or if this gets more frequent. The only lysine supplements they had there were chews for $26 which I turned down because of the carbs that are probably in them. I said I would shop around to find one that best suits him. Who uses lysine that could assist me in making a decision?

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

The Now Lysine Capsules are the ones we use and I know a lot of others use them too

You just open the capsule and sprinkle the powder onto food....it doesn't seem to have any flavor...all 3 of mine don't even notice they're getting it

 

[ja9390]

Perfect and they're dirt cheap. Ordered them. I can give the whole 500mg to him at once? Daily?

 

[ja9390]

Here's a picture from earlier of the ridiculous mess that he is...child of mine.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I think the usual dose is 250mg twice a day for "maintenance" and 500mg twice a day if they're showing symptoms

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I use the Now powdered L-Lysine. Less expensive than the capsules

 

[Critter Mom]

The Now Lysine Capsules are the ones we use ... all 3 of mine don't even notice they're getting it

Do you give l-lysine prophylactically, Chris? I'd be very interested to learn any pros and cons you might have to share. Saoirse's breathing is a little different since her op (more snore-y) so I'm on a bit of a fact-finding mission about URI stuff.


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[Larry and Kitties]

I give it prophylactically to all my cats.

 

[Maggies Mom Debby]

I use the l-lysine powder. I get from Amazon and it's cheap. With the arthritis in my hands, it's easier to measure the dose with a measuring spoon than it is to open the capsules.

 

[Critter Mom]

I give it prophylactically to all my cats.

What dose do you give, Larry? Also, is there ever a time when l-lysine is contraindicated?


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[Larry and Kitties]

I give 250-500 mg twice daily. The high end for cats showing symptoms.
I do not know of any contraindications

 

[Critter Mom]

Thanks, Larry.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

I give it prophylactically too....250mg twice a day unless there's an active URI...then it goes up to 500mg

 

[LisaStew]

I give it prophylactically too....250mg twice a day unless there's an active URI...then it goes up to 500mg

Since you have been very helpful on my other questions could you give me your opinion.
I wonder if this URI is some of Bubby's problem. Each time we visit the vet it seems to get bad. We were at the vet yesterday she thought there might be signs of asthma but another person there said the X-rays were normal. The blood work is better. Still when we come home he begins occasionally sneezing sometimes several in a row, squinting, swallowing, and just wants to sleep today. He has had a couple coughing spells 1 yesterday and one today but he never coughs up foam just sounds mucousy.

 

[LisaStew]

Since you have been very helpful on my other questions could you give me your opinion.
I wonder if this URI is some of Bubby's problem. Each time we visit the vet it seems to get bad. We were at the vet yesterday she thought there might be signs of asthma but another person there said the X-rays were normal. The blood work is better. Still when we come home he begins occasionally sneezing sometimes several in a row, squinting, swallowing, and just wants to sleep today. He has had a couple coughing spells 1 yesterday and one today but he never coughs up foam just sounds mucousy.

She also prescribed a very small dose of albuterol inhaler. I tried posting on the asthma message board on yahoo but it isn't as easy to navigate and I didn't get any responses. I really appreciate this message board.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

It's possible your cat has allergies....China coughs off and on and it sounds like asthma to me too, but her lungs always sound clear at the vet and her x-rays are fine

Her bloodwork has indicated she has some allergies though so when she gets bad, she gets 1/4 of a 12mg Chlor-trimeton

 

[Critter Mom]

Saoirse had a period when she was very sneezy last year. Got an Rx for Piriton from the vet and it helped enormously.


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[Critter Mom]

I tried posting on the asthma message board on yahoo but it isn't as easy to navigate ...

I have a really hard time with email-based boards, too. I just can't seem to get my head round them at all (and it doesn't help having cognitive deficits to contend with ).


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