Can I give my cat Clavamox for Swollen Glands?

by Cynthia
(Sarasota, FL)

Last night my cat ate its dinner, and shortly after vomited a small amount of spit. Since then, he has dry heaved many times. When I observed his behavior is seemed to me that he might have a swollen gland.

I have Clavamox from a previous vet visit for a cat that has since passed. Would it be okay to try this as a medicine?


Dear Cynthia,

I’m sorry that we were unable to answer your question sooner, but I would like to answer your question for the sake of your cats and other readers.

Please do not give your sick cat Clavamox without first bringing him to a veterinarian for an exam. It is never okay to give a cat another cat or human’s medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Also, your Clavamox, especially if it was liquid, is likely expired. Clavamox is used to treat infections in cats, and infections are rarely a cause of vomiting in cats.

The vomiting and dry heaving you described sounds consistent with the symptoms for cat hairballs, but without seeing your cat in person for an exam, I could not say for certain. There are many, many causes for vomiting in cats, including metabolic diseases, intestinal obstructions, constipation, poisoning, inflammatory bowel, and much more.

Furthermore, it is impossible to “observe” a swollen gland. Glands need to be felt by an experienced veterinarian upon physical exam.

Please bring your cat to a veterinarian before giving any feline medications for any cat illness symptoms you observe at home. Giving your cat the wrong medications without veterinary advice could actually make the situation worse and could even possibly kill your cat.

Kindest regards,
Dr. Neely