Hey there, dog lover! If you're like most people, you want to do whatever you can to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. And if you're like us, that means learning about all the latest treatments and medications available for dogs. One such medication is tylosin, a safe and effective antibiotic that's used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs, but mainly for intestinal infections that can cause diarrhea. Here's what you need to know about tylosin for dogs, including what it is, how it works, and when it's appropriate to use it.
What is tylosin?
Tylosin is an antibiotic that belongs to a class of drugs called macrolides. It's used to treat bacterial infections in a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, pigs, and horses. Tylosin is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including those that cause respiratory infections, skin infections, and gastrointestinal infections.
How does tylosin work?
Tylosin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and is a bacteriostatic antibiotic. It does this by binding to a specific protein in the bacteria, which prevents the bacteria from making new proteins and growing.
When is tylosin in dogs used?
The most common use of tylosin in dogs is to treat diarrhea that is the result of bacterial intestinal infections and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Recently, veterinarians have renamed SIBO, antibiotic-responsive diarrhea (ARD) as there is evidence there is not an actual overgrowth of bacteria. Tylosin has efficacy against a wide range of intestinal pathogens including campylobacter and clostridial infections.
Tylosin can also be used to treat respiratory and skin infections in dogs. It can also be used to prevent these infections from occurring in dogs who are at risk, such as those who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system.
What are the side effects of tylosin in dogs?
Tylosin is generally safe and well-tolerated by dogs. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur that would result in facial swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis in severe cases. Dogs that have a known sensitivity to macrolide antibiotics should avoid the use of tylosin.
How is tylosin administered to dogs?
There are multiple formulations that your veterinarian can use to administer and dispense tylosin. These include an injectable form, an oral suspension and a tablet form. As tylosin is a compounded medication for use in dogs, there are different strengths and flavours available so please discuss with your veterinarian for options for your dog.
What are the possible drug interactions of tylosin in dogs?
The possible drug interactions of tylosin in dogs include chloramphenicol antagonism which means that the two drugs might work against each other if they are administered at the same time. Another interaction is that when administered with phenobarbital, metabolic enzyme induction can occur which could lead to tylosin treatment failure. Lastly, tylosin may increase the half-life of midazolam and enhance its clinical effects.
Is there a concern for antibiotic resistance when using tylosin in dogs?
The use of tylosin in dogs is generally considered safe with a low risk for the development of antibiotic resistance. When used as directed by a veterinarian, tylosin is an effective way to treat bacterial infections in dogs.
With any antibiotic, however, repetitive use can induce the potential for bacteria to mutate and become resistant. Therefore, it's important to only use tylosin when it is indicated by a veterinarian and to finish the entire course of treatment as directed.
How long should your dog take tylosin?
The duration of tylosin treatment in dogs depends on the type and severity of the infection being treated. Generally, tylosin is given for 7-14 days. If your dog is not showing improvement after 3-5 days of treatment, please contact your veterinarian.
Tylosin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs but mainly intestinal infections that cause diarrhea. It is safe and well-tolerated, with the most common side effect being hypersensitivity reactions. Tylosin can be administered in multiple forms, including injectable, oral suspension, and tablet forms. When used as directed, tylosin is an effective way to treat bacterial infections in dogs. If you have any questions about tylosin use in your dog, please contact your veterinarian.