Canine UTI Symptoms
The urinary tract infection is often without symptoms in the first stages of the infection. Later symptoms include blood and impurities in the urine, painful urination, spraying, lethargy, vomiting and nausea.
Basically, if you notice any changes in your pet's urinating behavior, this might be a sign of a urinary tract infection. If he urinates more frequently, drinks more water and urinates smaller amounts in more episodes, you should go for a check-up.
What is Naxcel?
Naxcel is a sterile powder that has antibacterial properties and is effective in killing bacteria such as Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli that often cause upper and lower urinary tract infections. Ceftiofur sodium is the main component of Naxcel. This is a broad spectrum antibiotic from the cephalosporin group.
If your vet determines that Naxcel is recommended for your dog's UTI, the drug will be administrated through subcutaneous injections. The drug immediately enters the dog's blood stream and is highly effective for the following 24 hours. This is why the vet prescribes only one shot per day. If your dog doesn't like shots, you can give him the powder, but make sure he eats it.
The dosage varies, depending on your dog's breed, weight and the severity of the infection. The recommended dosage is (on average) about 1 mg per pound of body weight or, when the drug is injected, 0.1 ml sterile solution per 5 pounds of body weight.
The treatment is administrated for up to 2 weeks.
Side-Effects of Naxcel
Naxcel is a safe medicine against urinary tract infections; however there are side-effects that may occur in rare cases. The dogs experience local pain a short time after the injection is administrated.
Naxcel is not recommended for pets with hypersensitivity to sodium salt of Ceftiofur.
Pregnant dogs or puppies shouldn't get Naxcel. There might be adverse reactions.
If the drug is administrated for more than 14 days in a row, the dog will present signs of anemia and low red cell count.
Alternative UTI Treatment
If your dog doesn't tolerate Naxcel, he might get other antibiotics to treat the urinary tract infection. Homeopathic treatmentm which will have minimal side effects, can also be effective.
Superficial urinary infections may be treated with the administration of liquids that will flush out the harmful bacteria. In addition, the vet can prescribe some pain killers to deal with the pain associated with the urinary tract infection.
Diet is also important when treating a dog with UTI. Focus on wet food for a few days and make sure the water bowl is always clean and the water is fresh.
Canine UTI is very frequent and studies show that a dog might get UTI at least once in his lifetime. Female dogs are more susceptible to the infection. If the infection is not cured, it might spread to the kidneys and cause severe complications.
Good hygiene may prevent the occurrence of a urinary infection.