A review of rabbit physiology helps us to understand why antibiotic use in rabbits is associated with risk. Rabbits have an unusual digestive system, inhabited by a variety of essential microorganisms that work together to digest food. The balance (i.e., relative population numbers) of microorganisms in the digestive system is influenced by many factors, including diet and, sometimes, medications.
Thousands of doses of antibiotics are dispensed each year for ferrets and rabbits. Importantly, not one single dose of any of these antibiotics is approved for the animals that are receiving the medication. Presently, there are no antibiotics approved by the FDA in the United States for the small mammal pets classified as minor species. It is likely owners of these animals do not realize the antibiotics they are giving to their small mammal pets are not approved for their pets. Although, this does not change the fact that antibiotics are important medications for ferrets and rabbits, it is best that owners be informed of this information.
Description
Sulfatrim is presented in a 30ml bottle with a dispensing cap and syringe for convenient yet responsible antibiotic use in practice. Product manager Kate Woolley said: “Until now, no similar veterinary-licensed product has been available for these species and, in an environment where vets are increasingly aware of the responsible use of antibiotics across all species, we are very happy to launch Sulfatrim, the first licensed TMPS for rabbits, pigeons and bearded dragons.
Kate Woolley MRCVS, Product Manager, said: “Until now, no similar veterinary-licensed product has been available for these species and, in an environment where vets are increasingly aware of the responsible use of antibiotics across all species, we are very happy to launch Sulfatrim, the first licensed TMPS for rabbits, pigeons and bearded dragons. Sulfatrim is presented in a 30ml bottle with a dispensing cap and syringe.
Features of Trimethoprim Sulfa For Rabbits
Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim is a sulfa an antibiotic product used to treat a wide range of infections in horses, dogs, cats and other species of animals. Each 5 ml (1 tsp) SMZ/TMP Oral Suspension contains 200 mg sulfamethoxazole and 40 mg trimethoprim. SMZ/TMP Oral Suspension may be used to treat bacterial and protozoal infections. SMZ/TMP may be used in horses where control of bacterial infections is required during treatment of acute strangles, respiratory tract infections, acute urogenital infections, wound infections and abscesses. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Cherry flavor.
Side effects
Common side effects in dogs include a decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Possible serious side effects include keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), acute liver inflammation characterized by yellowing of the skin/eyes, fever, hemolytic anemia, urticaria (hives), polyarthritis, facial swelling, increased drinking and urination, and cholestasis (gall bladder attack).
Less common side effects include inducing hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels), allergic reactions including anaphylaxis and immune reactions, anemia (low red blood cells) and low white blood cells. Rarely, it can cause severe and massive liver damage. There is suspicion it may cause pancreatic inflammation, but this has not been definitively shown. In cats, a decreased appetite or increased salivation is common. More severe side effects include low white blood cells and low red blood cells. In rabbits, low tear production/dry eye is possible. In all species, an increased risk of urinary crystals, blood in the urine, and urinary obstruction are possible. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Prices of Trimethoprim Sulfa For Rabbits
$23.99 – $44.99