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My dog has been put on Chloramphenicol for a skin infection known as MRSA. He also has an

 
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My dog has been put on Chloramphenicol for a skin infection known as MRSA. He also has an ointment and a medicated bath 2x a week. They believe the infection is a result of long term antibiotic use for his perianal fistulas. I cannot call him today so I am looking for a Vet to help me with my concerns. I read the side effects of the drug and it can cause a side effect that is fatal. I AM SCARED TO CONTINUE THE THERAPY. Can you give me better statistics or help me understand the risks of this drug before I continue therapy with it. I know the internet is dangerous to read information and I need some help.

 

Optional Information:
Pet's Gender: Male
Pet's Age: 5
Type of Animal: Dog
Name of Animal: Rufus

Already Tried:
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Submitted: 495 days and 7 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $48
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Drew replied 495 days and 7 hours ago.

Hello, welcome to JustAnswer! I am a licensed veterinarian, and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can. Chloramphenicol is VERY well tolerated in dogs -- the possibility of fatal side effects occurs in people and in cats, but dogs are not known to be affected by this particular side effect. This drug is no longer used in humans for this reason, and should not be used in cats, but in cases of resistant bacterial infections such as MRSA, it's one of our best options for dogs.

You should wear gloves while handling the tablets, just to play it safe, but Rufus is not likely to be at any risk from taking Chloramphenicol.

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Customer replied 495 days and 7 hours ago.

What about the other side effects like the anemia, Luekemia, Low blood Marrow etc. . .He will be on it for 30 days, 250mg/8h=750 mg/ day. Is your opinion still the same about it. furthermore. I believe he has has it before when he was on Baytril and Ciprofoxacin (not sure of the spelling) will this treatment limit its recurrence if he resumes the Flagyl regimen. And if I have to wear glove to handle it why would I want it in his system. I have used calendula tincute on it and it kills it but it does pop up elsewhere. Also, what about colonization. . .what does that mean?

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Expert:  Drew replied 495 days and 7 hours ago.

Since you have a lot of questions here I'll try to go through in list form for efficiency:

What about the other side effects like the anemia, Luekemia (sic), Low blood Marrow etc.

These are the affects that occur in humans and in cats -- and are not usually seen in dogs except with very long-term therapy (several months, usually). If any of these effects are seen, they will resolve with stopping the drug.

He will be on it for 30 days, 250mg/8h=750 mg/ day. Is your opinion still the same about it.

Yes, I believe that is an appropriate dose protocol (for a dog weighing approximately 10-12 pounds), and I've used that approach successfully in dozens of dogs previously, with good efficacy and safety.

furthermore. I believe he has has it before when he was on Baytril and Ciprofloxacin (not sure of the spelling) will this treatment limit its recurrence if he resumes the Flagyl regimen.


MRSA is not typically carried on dogs, it's likely he picked it up from a human who was carrying it, possibly without any symptoms. It is important to continue treatment to the point of a negative follow-up culture.

I'm not sure what you're referring to about resuming Flagyl, that's not a drug that has any real use in managing skin problems.

And if I have to wear glove to handle it why would I want it in his system.

He's a dog, you're a human. Protecting yourself from more common side effects is important -- his body is far less likely to experience side effects.

I have used calendula tincute (sic) on it and it kills it but it does pop up elsewhere. Also, what about colonization. . .what does that mean?

Colonization is simply the process of bacteria multiplying and spreading across a surface, be it skin, or other organs, or a tabletop, etc.

Expert TypeVeterinarian
Category: Dog
Pos. Feedback: 99.2 %
Accepts: 3110
Answered: 11/27/2011

Experience: Small Animal Medicine and Surgery

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Customer replied 495 days and 6 hours ago.

Thank you! I will contuinue

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Expert:  Drew replied 495 days and 6 hours ago.

You're very welcome -- best wishes for you and Rufus! :)

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Customer replied 495 days and 6 hours ago.

Do you think I gave him MRSA and how can I be tested for it?

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Expert:  Drew replied 495 days and 6 hours ago.

Your doctor can perform swabs and cultures to check for it; as a veterinarian I'm not familiar with the specific procedures followed in people.

 
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