is it dangerous in any way
Clindamycin - can I give it to my dog- who needs antibiotics we can't afford it, is it safe?
Question posted by corn cob pipe on 17 March 2011
Last updated on 22 November 2014
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Answers
Inactive
17 March 2011
I would not recommend it without talking to your vet first.
I am not sure how the dog will metabolize it. You don't know if it is toxic or not.
Since your dog most likely weighs less then a human he would be getting too much. In humans it causes GI problems and this could be made worse in your dog. Furthermore, Clindamycin is known for killing good bacteria in the stomach and allowing for a super infection such as C.Diff to take over and cause severe problems. This could happen in a dog, especially if he is getting higher doses for his weight.
Finally, All antibiotics are not the same. Most people don't think about it, but you have to consider what the infection is. Some antibiotics work with some infections.
Talk with the vet - he would know. Especially since he knows what kind of infection there is and how the dog might respond.
Also consider that you shouldn't have clindamycin just laying around. Is it old? Expired?
Brian PharmD Candidate
recx
18 March 2011
my vet prescribed it to my dog (12 yo/9 lbs) who has an infection (she has an ear discharge) last month (150mg 2x a day for 7days). After a few days of treatment she's ok... i missed one dosage, but i complete the 7 days treatment. now the infection is back again, i wonder is it because i missed one dosage?
can i give her again the same treatment?
Inactive
18 March 2011
Missing 1 dose probably didn't cause it to come back, however it could have led to the bacteria to become a little stronger.
If it has come back she may need another treatment. Usually, in humans if we have treated with one antibiotic and the infection comes back in a short period of time a new antibiotic is needed.
This all should be discussed with the vet. I primarily deal with people so I cannot offer specific advice.
Saveadog
23 Nov 2014
My vet recently started prescribing this drug each time any of my dogs have been to the vet where they needed an antibiotic. I can honestly say it does not perform well. Problem cleared up a little but then returned in each instance and I requested another familar antibiotic that cleared things right up with my dogs and it has not returned. Do vets get paid for pushing new products? Clindamycin is not a good antibiotic in my personal opinion and I have had dogs all my life and refuse to give my dogs this drug ever again. A dog's health is more important than introducing a new antibiotic that doesn't work. My dogs are NOT guinea pigs for some drug company to experiment with.
Related topics
Further information
- Clindamycin uses and safety info
- Clindamycin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Clindamycin (detailed)
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