Source:http://www.chelonia.org/articles/medical_misinformation.htm
A second drug that is widely utilized in chelonian medicine is Baytril. Again, this is a tradename for a drug which in this case is enrofloxacin. Enrofloxacin is a member of the antibacterial group, the fluoroquinolones.
Again, dosages for this drug are widely circulated on the internet. Unfortunately, the utilization of drugs such as this is often inappropriate and even harmful. Pathogenic organisms such as hexamita, viral organisms, fungal organisms, parasites, and protozoal organisms are all unaffected (or in some cases even encouraged by the destruction of their “competition”) by the usage of antibiotics yet are often the cause of the underlying problem in the animal. Baytril can also have severe side effects.
For example, long term usage of antibiotics can destroy the normal gastrointestinal flora of chelonia. This in turn can lead to the overgrowth of some rather nasty resistant bacterial organisms as well as fungal organisms. Obtaining a culture and sensitivity is necessary to pinpoint exactly what organism is causing the problem as well as determining the most effective treatment option. Bacterial resistance to numerous antibiotics is becoming the norm rather than the exception to the rule. Having your vet run an inexpensive culture and sensitivity not only saves time but also improves the odds of proper and effective treatment.
A second side effect which I have noted personally in Geomyda spengleri, Geochelone denticulata, and Heosemys spinosa and which has been reported anecdotally in several other species is that baytril can cause a severe “allergic type” reaction in a number of animals. This reaction consists of violent vomiting, diarrhea, and an almost comatose state with all four limbs and the head fully extended within a few minutes of the injection. The comatose state can last varying periods of time stretching into a few days.
Batyril was initially developed in dogs and the following information is from the label. “Enrofloxacin may lower the seizure threshhold (meaning that it can facilitate seizures). This is not a problem for normal animals but fluoroquinolones are best not used in animals with known seizure disorders.” Also note: “At approximately ten times the recommended dose vomiting and diarrhea may be seen with this medication. At normal doses, this should not be seen. Dogs with Pseudomonas ear infections require very high doses of enrofloxacin and nausea may indeed become a problem.”
Next, baytril is an EXTREMELY painful drug if given in the “wrong” place. Intramuscular injections into the musculature of the front legs is an outdated treatment modality and leads to the classic ‘Baytril pain dance” which is easily avoided with appropriate administration of the drug.
Baytril has also been found to cause damage to the joint cartilage in immature (less than 8 month old) dogs. I have seen this in immature birds as well and have no reason to believe it doesn’t cause similar problems in developing chelonians. Permanent damage to the retinas in cats and subsequent blindness is another side effect which wasn’t discovered until the past few years.
Lastly, most people are unaware that Baytril is actually designed to be given intramuscularly for the initial treatment and then orally for subsequent treatments. It is not designed to be given repeatedly into the muscle yet this is the primary approach utilized in most instances as well as that “prescribed” by internet “experts”.
To summarize, I would strongly encourage everyone to make full use of their veterinarian. We are not only trained medical professionals but we have years of experience, continuing education, and diagnostic skills/equipment that can be brought to bear on your animal’s medical problems. Relying on “cookbook drug recipes” on the internet is not only dangerous but also irresponsible. The animals in our care deserve the best we can provide
A second drug that is widely utilized in chelonian medicine is Baytril. Again, this is a tradename for a drug which in this case is enrofloxacin. Enrofloxacin is a member of the antibacterial group, the fluoroquinolones.
For example, long term usage of antibiotics can destroy the normal gastrointestinal flora of chelonia. This in turn can lead to the overgrowth of some rather nasty resistant bacterial organisms as well as fungal organisms. Obtaining a culture and sensitivity is necessary to pinpoint exactly what organism is causing the problem as well as determining the most effective treatment option. Bacterial resistance to numerous antibiotics is becoming the norm rather than the exception to the rule. Having your vet run an inexpensive culture and sensitivity not only saves time but also improves the odds of proper and effective treatment.
A second side effect which I have noted personally in Geomyda spengleri, Geochelone denticulata, and Heosemys spinosa and which has been reported anecdotally in several other species is that baytril can cause a severe “allergic type” reaction in a number of animals. This reaction consists of violent vomiting, diarrhea, and an almost comatose state with all four limbs and the head fully extended within a few minutes of the injection. The comatose state can last varying periods of time stretching into a few days.
Batyril was initially developed in dogs and the following information is from the label. “Enrofloxacin may lower the seizure threshhold (meaning that it can facilitate seizures). This is not a problem for normal animals but fluoroquinolones are best not used in animals with known seizure disorders.” Also note: “At approximately ten times the recommended dose vomiting and diarrhea may be seen with this medication. At normal doses, this should not be seen. Dogs with Pseudomonas ear infections require very high doses of enrofloxacin and nausea may indeed become a problem.”
Next, baytril is an EXTREMELY painful drug if given in the “wrong” place. Intramuscular injections into the musculature of the front legs is an outdated treatment modality and leads to the classic ‘Baytril pain dance” which is easily avoided with appropriate administration of the drug.
Baytril has also been found to cause damage to the joint cartilage in immature (less than 8 month old) dogs. I have seen this in immature birds as well and have no reason to believe it doesn’t cause similar problems in developing chelonians. Permanent damage to the retinas in cats and subsequent blindness is another side effect which wasn’t discovered until the past few years.
Lastly, most people are unaware that Baytril is actually designed to be given intramuscularly for the initial treatment and then orally for subsequent treatments. It is not designed to be given repeatedly into the muscle yet this is the primary approach utilized in most instances as well as that “prescribed” by internet “experts”.
To summarize, I would strongly encourage everyone to make full use of their veterinarian. We are not only trained medical professionals but we have years of experience, continuing education, and diagnostic skills/equipment that can be brought to bear on your animal’s medical problems. Relying on “cookbook drug recipes” on the internet is not only dangerous but also irresponsible. The animals in our care deserve the best we can provide
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