If your pet has an eye infection that is related to bacteria growth, Tobradex eye drops for dogs may be a good way to reduce the scope of the infection and to help restore your pet to proper health. Eye infections that are caused by bacteria will not typically go away on their own, and must be treated with caution in order to ensure that your pet doesn't suffer significant and permanent damage to his eyes and vision.
Tobradex Eye Drops Overview
Tobradex is a brand name formulation of a medicine called tobramycin. Tobramycin is a type of antibiotic medicine, meaning that it works to eliminate infection by destroying bacteria itself. In the case of tobramycin, the medicine eliminates the ability of the bacteria to properly produce protein, and the bacteria cells die off quickly, thereby reducing the infection as well. Through a short-term tobramycin eye drop treatment, most bacteria related eye infections can be put down very quickly.
Using Tobradex Eye Drops for Your Dog
Tobradex is a medicine that has been specifically formulated and designed for use in humans only. This means that it's not available for purchase for use in pets without a special veterinary prescription. Although the medicine hasn't been approved by the FDA for use in dogs, veterinarians can still prescribe it in certain cases.
The concentration of the medicine that is available in your pet's eye drops will have some effect on his overall recovery rate. The exact concentration and dosage will depend upon your dog's:
- infection
- size
- weight
- breed
- overall medical history
It's important to follow your vet's instructions for providing your dog with Tobradex eye drops, as failure to do so properly may result in an ineffective treatment.
Side Effects of Tobradex Eye Drops
Tobradex eye drops are known to generally be quite safe for your pet's use. Unlike injectable forms of the medicine, they tend to not have the same widespread effect of eliminating various bacteria, both good and bad, from your pet's body in other systems. However, there are nonetheless some important things to keep in mind before you give your pet Tobradex eye drops.
First, these eye drops should not be given to any dog that is suffering from dehydration, kidney damage, or other organ diseases or failure. Additionally, Tobradex has the potential to react poorly with certain types of medicines that may already be in your pet's system. Because of this, it's crucial that you inform your vet of any and all other medicines that your dog is taking before you begin to give him Tobradex.
Some of the most common symptoms of Tobradex are:
- Loss of hearing
- Loss of balance
- Paralysis
The eye drop versions of this drug are much less likely to cause these symptoms and side effects than the injectable version is. Still, if you notice any unusual symptoms after giving your pet Tobradex eye drops, take him to a vet.