What is Oxytetracycline
Oxytetracycline belongs to the group of tetracyclines and acts bacteriostatic against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria like Bordetella, Campylobacter, Chlamydia, E. coli, Haemophilus, Mycoplasma, Pasteurella, Rickettsia, Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. The action of oxytetracycline is based on inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis. Oxytetracycline is mainly excreted in urine, for a small part in bile and in lactating animals in milk. One injection acts for two days.
What does Oxytetracycline treat in dogs?
Indications
1. Oxytetracycline is used to treat bacterial infections in dogs, including respiratory sinus infections, wound infections, pneumonia, oral infections, and blood cell infections.
2. Tetracyclines are considered the drug of choice for the treatment of canine blood cell and tick-borne infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and feline infectious anemia (hemobarton's disease).
3. Oxytetracycline is also used to treat protozoal infections (single-celled organisms) in animals.
4. It is also used to treat conjunctivitis, especially in cats.
5. Oxytetracycline is not effective against infections caused by parasites (intestinal worms), mites, viruses, or fungi.
Precautions and side effects
1. Oxytetracycline should not be used in animals known to be allergic to the drug. It should be used with caution in pets with liver or kidney disease.
2. High doses of hygromycin may decrease appetite and cause gastrointestinal problems.
3. Oxytetracycline may interact with other medications. Consult your veterinarian to determine if other medications your pet is taking may interact with oxytetracycline. Such medications include oral antacids.
4. Oxytetracycline and other tetracyclines can discolor the teeth of young animals. Do not give tetracyclines to children until adult teeth are fully grown.
5. High doses of oxytetracycline can cause kidney damage.
6. Avoid oxytetracycline in pregnant animals because liver problems may occur.