What are the veterinary indications for doxycycline and how do I dose it while minimizing esophageal injury in cats?

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Doxycycline in cats is indicated for ehrlichiosis, haemobartonellosis (hemoplasma), chlamydiosis, and elimination of Wolbachia as part of heartworm treatment, and is dosed at 10 mg/kg PO q24h or 5 mg/kg PO q12h.14 For matrix metalloproteinase inhibition in deep or melting corneal ulcers, the same dose applies: 10 mg/kg PO q24h or 5 mg/kg PO q12h.4 Note that oral azithromycin is less effective than doxycycline for feline respiratory disease due to Chlamydia felis, making doxycycline the preferred systemic agent for that indication.4 Esophageal stricture is the primary safety concern with doxycycline in cats. Doxycycline capsules or tablets must be followed by a liquid bolus to prevent esophageal injury — this is a labeled administration requirement under the 2022 AAFP/AAHA Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines.3 Esophagitis from doxycycline is a recognized drug-induced cause of esophageal inflammation in small animals.2 Clients must be counseled on this risk at the time of dispensing and instructed to contact the clinic if signs develop.3 | Indication | Dose | Route/Frequency | Key Caveat | |---|---|---|---| | Ehrlichiosis, hemoplasma, chlamydiosis, Wolbachia | 10 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg | PO q24h or q12h | Follow with liquid to prevent esophageal stricture | | Melting/deep corneal ulcer (MMP inhibition) | 10 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg | PO q24h or q12h | Same dosing regimen applies | Would you like guidance on treatment duration for a specific indication, such as hemoplasma or ehrlichiosis?