Home

>

Cat

>

Health & Wellbeing

>

Enrofloxacin in Vet Medicine - Facts and Information

Enrofloxacin

Updated on September 10, 2024

Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone classification.

Enrofloxacin

Summary

Used For: Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections.

Brands: Baytril®

Species: Dogs, cats, ferrets, swine, cattle, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, birds, alpacas, reptiles

Other names: Enrofloxacin

Drug type: Antibiotic

Prescription required: Yes

Pregnancy and lactation: Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating animals.

Side effects: Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite.

General description

Enrofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of susceptible bacterial infections. Effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria but not effective against anaerobes. While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.

Uses

Susceptible urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal tract infections, and skin infections

How it works

Enrofloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic that works by blocking the bacteria's ability to make DNA, causing the bacteria to die.

Dosage

Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient. * Dogs: 5-20 milligrams per kilogram per day orally; dose may be given once daily or divided and given every 12 hours. * Cats: 5 milligrams per kilogram per day orally; dose may be given once daily or divided and given every 12 hours. * Cattle: 2.5-5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once daily for 3-5 days or 7.5-12.5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once. It is not for use in cattle intended for dairy production or in veal calves. Cattle must not be slaughtered for 28 days from the last treatment if used for human consumption. * Swine: 7.5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once. Swine must not be slaughtered for 5 days when used for human consumption. * Rabbits/Rodents/Small Mammals: used as an extra-label drug with the dose ranging from 5-20 milligrams per kilogram orally, subcutaneously, or intramuscular twice daily. * Alpacas: 5 milligrams per kilogram subcutaneously once daily or 10 milligrams per kilogram once daily. * Birds: 15-20 milligrams per kilogram orally or subcutaneously every 12-24 hours. * Reptiles: 5-15 milligrams per kilogram intramuscularly every 3-5 days.

Forms

Oral tablets: 22.7, 68, and 136 milligrams. Canine approved injectable: 22.7 milligrams per milliliter (2.27%) in 20, 50, and 100 milliliter vials. Bovine approved injectable: 100 milligrams per milliliter in 100 and 250 milliliter bottles.

Storage information & handling

Tablets should be stored in a tight, light resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Injectable solution should be protected from light and stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate, freeze, or store above 40°C. Always follow labeled instructions for storage as each product may have different requirements.

What results can I expect?

Resolution of the infection.

Missed Dosage

It is best to give the medication at the same time every day without skipping doses. If you miss a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.

Overdose / acute toxicity

May see lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, dilated pupils/blindness (in cats), or seizures. If you think your pet has had an overdose seek veterinarian care immediately.

Side effects

Common side effects are usually rare and related to gastrointestinal signs. If the animal is dehydrated, they have a higher chance of developing crystals in the urine which may appear on laboratory testing and should not be confused with more clinically relevant crystals. Severe side effects may be seen with use in immature dogs developing damage to joint cartilage that is not generally seen in adults. At higher doses retinal damage can occur in cats. If Strep. Canis has not been ruled out, other antibiotics should be considered as there can be an interaction between enrofloxacin and bacteria that leads to necrotizing fasciitis which generally results in loss of a large amount of tissue. When possible, consider other treatments before using enrofloxacin in these situations. *Vomiting and diarrhea *Decreased appetite *Elevated liver enzymes (rare) *Lethargy and depression (rare) *Ataxia/staggering (rare) *Dilated pupils, retinal degeneration, blindness (cats - rare) *Seizures *Urinary crystals *Anxious behavior *Retinal damage in cats, you may also see vocalization or aggression in this species. *Articular cartilage abnormalities in young growing animals

Contraindications

* Previous sensitivity or allergy to enrofloxacin * Young growing dogs * Seizure disorders * Liver disease * Kidney disease * Extra-label use is prohibited in animals to be used for human consumption * Do not use in foals *Do not use in pregnant animals *Do not use in dehydrated animals

Drug interactions

Consult your veterinarian before using enrofloxacin with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Antacids, sucralfate, iron, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or dairy products such as cheese should not be given at the same time as enrofloxacin and should be separated by at least 2 hours. Other antibiotics, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, flunixin, glyburide, levothyroxine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, nitrofurantoin, phenytoin, probenecid, quinidine, theophylline, warfarin may interact with enrofloxacin.

