Ever wondered exactly why your vet prescribed a medication? Well, if so, we can help! In this article, vet Sarah takes a look at one of the most common prescriptions – a drug called amoxicillin.
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What is amoxicillin?
Amoxicillin is an antibiotic. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or by preventing the growth or spread of the bacteria. Amoxicillin is a broad spectrum antibiotic, meaning that it can be used to treat a wide range of different bacteria; it does this by interfering with the bacterial wall, killing the bacteria
How is it given?
Most of the time, Amoxicillin is combined with Clavulanic Acid. This increases Amoxicillin’s activity so that a wider range of bacteria can be targeted. The medication is then provided either as an injection, a tablet or a liquid.
What is it used for?
Because it has a broad spectrum of activity, amoxicillin can be used to treat a number of different bacterial infections, including infections of the respiratory tract, the skin and the bladder.
What are the side effects?
Amoxicillin is well tolerated by the animals that we give them to and side effects are rare. However, sometimes an allergic reaction can occur to the drug, signs include skin lumps, facial swelling and vomiting or diarrhoea.
When should it not be used?
Antibiotics can only be used to treat bacterial infections, they can not be used to treat parasitic or viral infections. Amoxicillin should not be given to very small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs as it can affect their digestive system.
How do we decide to give antibiotics?
Only vets can prescribe antibiotics, they do this after they have examined the animal thoroughly and come up with a diagnosis for the signs that the animal is showing. In some cases further tests are required before a bacterial infection can be suspected. Blood samples can be taken to see if there are indications of infections or organ damage. Swabs taken from a wound or from inside the ear can be examined under the microscope, where bacteria can be seen.
However, seeing bacteria under the microscope doesn’t necessarily help us to choose the type of antibiotic. When we look under the microscope we can identify different types of bacteria but we can’t tell which antibiotics will be best to treat them. For that, we need to do culture and sensitivity testing, this is when tests are performed on the swab to see which antibacterial is most effective and which ones the bacteria have developed resistance to.
How can we use antibiotics responsibly?
When you are provided with a course of antibiotics for your pet, it is important to ensure that you follow the instructions properly, if the label directs you to give the treatment twice a day then it is important to give it at the same time each day and to not miss a dose. If a dose is missed, you should not give a double dose the next time. You must finish the course of treatment, rather than stopping treatment when you think the problem has gone away. Not treating for long enough could result in resistant bacteria developing, as it means that some bacteria aren’t killed by the treatment.
Some bacterial infections can be treated without antibacterials, if they are mild, the animal may be able to mount enough of an immune response to fend off the bacteria themselves. Sometimes topical treatments such as creams or washes may be more appropriate for your pet’s condition as a higher concentration can be achieved in the area. If your vet decides not to give antibiotic injections or tablets, you should respect their decision.
Culture and sensitivity testing can be performed on samples to find out which is the most appropriate antibacterial for the job, this is important as it ensures that we are providing the correct treatment for your pet and therefore we will have a higher chance of success.
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