Every dog owner must have Draxxin as part of their dog medication program. Dogs are prone to various infections; the most feasible way to keep your dog healthy always is to use antibiotics like Draxxin. This antibiotic medication is reputable for treating bacterial infections in dogs.
Draxxin is an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections in dogs, cats, cattle, and swine. It contains the active ingredient tulathromycin, which is a semi-synthetic macrolide antimicrobial. Draxxin is the brand name for this veterinary formulation of tulathromycin.
As an antibiotic, Draxxin works by stopping the growth and spread of bacteria. It binds to bacterial ribosomes and interferes with bacterial protein synthesis, which effectively disrupts bacterial replication. Tulathromycin has bacteriostatic activity, meaning it prevents bacteria from multiplying and growing. It is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Draxxin disrupts the bacterial cell wall and DNA/RNA synthesis, leading to rapid cell death.
Types Of Infections Draxxin Treats In Dogs
In dogs, it is most commonly prescribed for treating respiratory infections and skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Some of the most common uses and infections treated by Draxxin in dogs are as follows:
- Respiratory Infections: Draxxin is often prescribed for bacterial pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, pleuritis, and other respiratory tract infections caused by susceptible bacteria. It can help treat difficult cases of kennel cough or bronchitis in dogs.
- Skin Infections: Veterinarians may prescribe Draxxin for pyoderma, impetigo, abscesses, infected wounds, and other bacterial skin infections. It’s effective against Staphylococci and Streptococci bacteria that commonly cause skin infections in dogs.
- Wound Infections: For infected bites, cuts, lacerations, or surgical incisions, Draxxin can help clear up bacterial contamination and prevent further infection. Its long-lasting effects on the body make it a good choice for contaminated wounds.
By targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with its dual action, Draxxin is able to effectively treat a wide variety of bacterial infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, and wounds in dogs.
Draxxin Dosage For Dogs
The dosage of Draxxin for dogs is based on the dog’s body weight. Draxxin is given as a single injection that provides 3-7 days of treatment.
The recommended Draxxin dosage for dogs is 2.5 mg/kg or 0.25 mL/22 lb body weight. The entire dose is given in one injection and do not give more than 2.5 mL of Draxxin per injection site. Only a single injection is needed to treat the infection. There’s no need to give daily shots. Draxxin reaches peak effectiveness at about 24-48 hours after the injection. The antibiotic keeps working to fight infection for approximately 7 days after the initial dose.
It’s important to give the complete prescribed dose based on the dog’s weight. Estimating the dose or partially injecting the medication can lead to treatment failure and antibiotic resistance. Always follow your veterinarian’s dosage instructions.
Administration of Draxxin Injection To Dogs
Draxxin can be given to dogs either as a subcutaneous injection or intramuscular injection. With a subcutaneous injection, the medication is injected into the subcutaneous tissue just under the dog’s skin. For intramuscular injections, the medication is injected into the dog’s muscle tissue.
Veterinarians typically choose subcutaneous injections over intramuscular for administering Draxxin. Subcutaneous injections are easier to administer and less painful for the dog compared to intramuscular injections. The subcutaneous tissue has fewer nerve endings than muscles, making it less sensitive.
The injection is given using a sterile needle and syringe to prevent contamination and infection. The veterinarian will clip the hair and disinfect the skin at the injection site before administering. Alternating different areas for the injection, such as the scruff of the neck or sides of the chest, can help minimize irritation and discomfort.
Draxxin For Dogs Side Effects
Side effects of Draxxin in dogs appear relatively uncommon when administered as prescribed. However, there are certain cases the dog may react strangely to the medication. Some common side effects that may occur in dogs after receiving Draxxin are:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Draxxin can sometimes cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of gastrointestinal upset. These side effects are usually mild but can lead to dehydration if prolonged or severe. Stopping medication and contacting the vet is recommended if GI issues become a concern.
- Injection site reactions: Pain, swelling, or irritation may develop around the injection location. This is thought to result from inflammation triggered by the antibiotic. Applying warm compresses to the area may help soothe discomfort. Let your vet know if reactions seem abnormal or severe.
