Over the Counter antibiotics???

[Khellenbrand]

A few years ago I bought oxytetracycline HCl soluble powder for my chicken that had been attacked by an owl. It was an over the counter antibiotic powder I bought at Tractor Supply. (PS - my lady recovered COMPLETELY!)

Now, I need it again. It is a "broad spectrum" antibiotic. I actually need it for my lamb with early gastroenteritis. Why can I not find it anywhere?? New FDA law or something?? Does anyone know of other over the counter alternatives?

Thanks!!!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There was a new law that went into effect. I believe it was Jan 1, 2017. It only prohibited a narrow range of antibiotics so some are still available.
@casportpony follows the rules, types and availability much better than I do so hopefully she'll chime in. She's on the west coast so it may be a couple hours before she's on line.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC!

As of 1-1-2017, almost all antibiotics that could be mixed with food or water became available by prescription only, so unless you can consult with a vet you will have to use something like injectable penicilin, oxytetracyline, or Tylan instead.

Powdered tetracyline, oxytetracyline, and doxycycline can still be found online on eBay, pigeon supply websites, and gamecock websites.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Now that I think bout it, that makes perfect sense. For purposes like the OP's, as with a predator attack, an injectable would be much more appropriate.
Something that can be easily administered to entire flocks or herds needed some control due to overuse and creation of superbugs. Most antibiotic families are used for animals and humans. IMO, we're just a couple antibiotic resistant bugs away from widespread epidemics that can't be controlled.

 

[casportpony]

Here is a list of the drugs that now require a prescription:
:https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/ucm482106.htm

 

[casportpony]

Everything I posted so far applies to all but California. As of 1-1-2018, *all* antibiotics require prescription. Of course we ca still buy from the pigeon and gamecock sites, but we cannot even buy a bottle of injectable penicillin from the feed store or places like valley vet.