218 DISEASES/DISORDERS
TABLE 13.1.Systemic antibiotics for pyoderma (listed alphabetically)
Drug Mode of action Elimination Notes
Amikacin
15–30 mg/kg q24h IV, IM, SQ
-cidal Renal Renal toxicity
Ototoxicity (controversial)
Vestibular effects (cats)
Reserved for resistant gram+/gram−
Injectable
Painful
Close monitoring required for use
Expensive
Amoxicillin/clavulanate
Dog: 12.5–25 mg/kg q12h PO
Cat: similar dosage or 62.5 mg
q12h PO
-cidal Renal Expensive for large dogs
Vomiting/diarrhea
Azithromycin
5–10 mg/kg q24h PO
(7–14 days); pulse-dosed
following induction
-static Liver>kidney Anaerobes, gram+
Toxoplasmosis
Absorption decreased w/food
Cross-resistance with erythromycin
Cephalosporin group
Cephalexin
22–30 mg/kg q12h PO
Cefadroxil
22–30 mg/kg q12h PO
Cefpodoxime
5–10 mg/kg q24h PO
Cefovecin
8 mg/kg SQ q14 days
-static Renal Broad spectrum
Often first choice for pyoderma
Clindamycin
11 mg/kg 24h PO;
11mg/kg q24h PO
for osteomyelitis/
deep infections
22 mg/kg q24h PO
-static Liver>kidney Gram+ and anaerobes
Absorption decreased with food
Esophageal lesions
Vomiting/diarrhea in cats
Cross-resistance with erythromycin
Chloramphenicol
Dog: 40–50 mg/kg q8h PO
Cat: 10–20 mg/kg q12h
-static Liver Gram+ and gram−spectrum
Crosses blood–brain barrier
Concern about human exposure
(aplastic anemia)
Bone marrow suppression
Reversible peripheral neuropathy
(hindlimb weakness/ataxia of large
breed dogs)
Vomiting/diarrhea
Use based on culture and sensitivity
testing
Reserved for methicillin resistance
Doxycycline
5 mg/kg q12h PO
-static GI>>renal>liver Gram+
Vomiting/diarrhea
Esophageal lesions
Use based on culture and sensitivity
testing