- Liver toxicity: In rare cases, Draxxin has been associated with liver damage in dogs. Signs like yellowing of the skin/eyes, lack of appetite, vomiting, or lethargy can indicate a hepatic reaction. Liver enzymes may need to be monitored with long-term use. Discontinue Draxxin right away and call your vet if liver problems are suspected.
Maintaining open communication with your vet can help ensure your dog tolerates Draxxin well.
Safety Precautions And Warnings of Giving Draxxin To Dogs
Draxxin should be administered with caution in dogs with known allergies or hypersensitivities as it may cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Signs of allergic reactions can include facial swelling, hives, scratching, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your dog has any known drug allergies, discuss using alternatives with your veterinarian.
The safety of Draxxin use during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. The risks and benefits of using Draxxin should be discussed with your veterinarian if your dog is pregnant or nursing. Draxxin may pass into breast milk and be absorbed by nursing puppies, potentially causing joint issues. Use caution when administering Draxxin to pregnant or lactating dogs.
Other Medications That Interact With Draxxin In Dogs
It’s important to tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements your dog is taking, as Draxxin can potentially interact with other drugs. Some drugs that may interact with Draxxin include certain antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and heart medications. Some of these medications are:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): like carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, meloxicam, tepoxalin, or etodolac: Concurrent use of Draxxin and NSAIDs in dogs can increase the risk of kidney toxicity and acute kidney injury. Draxxin and NSAIDs should not be used together unless the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Diuretics: like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or spironolactone: Using Draxxin with diuretics may increase the risk of kidney toxicity in dogs. If diuretics cannot be stopped, close monitoring of kidney function is recommended.
- Nephrotoxic drugs: like aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, etc): Using aminoglycosides and Draxxin together can compound kidney toxicity in dogs. Consider alternate antibiotics when possible.
- Anesthetic drugs: Draxxin can prolong neuromuscular blockade when used with anesthesia drugs like atracurium, rocuronium, or vecuronium in dogs. Monitor neuromuscular function closely if concurrent use cannot be avoided.
- Vaccines: Draxxin may reduce the immune response to vaccines. Separate Draxxin treatment and vaccinations by at least 2 weeks in dogs.
- Blood thinners: like heparin or warfarin: Draxxin may enhance the anticoagulant effects of these drugs. More frequent blood coagulation monitoring is recommended with concurrent use.
Close monitoring and dosage adjustments may be required in dogs on any interacting medication while also receiving Draxxin. Consult a veterinarian before combining Draxxin with other drugs.
Alternatives to Draxxin for Dogs
There are a few alternatives to consider if Draxxin is not the right option for your dog.
Other antibiotic options
Some other antibiotics that can be used to treat similar infections as Draxxin include:
- Amoxicillin: A broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic that can treat many types of bacterial infections. Often used as a first-line antibiotic.
- Cephalexin: Another broad-spectrum antibiotic in the same class as amoxicillin. Used to treat skin, bone, urinary tract, and other infections.
- Clindamycin: Effective against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Often used for skin and soft tissue infections.
- Doxycycline: A tetracycline antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, especially those carried by ticks.
- Enrofloxacin: A fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for skin, respiratory, and urinary tract infections.
- Metronidazole: Works against anaerobic bacteria and is often used for GI-related infections.
- Trimethoprim-sulfonamides: Commonly combined sulfa antibiotics used for skin, ear, and urinary infections.
Natural alternatives
Some veterinarians may recommend natural alternatives to antibiotics like Draxxin in appropriate cases:
- Colloidal silver: Has natural antibacterial properties and may help prevent secondary infections.
- Probiotics: Can promote good gut health and beneficial bacteria to combat infections.
- Oregano oil: Shown to have antimicrobial effects in some studies. May help fight bacterial and fungal infections.
- Manuka honey: Has antibacterial properties and may help heal skin infections when applied topically.
- Vitamin C: Supports immune function and may help treat upper respiratory infections.
- Garlic: Has natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds. Best used under veterinary supervision due to toxicity risks.
- Berberine: An alkaloid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. May help treat diarrhea and UTIs.
As with any medication for your dog, be sure to consult your veterinarian before switching from Draxxin to an alternative option. Some natural products can have side effects or interactions with other medications. Your vet can help determine the best treatment plan. Remember to share this piece and express your options in the comment section below.