Trimethoprim is an example of a commonly used antibiotic in veterinary medicine. This particular antibiotic is not only effective against general, broad-spectrum infections of many types, but it's also commonly used to treat certain parasite conditions that may affect your dog's bowels and intestinal tract. Trimethoprim is oftentimes used in conjunction with a sulfa drug to help enhance the effectiveness of both medicines at eliminating both bacteria and parasitic microorganisms from your pet's system.
Trimethoprim Overview
Trimethoprim, like other antibiotics, is a powerful medicine that is available through a prescription from your veterinarian only. This medicine is most often used to treat certain types of infections, and it is most effective against intracellular parasites and other types of bacteria. If you and your vet have determined that your dog is suffering from a bacterial or parasitic infection, you'll need to identify whether trimethoprim might be effective at reducing or eliminating the bacteria from that infection. If they are, this medicine is a good one to give to your pet.
Using Trimethoprim for Your Dog
Trimethoprim is available in a variety of different forms. The most commonly used for veterinary medicine is the tablet form of the drug. It is also available as an injection and as an oral paste. Of these, the oral paste is oftentimes the more effective of the two for veterinary use. Because the medicine is approved by the FDA for use in both humans and animals, it's important that you closely monitor the concentration and the dosage of trimethoprim when you plan to give it to your pet.
The exact dosage will be dependent upon your pet's size and weight, as well as on the condition that he's suffering from and his overall health. In most cases, tablets are included with meals or food treats and are given to pets twice per day for the duration of the treatment.
As with other antibiotics, it's important that you continue the full run of the medicine, even if your pet's symptoms seem to clear up midway through the treatment. Stopping the treatment midway makes the bacteria more likely to resurge and develop a resistance to the bacteria.
Side Effects of Trimethoprim
Trimethoprim can react negatively with certain other medicines in your pet's system, and so it's very important that you inform your vet of any and all other medicines that your dog is currently taking before you begin the treatment process with trimethoprim. Additionally, there are a number of common side effects associated with this medicine. These include the following:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Dry eyes
- Inflammation of the liver
- Anemia
Some of the more serious of these conditions may cause your pet serious harm and even put his life in danger. If you suspect that your pet is reacting badly to the medicine, it's important that you take him to the veterinarian's office as quickly as possible to have him examined. Your vet will be able to recommend how to discontinue the drug.