Precaution

Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals. Not for extra-label use in food animals. Use with extreme caution in young, growing animals. Use with caution in cats or animals with seizure disorders, liver disease, or kidney disease. Always monitor your pet for adverse reactions such as dilated pupils or vison changes in cats. Your veterinarian may also request follow up visits to check health, rule out adverse effects, and ensure the antibiotic is working as intended.

Laboratory considerations

May cause false-positive urine glucose with certain testing methods.

Sources

Plumb's Veterinary Handbook

Manufacturer information

Bayer

Related Questions

My dog I heated uses tampon is it an emergency

Unfortunately I'm having a little trouble understand your question as I'm not sure what you mean by "My dog I heated uses tampons..." I'm wondering if Bella ate a tampon or if you wanted to use one on her while she is in heat. I will answer both to be safe. If she ate a tampon, then yes this is a medical emergency and she has to see a vet now. Tampons can easily cause obstructions in the GI tract, especially since they are absorbent and can get large in the stomach from liquid in there. if Bella ate a tampon, you need to take her into a vet immediately to get it removed. If she is on heat, no you cannot use a tampon to control her bleeding. It's not safe to use at all, and are not meant for dogs. You can put a diaper on her to catch any bloody discharge. There are dog specific diapers online and at pets stores, or you can use one made of a human child. Just cut a hole in it for her tail. Hopefully this answers your question. If it doesn't, I'm sorry and ask you post again in the forum for free to it can get answered!

Read More

I have a cat that as a kitten was very ill. We got him from 7 months old. We knew he’d had cat flu prior to him coming here. He is now nearly 5 yrs old. He picks huge fights with our other cat. He keeps urinating and scratching at doors and windows around the house. We allow him to go out via the cat flap unlimited. What is happening to him

I'm glad to see that Pippin has been neutered because this eliminates that possibility of hormone-fueled behavioral changes and aggression. Behavioral changes in cats can occur at any point in time, and could be related to anxiety or stressful situations (even rearranging furniture or introducing new people to the home can be stressful to cats). Without a lot more information and observing Pippin's behaviors, I can't precisely tell you why these changes are occurring. It may be best to consult a veterinary behaviorist in your home so that they can observe everything firsthand. You can also try using calming pheromone collars or diffusers (Feliway is one example), and discussing the use of anxiety medication with Pippin's vet. I hope that all goes well!

Read More

Hi! My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He’s taking insulin and taking antibiotics for a Uti. It’s been 4 weeks and he wobles when he’s walking. He can’t jump up on the bed like he used to.He’s blood sugar is 250 it’s better than it used to. I don’t understand why he’s so wobbly.

Cats can develop what's called diabetic neuropathy, where their hindlegs become progressively weak. The best thing to do is try to get his diabetes under control as quickly as possible. Here is a link describing the conditon: http://www.diabeticcatcare.com/DCCCOK/Neuropathy.htm

Read More

My senior cat has metastized cancer.17 yrs old. My vet gave her predizone1 and one half tabs a day.i wanted to know if i can just stop the meds.

Is there a reason you want to stop the prednisone? I would recommend not stopping it and if you feel it is better to stop the prednisone then I would recommend weaning off of the prednisone. I would discuss how to wean the prednisone with your veterinarian. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.

Read More

My dog has an ear infection

Sorry to hear Marley isn't doing so well with his ears. It is not possible to tell from tge picture tve exact nature of the irritation but if it is indeed infected (typically red, hot, painful and smelly), he will need prescription medication from his regular vet. In the meantime I recommend gently cleaning tge outer war with cotton wool and a pet safe ear cleaner to reduce the build up of wax/discharge

Read More

My dog vomited a pinkish colour. Does this look like blood vomit? She doesn’t have diarrhoea or anything else. Yesterday i fed her plain chicken with rice.

That is very red vomit, however, this color could be linked to a number of things including blood in the vomit, inflammation of the GI tract, having chewed on a toy this color, eaten a food item this color, or gotten into a plant or other item this color. If the vomiting continues, worsens, or other symptoms appear such as a painful or bloated abdomen, diarrhea or blood in the stool, or severe distress, I would schedule a veterinary appointment right away to rule out more severe issues. In the meantime I would continue the bland diet for 24 hours, and monitor for any additional vomiting or illness symptoms.

Read More

image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Files Under:

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.