Baytril For Dogs and Cats
87What is Baytril?
Continuing on with my series on pet meds, I will look at Baytril, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in pets. While used widely to treat dogs, it can be used to treat cats, rabbits and other pets as well. This article will review the many uses for Baytril and the common side effects, as well as provide some testimony for this product.
As always, my series on pet medicines is meant to educate you on the pros and cons of these meds and to allow you to understand why they are prescribed. Most of us look at the bottle before we take meds ourselves, but we often fail to do so when it comes to our pets. It's not that we don't care, but rather, that we trust our veterinarians that much. Still, we have the same trust in our own doctors, but we educate ourselves to better understanding what we are taking. We should show the same respect for our pets, as they can't fend for themselves and depend on us to be informed on their behalf.
So, without further adieu, let's learn more about Baytril.
How Does Baytril Work?
There are many uses for Baytril, but they all revolve around killing off bacterial infections. The method used by this medicine is quite interesting, as it messes with the DNA in the bacteria, causing it to die.
If you're not familiar with DNA, it's one of the basic building block of all cells. As such, this medicine disrupts the bacterial cells from inside, causing them to perish and end their attack on the health of your pet.
This medicine can treat infections of the lungs, infections of the respiratory tract, infections brought upon by wounds, and skin infections. It can also be used to prevent infections during surgery. The applications are endless, as this med simply does one thing ... kills bacteria. There's even a form of it called Baytil Otic, created specifically to deal with ear infections in animals.
I found this video on Youtube that goes over the many applications for this pet med:
Is It True That Baytril has Been Banned?
Yes, there is some truth to this, but it wasn't banned for use in all animals, and it wasn't banned for being unsafe. In the case of animals later ate by humans (foul such as turkeys and chickens), there is a ban on using Baytril. The reasoning is quite simple. Some bacteria, over time, develop an immunity to certain medicines. These bacteria are then passed onto humans when they eat undercooked meat.
To understand this better, consider the life of a bacteria. Always on the run from various antibiotics, they mutate to survive, creating a more resistant variant over time. Now, if that more resistant variant is in an animal we don't eat, then we only need modify the drug to create a more effective cure; but what happens when this more resistant bacteria enters us?
The result is the same, with us needing to find a more effective cure, but the better solution is not to allow the modified bacteria to be passed onto us in the first place, which is why the ban exists.
Great Books On Dog Health
 | Amazon Price: $19.57 List Price: $34.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.72 List Price: $18.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.27 List Price: $21.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.17 List Price: $14.95 |
How Effective is Baytril?
In the treatment of all infections, Baytril has been proven to be highly effective in many animals, including dogs, cats and rabbits. That's why it's so commonly used and prescribed by many veterinarians. The only drawback is that it's prescribed in pill form, which be can be difficult to administer, as many canines and felines are not privy to wanting to take pills.
One trick I use for my dog is to bury the pill in peanut butter and hope it sticks to the roof of his mouth and is then swallowed. You need to watch carefully to be certain the pill isn't spit out, as dogs (and cats) are very sneaky. For my cats, I use a 'pill shooter', which is a device that allows you to push the pill past the cat's tongue with far less of a fight.
Those who have given pills to cats will tell umpteen stories of how Fluffy managed to hold the pill on her tongue and spit it back out, and this little miracle device ends that struggle.
Any Side Effects?
All meds have side effects, and by knowing what they are you will know if your pet is having an adverse reaction. The most common side effects for Baytril are:
- diahrrea
- liquid stool
- joint problems (in younger animals)
Some more serious effects to be aware of:
- mood changes
- seizures
- blindness in cats and certain small breed dogs (for them, halving the dose is recommended)
These serious effects are extremely rare, but if you see signs of them, discontinue the med immediately and consult your veterinarian. Here's some more information on the side effects of Baytril:
Can Baytril Be Purchased Online?
As I have said before in this series, you can purchase your pet meds online, but I do caution you to always take your pet to the veterinarian first and allow them to prescribe the med before purchasing it on your own.
I can't say it enough when I say that these people are trained to understand your pet's health needs, and they will see to it that the proper amount is prescribed. Once you are aware of the proper prescription, then you can save your money by ordering online, but be certain you order your pet meds from a reputable place. Your pet is totally dependent on you for all of its health needs, so make the same wise choices they would make for you if they were capable of doing so.
My Special Thanks to You
I'd like to end this article by thanking you for loving your pet enough to learn more about their care. Many pets lead long lives nowadays, all because of the loving care provided by their owners, which extend their pet's lives and makes them happier. I have a German Shepherd, a Siamese, and an Ocicat, and they mean the world to me. That's why I never hesitate to take them to the veterinarian when they are sick, as I consider them a valuable member of my extended family.
