Clindamycin is an antibiotic that the vet can prescribe for our dog, especially if it suffers from an infection in the mouth, in the bones or in a wound. It is important that antibiotics are only prescribed by he althcare professionals to avoid bacterial resistance.
In this article on our site we will explain how clindamycin works for dogs, what its uses are in these animals, as well as the contraindications and side effects to be aware of.
What is clindamycin?
Clindamycin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic belonging to the lincosamide group. Specifically, it acts by inhibiting protein synthesis. Clindamycin is effective against Staphylococcus aureus and pseudointermedius, Streptococcus spp., Bacteroides spp., Clostridium perfringens, or Fusobacterium necrophorum. It also registers activity against Toxoplasma gondii.
Clindamycin is almost completely absorbed after oral administration and eliminated in the faeces and urine. The ideal in the case of antibiotics is to choose them after a culture that allows identifying which bacteria are present. Although clindamycin is a drug that is also used in human medicine, clindamycin for dogs is marketed, specifically formulated for animals and exclusively for veterinary use. It is often preferred to prescribe this option, which comes in capsules, oral solution or injection.
What is clindamycin for dogs for?
The uses of clindamycin in dogs are, above all, the treatment of skin infections, of infected wounds, of abscesses, which are collections of pus under the skin, from infections in the mouth or teeth or in cases of osteomyelitis, which is an infection in the bones. Clindamycin also improves the clinical signs triggered by active Toxoplasma gondii infection and can be used in respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal infections or in neosporosis.
Clindamycin Dosage for Dogs
The dose of clindamycin for dogs can only be decided by the veterinarianHe is the only professional who can determine if clindamycin is the right antibiotic for our dog's problem, as well as how much to administer, how often and for how long. It is essential to follow their instructions regarding the dose, frequency and time of administration. Otherwise, there is a risk of promoting bacterial resistance. This is a major problem that is causing fewer and fewer antibiotics to work. Hence, it is essential to always use them under the supervision of a he althcare professional.
The dose also depends on the weight of the dog As an example, for a dog with an abscess, clindamycin capsules are usually administered at a rate 5.5 mg per kg of body weight twice a day for 7-10 days. It should be borne in mind that if no improvement is seen after about four days of treatment, the veterinarian should be informed for a re-evaluation of the case.
On the other hand, the dose will be higher if clindamycin is used to treat osteomyelitis. There is talk, if capsules are used, of about 11 mg per kg of weight twice a day and for a longer time, with a minimum of four weeks. If the dog does not improve in fourteen days, re-evaluate. If the liquid solution is chosen, it can be administered mixed with food.
Contraindications of clindamycin for dogs
In dogs that are dehydrated or have serious kidney or liver problems, it is possible to use clindamycin, but with strict dose control and monitoring. In the case of pregnant or lactating bitches, there are insufficient data to support their safety, although no effects have been reported in studies. harmful to fetuses. In any case, it is up to the veterinarian to prescribe clindamycin or not after assessing the risks and benefits, both of using it and not doing so. It is known that the drug passes into the milk, therefore, treating the mother during lactation, clindamycin reaches the puppies and can cause diarrhoea.
Of course, clindamycin is not recommended for dogs that have previously exhibited a hypersensitivity reaction to this drug. On the other hand, if our dog is taking any other medication and the veterinarian does not know it, we must tell him in case there is any interaction between the two that could affect its effectiveness or cause any negative effect.
Clindamycin Side Effects for Dogs
Usually, clindamycin does not cause any side effects. But signs related to the digestive system may appear, such as vomiting, diarrhea or anorexia, especially in prolonged treatments. It must be taken into account that the use of this medicine could favor the growth of certain bacteria that are not sensitive to it. In that case, the vet will have to treat this superinfection as well.
On the other hand, if the administered dose exceeds the recommended dose, an overdose may occur, causing symptoms such as vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea or an increase in liver enzymes. In this case, treatment should be discontinued and the veterinarian should be contacted to treat the clinical signs shown by the dog.
Finally, when treatment with clindamycin is prolonged for a month or longer, it is necessary to carry out an analytical control, especially all to check the functioning of the kidneys and liver. In these long treatments, clindamycin can be used together with probiotics.
