Enrofloxacin is a antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone group used for the treatment of respiratory, digestive and urinary bacterial infections, among others. Because of its broad spectrum of activity, it is used to treat infections caused by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Currently, it is marketed for use in dogs in the form of tablets and an injectable solution.
If you want to know more about enrofloxacin in dogs, don't miss the following article on our site, in which we detailwhat is it used for , what are its main contraindications and its effects secondary
What is enrofloxacin?
Enrofloxacin is a antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone family used in dogs and other animal species to treat bacterial infections. Specifically, it is an antimicrobial with a bactericidal effect, which means that it has an irreversible effect by causing the death of bacteria (unlike antimicrobials with a bactericidal effect). bacteriostatic, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, but do not cause their death).
Enrofloxacin for dogs can be found in two different presentations:
- Tablets: for oral administration.
- Injectable solution: for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular administration.
What is enrofloxacin used for in dogs?
Due to its broad spectrum of activity, enrofloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections, both individual and mixed, that affect the following devices or systems:
- Respiratory system
- Digestive system
- Urinary system
- External ear
- Skin
Specifically, enrofloxacin is used to treat infections caused by:
- Gram negative bacteria: such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, Pasteurella spp, Haemophilus spp, Klebsiella spp, Bordetella spp, Pseudomonas spp, and Proteus spp.
- Gram positive bacteria: such as Staphylococcus spp.
Generally, it is used in monotherapy, since the combination with other active ingredients has not shown synergistic phenomena.
Enrofloxacin Dosage for Dogs
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, enrofloxacin is available in the form of tablets and injectable solution. To calculate the dose of enrofloxacin in dogs, it is necessary to take into account its presentation and, therefore, its route of administration.
Dose of enrofloxacin tablets
The oral dose will be 5 mg of enrofloxacin per kg of weight, once a day, for 5 consecutive days. However, in the case of chronic and serious illnesses, treatment can be extended up to 10 days.
To administer the proper dose, it is important to determine the weight of the animal as accurately as possible. In this way, we will avoid the risks associated with both overdosing and underdosing.
Dose of enrofloxacin injection
The parenteral dose will be 5 mg of enrofloxacin per kg of body weight, once a day, for a maximum of 5 days.
In the same way, it is important to accurately determine the weight of the animal to administer the correct dose.
Enrofloxacin overdose in dogs
Cases of enrofloxacin overdose in dogs are usually caused by accidental consumption of the drug. The best preventive measure to avoid this accident is to keep all medications (whether for human or veterinary use) out of the reach of dogs and other animals of home.
Accidental overdose of enrofloxacin in dogs can cause gastrointestinal disorders (with hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhoea)and nervous signs (mydriasis and ataxia). Whenever you suspect a possible overdose of this or any other drug in your dog, it is important that you go to your veterinarian immediately and indicate, whenever possible, the active ingredient and the dose ingested. Although there is no specific antidote against enrofloxacin in dogs, your veterinarian will proceed to establish a symptomatic treatment to deal with poisoning.
Contraindications of enrofloxacin for dogs
Enrofloxacin in dogs is contraindicated in the following situations:
- Puppies or growing dogs (less than 12 months in small breeds and less than 18 months in large breeds), since the enrofloxacin may alter epiphyseal cartilage in growing animals.
- Cartilage growth disorders.
- Epilepsy or convulsions, because enrofloxacin can cause stimulation of the central nervous system and thus trigger a seizure.
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to fluoroquinolones or to other excipients that may accompany the active ingredient (such as lactose, starch or povidone).
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Infections due to bacterial strains with known resistance to quinolones, as there may be cross-resistance with enrofloxacin.
- Treatment with antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, macrolides or tetracyclines, since co-administration with enrofloxacin may produce antagonistic effects.
- Theophylline therapy, as simultaneous administration of enrofloxacin may delay theophylline elimination.
In addition, although not an express contraindication, enrofloxacin should be used with caution in dogs with impaired renal or hepatic function.
Enrofloxacin side effects for dogs
Side effects associated with the use of enrofloxacin in dogs are rare, self-limiting and non-serious. However, it should be mentioned that according to the information on its technical file, on rare occasions the following may occur:
- Mild and transient gastrointestinal disorders, such as hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia.
- Central nervous system disorders.
- Hypersensitivity reactions (allergies).
- Inflammatory reactions and irritation at the injection site, which disappear in 4 to 5 days.