You must feel the same about your pets, for you to be reading this article, and I commend you for realizing the importance (and responsibility) of owning a pet. May your pets live long and healthy lives, and may you enjoy every moment of selfless love and compassion they have to offer.
As for me, I will try to continue on with these helpful articles on pet meds and pet health, as it helps me learn more about the care of my own pets while providing information for others to do the same. Remember ... they count on you totally for their survival.
Was This Article Helpful?
See results without votingAs Always, Your Comments Are WelcomeLoading...
An excellent question! I did some research (as accuracy counts when asked a question) and found some vets saying Baytril isn't recommended for dogs under the age of eight months, due to the possibility of cartilage damage. On the other hand, I have seen other vets say that it was safe, but for only up to 10 days.
If possible, I would shy on the side of caution and look into the side effects of the other med. If the side effects of the med seems lesser in severity then I would go with the other med.
The official news from the makers of Baytril is that it could possibly cause cartilage damage during the rapid growth phase, which is typically over within the first 8 months, and this is why there is so much confusion on this topic as no two dogs enter or leave this phase at the same time. In fact, some larger dogs can remain in the rapid growth phase for up to 18 months.
As such, there is no cut and dry answer, other than to exercise caution. I do hope your boxer puppy gets feeling better soon. :)
Baytril is an excellent antibiotic for skin.
I have a 4 year old mini pom...whom was put on Baytril for pnuemonia....he was put on it for 14 days ...now he is depressed and blind...The vet did not explain any side effcts to us and we even returned once with him for vision problems and we still were not told and now the wee thing is blind...be aware of this side effect.
Wendy:
I knew of the possibility with cats, but I hadn't heard about it happening in dogs up until now. I did some research and saw where a recent warning had just been released and they now recommend halving the dose for certain small breeds.
To play it safe, I would recommend halving the dose for ALL small breeds, as the size of the pet seems to be playing a role here.
I have updated my side effects list and I wanted to let you know that there are some cases where the blindness is only temporary. I do hope all goes well for you and your pet.
my dog wasn't taking Baytril in pill form - he just wouldn't eat it no matter what!
We went to the vet and he was able to put ONE needle into the dog, (of baytril) which is equivalent to 14 days of oral pills baytril! amazing..
Lisa, wouldn't you and I have liked the vet to offer us the injection before trying to force our dogs to swallow the pill. Glad you had that option , that really bugs me they did not offer that do you or me off the bat.
Great hub.
Can baytrll be used to help a little t - cup size maltipoo eat as she just had a C- second and spaying done at the same time and is not eating much at all. Please let me know what you would do. Thanks
Joyce:
As the role of Baytril is to treat bacterial infections, I'm not so sure it would work so well as an eating stimulant, nor would I recommend it being used as such, especially for such a small dog.
Hainvg a C-section and spaying done at the same time would take a lot out of any girl, especially one the size of your t-cup maltipoo. It's possible that when the food hits the stomach it's providing some pressure on the healing incisions. As a guess, I would try something moist, but bland - nothing spicy. Also, nothing chunky. Basically, something gravy-based and real easy to chew. This might help indulge an appetite.
If this doesn't work I would take her to the vet to see if there could possibly be post-surgery complications. Prior to getting her in, try to coax her to eat when you can and be certain that she is regularly drinking fluids so that she does not dehydrate.
Keep us all appraised on how everything works out.
Our 2 yr old English Bulldog just got dx with pneumonia. The vet prescribed Baytril. This web site is most informative. I'll let you know how he does. Thank you.
I have a 3 year old Shih Tzu. He weighs 8 pounds. I believe he came from a very poor breeder - who I was led to believe was reputable. This dog had (still has) a VERY severe infection. He was prescribed cephalexin. He was on this for so long, he developed immunity to it - and the infection only went partially away. The infection got so bad; the dog developed an eye ulcer / infection - from the inside to the outside. The vet thought he could save the eye with a graft, but the ultrasound showed the eye was beyond repair, and the eye was removed. We are now struggling to save the other eye. He is on 4 eye medications. The vet changed the cephalexin to clavamox. The dog did not respond to the clavamox at all - in fact - he got worse. This dog has some sort of skin disorder also. He lost all his claws, and his teeth are slightly loose. We thought it was lupus. After testing, it was not. Maybe auto immune, we did biopsies, not auto immune either. Now, since he dog also has severe diarrhea, they think IBS or Chron's disease? After other testing, we found no forms of skin cancers, thank God! They did liver testing. His liver is OK. Now the dog needs a scope of the GI, and another biopsy. He has severe diaper rash - the poor thing. We have a vet prescribed ointment for that. He cries every time he has a bowel movement. He is on "metronidazole" - and it helps some. We tried tylosin - but that did not help the diarrhea at all. We go to the vet weekly, every Friday. Today, I got Baytril. I hope it kills this bacterium. We will see the vet again next Friday, and we hope for some better results over this next week. I have spent over $10,000 trying to help this dog. He is a member of my family, and I must improve the quality of his life. I love this web advice. It is VERY helpful and informative.
