Baytril for Cats

Baytril for cats is a useful antibiotic medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of otitis externa and other skin rashes and infections. It is widely popular because of the many different types of bacteria and fungi that it is able to treat. The medicine is also known by the standard generic medicine name enrofloxacin; Baytril is a brand name drug that is registered and designed specifically for use in animals. Read on for a brief overview about how using this medicine can help to address your cat's skin conditions.

Baytril Overview

Baytril is a member of a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. These broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs are effective at breaking down bacteria and certain types of fungi. They do this by eliminating the cells' ability to synthesize new DNA, thereby causing the breakdown and eventual death of the bacteria. As the bacteria is eliminated from your pet's skin, his infection and condition goes away as well. It's important to recognize that, although Baytril is a highly effective method of controlling your pet's skin conditions when they are caused by most bacteria, it is not entirely effective against every type of bacteria that can result in an infection.

This medicine is most commonly used to treat ear infections in cats, although it can occasionally be used for other types of functions as well.

Using Baytril for Your Cat

Baytril is provided in liquid form and comes in bottles that are either 15 milliliters or 30 milliliters. Generally, the larger bottles are used for dogs, while the smaller ones are used for cats. A typical dose of Baytril will include a few drops in the affected ear twice per day for roughly a week. The exact dosage of the medicine that you give to your pet, however, will depend upon your veterinarian's recommendation. As with any other prescription drug that you give to your cat, it's crucial that you follow your vet's instructions for administration as closely as possible for the best results.

Side Effects and Risks of Baytril Use

While Baytril is generally seen as very safe for your pet, there are a few instances in which this medicine is not the best choice for your cat. For instance, most vets recommend avoiding Baytril in very young kittens. Additionally, if your cat has a ruptured ear drum, it's best to avoid using this medicine. Finally, it's crucial that you tell your vet of all other medicines that your cat is taking before you begin to give him Baytril, as this medicine may interact badly with other medicines in your cat's system.

The most common side effects of Baytril in cats include the following:

  • Ear discomfort
  • Lameness
  • Swollen joints

Any negative reactions to the medicine should be reported to the veterinarian for immediate consideration. While it's unlikely, your pet may be having a serious allergic reaction to Baytril, and you'll need to discuss altering the dose or finding a new treatment plan.

 

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