Antibiotics to Avoid

[Jade]

The use of Gram-positive spectrum oral antibiotics can seriously alter the sensitive balance of bacterial flora in the cecum.

Remember antibiotics to be avoided by using the PLACE rule.

Penicillin
Lincomycin
Ampicillin, Amoxicillin (or Clavamox)
Cephalosporins (such as Omnicef, Cephalexin), Clindamycin
Erythromycin

[LuvTwitch]

Probably a stupid question but if I'm on Erythromycin-I put it on my face it can't hurt him Right?

[Jade]

As long as the chin isn't licking your face or hands.

[Candycane]

Shouldn't clavamox be included?

[Sassy]

Isn't clavamox ampicillin or amoxicillin?

[Candycane]

I know that clavamox is a combination of amoxicillin and something else. Does it go by amoxicillin anyways?

[Jade]

Yes, it's included in the 'no-no' antibiotics. The main ingredient is amoxicillin.

Quote: The information for the combination of Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid (sodium clavulanate) is the same as for Amoxicillin except that the Clavulanate is able to protect the Penicillin structure from destruction by Staphylococci.* This means that this combined medication can be used against anything Amoxicillin could be used for plus Staphlylococcal infections (usually skin infections).

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_clavamox.html

[Candycane]

Thanks Steph. I guess my only concern would be for new owners...I have had several new owners ask if Clavamox is safe because it doesn't have the characteristic "illin" or "ycin" on the end.

[Jade]

I'll add it to the list! Feel free to copy it to POTN too!

[ckane]

Thanks for the info!

[bossanovachin]

This sort of enhances what Jade already said, and adds a little. It was written by a DVM:


(http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB...00/PR00295.htm)

Antibiotic Administration

Chinchillas rely on a complex balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract to ferment non-digestible fiber. Any disruption in this system can change pH, interfere with motility, and promote bacterial overgrowth. Gram-negative bacteria and clostridial overgrowths can lead to diarrhea, enterotoxemia, and death. Avoid any antibiotic that has a selective gram-positive spectrum. This includes the beta-lactams (penicillins and cephalosporins), clindamycin, lincomycin, and erythromycins.


PS- Jade, thanks for your outstanding articles on antibiotics and malocclusion, it's wonderful that word is getting around! =)

[AmandaDi]

Very old topic, but a great one. Just saw it and had to post! I wont forget those because I am allergic to all of those!

[Wheelie1985]

So if those are the bad ones, what are the antibiotics that are safe for chins? What is the most commonly used that is best and safest for them?

[Jade]

Safe anti-biotics:

• Trimethoprim-Sulfa (aka Bactrim, Sulfa-trim)
  Baytril (Enrofloxacin)
  Gentamycin
  Flagyl (aka Metronidazole, use only in low doses for short durations. Has been anecdotally linked to liver problems)
  Doxycycline
  Oxytetracycline
  Marbofloxacin
  Griseofulvin
  Fenbendazole (anti-protozoal, used most often against Giardia, but still safe)

[blacksettingsun]

I have a question...Merlot was on erythromycin for conjunctivitis-it was an eye ointment- I posted several places that that was what I was using and no one said anything...should I avoid it in the future? It cleared up his eye in about a week. Just wanted to check!