Sandra,
First off, I would like to commend you for your devotion to your pet. I know the frustration you must be feeling, developing what must now feel like a ritual of going to the vet.
Bacterium might likely be the cause, considering all that you have already eliminated; however, I caution you not to consider this as the absolute diagnosis. Living things are extremely complicated, as are the maladies they can suffer from. As such, the diagnosis of such issues can sometimes feel like a re-run of House MD.
Your vet is doing everything right by eliminating possibilities - as whatever is left must then be considered an important piece to the puzzle that could lead to its eventual resolution.
Hang in there! :)
I AMAMERICAN THOUGH I LIVE IN MEXICO. WITH MY HUSBAND AND OUR 2 CATS. I AM LIVING NIGHTMARE BEYOND MY WORST IMAGINATION, BOY IS WHAT IS CONSIDERED GOOD HERE BEYOND PATHETIC AND DANGEROUS IN THE REST OF THE WORLD, "THE OTHER DAY ON THE 29TH OF DECEMBER 2011, MY HUSBAND AND I TOOK OUR CAT TO BE SEEN BY A VET THAT I COULD SAY IS HIS REGULAR VET; WE WERE EVEN FRIENDS. WE HAVE BEEN GOING TO HER SINCE JANUARY 2011. TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT, WE LOVE OUR 2 CATS SO VERY MUCH, AND BEFORE GOING ON A TRIP TO BELIZE FOR NEW YEARS, WE TOOK OUR CAT TO HAVE A THOROUGH EXAMINATION AND HIS VET SUGGESTED INJECTING BAYTRIL IN OUR CAT TO KILL OFF ANY BACTERIA BECAUSE HE HAD PREVIOUSLY HAD A VERY SEVERE BLADDER INFECCTION, BUT THERE WAS NO WAY HE STILL HAD IT! TO TOP IT OFF AFTERB IGNORING MY CALLS, SHE TEXTED ME THAT IF I DID NOT STOP CALLING, AND I HAD CALLED 4 TIMES BECAUSE SHE NEVER TAKES CALLS, SHE WAS GOING TO SHOW THE POLICE THAT I WAS STALKING HER! TO TOP IT OFF! SHE KNEW THAT THIS MEDICATION WAS HAD THE WORSE SIDE EFFECTS, LIED TO US OR FORGOT TO READ THE LABLE, BUT TO ACTUALLY THREATEN US IF WE DID NOT LEAVE HER ALONE?! SHE EVEN TOOK MY FOTO WITH HER CELL PHONE. I HATE MEXICO WITH EVERY SIGLE BIT OF MY BEING! THE PEOPLE HERE ARE HORRIBLE HUMAN BEINGS AND THEY KNOW IT! I LOVE MY CATS MORE THAN ANYTHING, AND I LOVE MY HUSBAND WHO IS AS FED UP AS ME AS WELL! WE ARE LEAVING WHEN WE GET THRU THIS! HOW CAN A VET DO THIS?! ITS NOT LIKE YOU NEED A LICENCE OR A GOOD REPUTATION HERE IN THIS COUNTRY, THERE ARE NO LAWS AT ALL THAT ARE IN ANIMALS' FAVOR, OR ANY KIND OF ASPCA OR THE EQUIVALENT! THAT IS WHY I HOPE THAT MY CAT FULLY RECOVERS. AND IT IS MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA, I DON'T THINK I WILL GET OVER THIS EVER. BUT WHAT I CARE ABOUT IS THAT MY CAT RECOVER HIS VISION, HIS HEARING, HIS SELF. HE IS A GIFT FROM GOD. AND I TRIED TO BEG THIS VET TO PLEASE NOT TURN HER BACK ON THE CAT, PLEASE. CRYING IN HER OFFICE AND AFTER I LEFT I RECEIVED A TEXT THAT SAID THANKYOU FOR COMING BECAUSE BEFORE SHE DID NOT HAVE THE PLATES OF MY CAR, BUT NOW SHE DID SO SHE COULD ISSUE A RESTRAINING ORDER. MY CAT IS MY SON AND MY HEART, THE URINARY TRACT INFECCTION HE HAD BEEN CAUSED IN MAY BECAUSE THE ONE ND THE ONLY TIME THAT I HAD TO PUT MY CATS IN A PENSION IN THIS COUNTRY WAS IN MAY WHEN MY PARENTS CAME TO VISIT AND WE TOOK A TRIP FROM CHIAPS TO PUEBLA TOGETHER, AND IT WAS THE BEST VET IN THE ENTIRE STATE. WE DIDN'T PLAN ON TAKING SO LONG BUT WE RETURNED 34 DAYS LATER. I HAD CALLED EVERY DAY AND KNEW SOMETHING WAS NOT