Baytril...

[GuineaPiggy101]

I was wondering if Baytril should be given to guinea pigs? What would be the side effects of Baytril and some causes that might result in the use of Baytril? Is it possible for a guinea pig to have an allergic reaction from Baytril?
Thanks!

 

[DMS260820]

Baytril can be given for sure. Its one of the most used antibiotics for them. They can get an upset digestive system from it. So its best to give a pro biotic 2 hours after you give the baytril. One of my old boars got through 2 upper respiratory infections with the use of baytril. Its not the best anibiotic to be fair though , in my opinion

 

[GuineaPiggy101]

Baytril can be given for sure. Its one of the most used antibiotics used for them. They can get an upset digestive system from it. So its best to give a pro biotic 2 hours after you give the baytril. One of my old boars got through 2 upper respiratory infection with the use of baytril

Thanks!

 

[DMS260820]

Thanks!

There will definitly be a comment soon that has much more information on Baytril than mine . ( more experience at the vets) i have only ever had four guinea pigs

 

[Wiebke]

I was wondering if Baytril should be given to guinea pigs? What would be the side effects of Baytril and some causes that might result in the use of Baytril? Is it possible for a guinea pig to have an allergic reaction from Baytril?
Thanks!

Hi!

In many countries baytril is the only licensed antibiotic for guinea pigs. It is however comparatively harsher on the gut fauna than some others. In most cases all you will see is some softer than normal poos, but it can diminish the appetite and in some cases kill it completely.
Adverse reactions can happen to any antibiotics that are safe to give to guinea pigs; we see it most often with baytril because it is by far the most prescribed antibiotic for guinea pigs.
Please have probiotics or homemade 'poo soup' ready, as well as syringe feeding recovery formula so you can step in at any time.

First Aid Kit: Easily available non-medication support products for an emergency
Guinea Lynx :: Medications
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide (includes a list of non medical support care brands and products)

Can I please ask what the antibiotic is needed for?

 

[Claire W]

As already mentioned, baytril is the most commonly used antibiotics used for a variety of illnesses in guinea pigs ranging from urine infections to respiratory problems as it’s the only antibiotic licensed for guinea pigs. There’s nothing wrong with it except in some guinea pigs, it can suppress the appetite and cause soft and watery poos in which you should contact your vet if this should happen. It’s the reason why a pro biotic should be given 1 to 2 hours after the baytril. It also tastes foul so most guinea pigs are reluctant to take it

 

[GuineaPiggy101]

Hi!

In many countries baytril is the only licensed antibiotic for guinea pigs. It is however comparatively harsher on the gut fauna than some others. In most cases all you will see is some softer than normal poos, but it can diminish the appetite and in some cases kill it completely.
Adverse reactions can happen to any antibiotics that are safe to give to guinea pigs; we see it most often with baytril because it is by far the most prescribed antibiotic for guinea pigs.
Please have probiotics or homemade 'poo soup' ready, as well as syringe feeding recovery formula so you can step in at any time.

First Aid Kit: Easily available non-medication support products for an emergency
Guinea Lynx :: Medications
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide (includes a list of non medical support care brands and products)

Can I please ask what the antibiotic is needed for?

I was simply looking back at what the vet had given to my past piggy. I found it quite odd that Tiberius passed away 2 days after the vet prescribed him the Baytril.

 

[Wiebke]

I was simply looking back at what the vet had given to my past piggy. I found it quite odd that Tiberius passed away 2 days after the vet prescribed him the Baytril.

I am very sorry for your loss.

Baytril isn't known for causing fatalities (or it would have long been removed from use) and neither does loss of appetite kill as quickly as that.
It usually takes 1-3 days for an antibiotic to kick in fully. It is therefore much more likely that Tiberius has died from the illness that the baytril was either too late to work on or not the right antibiotic/medication for, or from an illness related complication.
Guinea pigs can come down with some pretty nasty illnesses seemingly out of the blue that progress so quickly that medication struggles/is unable to work on in time. You are basically running two steps behind the whole time. I am very sorry if that is what has happened to Tiberius. It is usually a devastating and frightening experience, as I know from piggies of mine.

Of course you are left with questions that only a rather expensive post mortem examination at the vets might solve. Looking for answers is a natural part of the grieving process.
You may find this guide here helpful to understand what you are currently going through: Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children

Here are tips for what you can do for any companion of Tiberius: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Claire W]

I was simply looking back at what the vet had given to my past piggy. I found it quite odd that Tiberius passed away 2 days after the vet prescribed him the Baytril.

Please rest assured. I’m pretty sure that it wouldn’t have been the baytril that was the cause for Tiberius’s death

 

[Betsy]

Velvet is on Baytril at the moment for a uti and takes it quite well even though she's not keen. Betsy loves Baytril and Christian's reaction was WTF is THAT?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Meg and Betsy haven't had any Baytril yet.

 

[GuineaPiggy101]

Thanks so much for all your help!