Antibiotics and probiotics

[Guinea Fan]

Morph finished his antibiotics last night, they were Zithromax. He wouldn't take the probiotic without me syringing it down and he was fed up enough of having the antibiotic syringed down his throat. He didn't seem to suffer any adverse effects from the antibiotics, that I could see anyway.

I have seen lots of posts about probiotic for Baytril, but nothing about Zithromax, anyone used it?

 

[missy]

As you probably know, Zithromax is not often used to treat guinea pigs whereas Baytril seems to be the most commonly prescribed piggy antibiotic (and is well known for being particularly harsh on piggy tums). I've not used Zithromax myself but I seem to recall others using it alongside probiotics. Personally I'd really keep trying with the probiotic.

If Morph is fed up of the syringe then maybe you could try and see if he'll lap up from a spoon instead? (if he doesn't object to the taste) Alternatively maybe you could try and disguise it by squirting it inside his veg or using a powdered probiotic which could be sprinkled on to some wet veg?

 

[missy]

double post - sorry

 

[mikulinek]

I have had several chats on here and several conversations with my vets about probiotics. My general view is that, while they probably can't hurt, they aren't really necessary and probably don't do a great deal. Of course, if you really have concerns you should speak to your vet.

I am not familiar with the AB you have been given. We've always been given Marbocyl rather than Baytril which has worked a treat. We had one bad experience of Engemycin which I would recommend to avoid after one of our boars had a really bad reaction to it and nearly died

In general, I would personally recommend additional vitamins to help recover from AB and not to give any fresh foods which might cause a reaction. Stay of cruciferous/bloaty veg like cabbage, broccoli etc. and sugary veg. I'd stick to parsley and carrot tops and keep an eye on your piggy's poops to make sure the digestive system is all in working order.

As ever, this is just my opinion and this is a very grey area with a lot of people having different experiences and differet views. As ever, if you are unsure then talk it over with your vet and make the decision you are most comfortable with for the health of your little friend

 

[Glynis]

Morph finished his antibiotics last night, they were Zithromax. He wouldn't take the probiotic without me syringing it down and he was fed up enough of having the antibiotic syringed down his throat. He didn't seem to suffer any adverse effects from the antibiotics, that I could see anyway.

I have seen lots of posts about probiotic for Baytril, but nothing about Zithromax, anyone used it?

Debbie (aka furryfriends) her vet uses zith for piggies and does recommend probiotics
I know they can get fussy but it's for their best......try dipping the syringe into some cranberry juice or something else sweet (apple or the like) and then offering by the time the syringe goes in you can then squirt the probiotics (or meds) in and hey presto! you've done the job!