Baytril is one of the top antibiotics approved for use on rabbits and other pet species for the treatment of bacterial infections. Baytril is also commonly known as Enrofloxacin; it is used to treat a variety of rabbit ailments such pneumonia, respiratory infections, skin infections, and respiratory tract infections. Baytril can be safely used by both male and female rabbits regardless of their age or weight.
Infections Baytril Can Treat in Rabbits
Baytril is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it can be effective against many different types of bacteria diseases. In rabbits treated with Baytril, it has been shown to be effective in treating respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pulmonis (also known as atypical mycoplasmosis). It may also be useful for treating upper respiratory tract infections caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica or Pasteurella multocida.
Baytril can also treat infections around the urinary tract, respiratory tract, ears, and skin as well as snuffles, conjunctivitis, and ear mites. Treating an ear infection with Baytril can be done in two ways: as a liquid or as an injection. Injection is the preferred method of administering Baytril because it allows for a more rapid absorption rate than the liquid form of this antibiotic, but both methods are effective.
As with many antibiotics, Baytril can be used in conjunction with other antibiotics to treat resistant or extreme infections in rabbits. However, it is important to note that Baytril should not be given to a rabbit that has been recently treated with penicillin because there is a risk of causing an allergic reaction.
Baytril Dosage & Administration Information
The recommended dosage is 10mg/kg twice daily for at least 7 days. If you’re using the 5% solution, this means you should give your rabbit 0.4mls/kg twice daily (IM or SQ if injectable); if you’re using the 2.5% solution, you should give your rabbit 0.8mls/kg twice daily (IM or SQ if injectable).
Rabbits should be given Baytril every 8 hours for three days. If the rabbit has an ear infection, you will probably have to give the medication for up to five days. Perhaps you are wary of the risk of infection and you want to give your rabbit Baytril as a preventative measure, give the rabbit every month.
To give the Baytril to rabbits orally, you will hold your rabbit securely in an upright position. Putting it on its back can choke it. Put the syringe in the side of its mouth, making sure to get the syringe a little way in towards the throat so that your rabbit doesn’t spit it all out as you slowly squirt the antibiotic into its mouth. You can also mix it with about a tablespoon of applesauce
Other antibiotics such as Penicillin, Tetracycline, or Chloramphenicol should not be used concurrently with Baytril as this could lead to life-threatening complications for your rabbit.
Side Effects of Baytril
Rabbits are extremely sensitive creatures and it is important to make sure that you give them the correct dosage of Baytril if any at all. The most common side-effect of Baytril is vomiting, which can be a reaction to the taste. Some rabbits also experience diarrhea, but this is less common.
You should consult your vet before giving any medication to your pet, especially if it’s something as serious as antibiotics. Make sure you aren’t exceeding the prescribed dose or using it for longer than necessary since this can cause harmful side effects and make them more likely to develop resistance against antibiotics in general.
Lastly, Baytril is an antibiotic medication that will treat many common rabbit diseases. Use the correct dosage when administering Baytril to ensure your rabbit is safe.