Tylosin tartrate is a particular type of antibiotic that is commonly used in a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, horses and more. This antibiotic serves a wide range of different purposes, but like other antibiotics it is designed specifically to target and kill certain types of bacteria. Without treating these bacteria, your pet may run the risk of developing an infection. In terms of its effects on animals, tylosin tartrate is very similar to erythromycin, another type of antibiotic. Read on for a brief overview of tylosin tartrate use in dogs.
Uses of Tylosin Tartrate
Tylosin tartrate is used for a number of antibiotic purposes. Depending upon the type of condition and the bacteria, it may be helpful in eliminating several different types of infections, including all of the following:
- Gastric infection
- Colitis
- Surface infections
- Ear infections
In dogs, tylosin tartrate is most commonly used to treat both gastric infections in general and colitis in particular. Colitis, which is characterized by irritable bowels and a lack of proper consistency in bowel movements, as well as excessive flatulence and general stomach upset, is caused by an influx of harmful bacteria in the gut and digestive tract. Regular treatments of tylosin tartrate have been shown to help eliminate this bacteria, particularly in smaller animals.
Administering Tylosin Tartrate
Tylosin tartrate is available in both injection form and as a tablet that can be given orally. In most cases for dogs, vets will recommend avoiding the injection form of the drug. Therefore, you'll need to plan to give your pet the tablet form. This can be included with his meals or along with a small treat periodically throughout the day. Because different medical situations may require different amounts of tylosin tartrate, and because certain dogs may need more than others, it's important to work with your vet to determine exactly how much will be appropriate for your pet based on his age, health, weight and medical conditions.
Tylosin Tartrate Side Effects
Tylosin tartrate provides a long list of potential side effects when used in feline and other types of veterinary medicine, but dogs prove to generally be very resistant to any adverse effects when taking this drug. Generally speaking, mild side effects may include vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy, reaction to the foul taste of the medicine and similar effects.
In certain cases, tylosin tartrate may affect the levels of certain important liver hormones and enzymes, so it's vital that you and your vet monitor your pet for any signs of potential disturbances to this balance. A set of basic blood tests done periodically is wise for any animal that takes tylosin tartrate, particularly for longer than a short period of time.
As with most other drugs, there is the potential that your pet will suffer from an allergic reaction to tylosin tartrate. In these cases, you'll likely notice that he has difficulty breathing, chewing, swallowing, that he has seizures or loses consciousness. In these cases, visit a vet immediately.