From:
"Bruce Williams, DVM"
Date: 2008-07-15 13:21:35 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] Re: Reaction to Biaxin
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
--- In ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com, "Tressie" <tressiedu@...> wrote:
>
> I started her with the Biaxin, which she loved. Unfortunately, an
> hour later threw it all up with bloody mucous. My question, could
> she be allergic to it? I don't want to give it to her if it will
> cause her to vomit.
>
> Help! Should I go back to the dreaded Metronidazole/Amoxicillin
> combo??
Dear Tressie:
First of all, the prescribed treatments, both Biaxin/Amoxi and
Metronidazole/Amoxi are not treatments for ulcers, but for
Helicobacter, and I think in a 2-year-old with a bleeding ulcer,
would not be my first choice.
Ulcers are life-threatening, Helicobacter (which may be associated)
is not. Are you still giving the Sucralfate, and if so, how often?
In these cases, I generally don't give meds other than Sucralfate and
a bland diet for a number of days. The stress of giving a lot of
meds actually worsens ulcers in ferrets, not improves them. We can
always go back and treat the Helicobacter if we want.
Sucralfate should be given at a dose of 75mg/lb 10 minutes before a
meal, and no kibble! Duck Soup, baby food, a/d, Carnivore care -
these are all good bland diets that supply nutrients in a highly
digestible form.
I'm much higher on Sucralfate than Pepcid, as many of these animals
already have decreased stomach acid (a non-lethal problem in animals
with severe Helicobacter infection) and we can preserve acid
production and improve digestion without totally blocking the acid.
The sucralfate forms a temporary patch for the ulcer, and the rest is
washed away downstream.
I think it is unlikely you are seeing a reaction to the Biaxin - I
think it is more likely that your ferret is vomiting due to pain and
nausea of an ulcer that it not-pre-coated with Sucralfate.
With kindest regards,
Bruce Williams, DVM
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