Your vet has just prescribed Animax ointment for your dog and told you that it is a topical cream formulated to treat a variety of skin conditions. The problem is he didn’t tell you exactly why he was prescribing it or what skin condition your dog has.
What Animax Is
Animax is a topical ointment that is applied directly to your dog’s skin. Animax has been shown to be especially effective when treating conditions that are caused, threatened or possibly complicated by Candidiasis or bacterial infections. Being an ointment, Animax is applied by squeezing the prescribed amount onto your hand or your dog’s skin in the affected area and rubbing it in completely, exactly like any of the skin creams or lotions that you would use. Animax is very similar to antibacterial topical ointments for human use, such as Neosporin and neomycin. The product in fact has neomycin in it. The active ingredient in Animax is nystatin. Animax also has thiostrepton and triamcinolone acetonide as active ingredients. These four active ingredients are carried in a polyethylene and mineral oil base to create the ointment.
Skin Conditions Treated with Animax
As stated, Animax has been formulated to treat a variety of irritating skin conditions in dogs and cats. Interdigital cysts (cysts between the “toes” of the paws), acute or chronic otitis of various etiologies (causes) and canine anal gland infections are all conditions for which Animax is indicated or recommended. Bacterial or candidial infections that cause exudative dermatitis or dry or inflamed dermatitis are also conditions for which Animax is especially effective. Animax is also used for treating many forms of dermatitis, such as contact and eczematous dermatitis, as well as seborrhiasis. Your vet may also prescribe Animax as part of a treatment program due to dermatitis caused by parasite infestation (fleas and ticks).
Precautions When Using Animax
Animax is not meant to be used in areas where deep abscesses or wounds are present. Animax is also not to be used for lymphatic inflammation or other similar deep-seated infections. There are other, better products for treatments of those conditions. Serious burns or deep puncture wounds are two more conditions where Animax is not indicated for use. If your dog gains excessive weight or experiences polydipsia or polyuria, you should discontinue use immediately and see your vet. Polydipsia is defined as excessive thirst and polyuria is when the patient has to urinate an abnormally large amount. These two conditions usually occur together.
A very small percentage of dogs will show severe sensitivity to the neomycin in Animax. If your dog develops redness, irritation or excessive swelling, you should discontinue use immediately and see your vet. If there is pus present in the affected area, you should not use Animax until the pus is able to drain away before using. Animax is not to be administered orally.
Your vet will discuss dosage and application recommendations when he prescribes this medication. If you have any questions that aren’t answered during the ensuing discussion, be sure to bring them up and have them answered to your satisfaction.