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I was wondering if anyone had any insights about the following.
My dog has been prescribed Baytril for a post-amputation infection. I looked it up and it is a fluoroquinolone which is known to cause tendon and ligament problems in people (and dogs). The warnings on the people drugs are pretty prominent and I actually experienced severe problems with that class of antibiotics myself (joint problems that have persisted for almost a year now). Because of the problems I had, I am afraid to give this to my dog, particularly because he now has only three legs and is probably experiencing unusual stress on his one remaining back leg. The last thing he needs right now is something that will damage his musculoskeletal system. I am afraid that if the drug weakens his tendons and ligaments, and he tears his ACL or something else in one of his legs, then all of the pain he went thru for the amputation (to remove his cancer pain) will have been for nothing — he will be in pain again, and now unable to move since he only has three legs. Our vet says that this is our only option, but if feels like a rock and a hard place once again, and as difficult a decision as the amputation.
Has anyone had problems with tears, lameness, or other joint problems after taking Baytril?
I thought we were doing well for a while, then this comes up. It feels as if everytime we try and come up for air, we get beaten back down again.
No direct experience here, but if you have any concerns ask your vet for a different antibiotic. If you don't hear from tazziedog, consider posting in the Ask A Vet forum too.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Trouble took Baytril on two different occasions (both prior to amputation) and never had any effects. You should definitely talk with your vet if you are uncomfortable with this.
Shanna & Spirit Trouble ~ Trouble gained her wings 3/16/2011, a 27 1/2 month cancer survivor, tail wagging. RIP sweetheart, you are my heart and soul. Run free at Rainbow Bridge.
The November Five - Spirits Max, Cherry, Tika, Trouble & Nova. 11/2008 - 3/2013 An era ends as Queen Nova crossed the Bridge.
My dog was also prescribed baytril. He contracted MRSA in the bone which is why his femur did not heal and the amputation was necessary. The reason it was the antibiotic of choice was because the infection is drug resistent and the baytril was one of the few antibiotics that the MRSA proved sensitive to in the culture. I am praying this is not the case for you and the reason the vet is saying the baytril is your only option.
Bud was on baytril for three weeks off for one and then back on for two. At which point the infection seemed to stop responding to it and it was no longer effective.I did alot of reading on line. I also got some help from Cynthia here on forums explaining the drug.Hopefully she will see your post and be able to explain it to you.If not please look for our story under the treatment and recovery forum under hip replacement gone wrong and you can see her posts to me regarding the drug.
My understanding is that baytril was a human drug also but had side effects so it is used now for animals. Most of the concern being it caused digestive problems. Bud never seemed to show any side effects from the baytril but it also was not the answer for his treatment which is still ongoing.
Sending healing wishes to you and hopes for a full recovery from the infection!
Thanks Jerry and Hugapitbull -- I'll definitely be talking with my vet about this.
Anjl, Thank you for the good wishes and for the pointer to your post about Bud's hip replacement. I am so sorry to hear about what happened to Bud, and hope that he is getting better from his infection. I will read over that paper that was recommended in your thread before we go and see our vet tomorrow. Good wishes to you and Bud as well!
The only time I avoid Baytril and other quinalones if the dog is a large-breed growing puppy since the risk of tendon and growth plate problems is higher at that time. My own dog Tazzie took Baytril for 6 weeks post-op for a liver infection and she did fine.
Pam
I had to rack my brain as to what I was giving Comet that I, too stumbled on this warning.
It was Cipro - which is in that fluoroquinolone category! She was on it for life.
Rest easy - Comet took it from October 2009 until January 2011 daily at 500mgs. She didn't have any physical side effects nor any general side effects.
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
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