RIGHT BUT THE VET DID NOT GIVE MY CAT WATER FOR 34 DAYS! I TRIED TO PRESS CHARGES BECAUSE IMPOSSIBLE THIS VET OR THIS MONSTER DID NOT REALIZE MY CAT WAS URINATING BLOOD! FOR 2 WEEKS, AND THIS IS WHY WE WORRIED FOR OUR LITTLE CAT. I HOPE GOD WILL BE JUST ON THESE PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY ARE SO GOOD. BUT HE HAD ONLY BEEN FED ROYAL CANINE FOR CASTRATED YOUNG MALES TO PREVENT INFECCTION OF UNRINARY TRACTS. IS THERE ANY ADVICE TO HELP MY CAT RECOVER? PLEASE NO ONE CARES, THIS VET DID THIS INSTEAD OF MAKING SURE THAT THERE WAS AN INFECCTION TO GET THAT LITTLE EXTRA BIT OF MONEY. ASKING AROUND HERE IN VILLAHERMOSA TABASCO OTHER VETS THINK SHE GAVE HIM A MUCH BIGGER DOSE THAN WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. PLEASE HELP ME. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS IS NOT A NIGHTMARE. mrc434@hotmail.com
PLEASE HELP ME SAVE MY CATS EYES. I AM SORRY THAT I VENTED SO MUCH IN MY PREVIOUS MESSAGE, BUT I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS VET GAVE A MUCH LARGER DOSAGE THAN SUPPOSED TO BUT TO THE POINT, I ONLY WANT TO SAVE MY CAT'S BEAUTIFUL EYES, TO SAVE HIS EYESIGHT AND HEARING. I AM COMPLETELY ALONE HERE IN A COUNTRY WHERE THERE IS NO REAL "BOARD" OR "BAR" TO BE A VETERINARIAN, IT HAS LITTLE TO DO W/MEDICINE BUT IS A BUSINESS, AND IT IS JUST HORRIFYING THAT THIS VET WOULD RATHER INSTEAD OF TRYING TO WORK WITH US TO RIGHT THIS SITUATION, THREATEN ME RATHER THAN HELP MY CAT. I ONLY WISH I COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND NOT GONE TO THIS VET. I AM DESPERATE, I HATE TO SEE MY CAT SUFFER AND FRIGHTENED, HE WAS HEALTHY AND SHE INJECTED THIS POISEN INTO MY CAT KNOWING THERE WAS NO INFECCTION OF ANY SORT WHAT SO EVER. PLEASE HELP DO WHAT I CAN FROM HERE ON FORWARD TO HELP MY CAT IF YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE, NO VET HERE IN VILLAHERMOSA WILL HELP ME BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO ADMIT TO THIS VET WAS NEGLIGET. MY CAT WAS SO HAPPY TO BE A CAT AND USE HIS SENSES AND SHE TOOK IT AWAY. mrc434@hotmail.com
ME AGAIN FROM THE MESSAGE, ABOVE. PLEASE HELP ME. I AM DESPERATE TO SAVE MY CAT SINCE NO VET IN TOWN WANTS TO GO AGAINST A COLLEAGUE, BECAUSE THEY KNOW THIS WAS NEGLIGENCE. SHE KNEW THIS BEFORE I REALIZED IT WHICH IS WHY OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY SHE TEXTED ME TO PLEASE STOP SENDING HER TEXTS. BEFORE I REALIZED THAT IT WAS THE INJECTION; SHE SENT ANOTHER VET THAT CONVICED US IT MONDAY THE 2ND THAT THE INJECTION HAD HIT A NERVE. TION HADIN REALITY I AM SO FRUSTRATED BECAUSE MY CAT IS MY IS MY SON, I AM NOT TRYING TO HURT ANYONE OR OFFEND ANYONE, I AM JUST SO DESPERATE NO ONE WILL TAKE ME SERIOUSLY, I HAVE TRIED AND TRIED TO SEEK VETERINARY HELP FROM ANYONE. THE VET THAT INJECTED THIS INTO MY CAT KNEW HE HAD NO INFECTION, THIS WAS A PRECAUTIONARY INJECTION KNOWING THERE WAS NO INFECTION, WE TRUSTED THIS VET, BUT WE REPEATEDLY ASKED HER TO PLEASE MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO SIDE EFFECTS, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE NOT GIVE HIM THE BAYTRIL INJECTION IF THERE WAS ANY RISK EVEN THE TINIEST OF SIDE EFFECTS AT ALL, AND WE KEPT INSISTING THAT ONLY IF SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY SURE, BECAUSE THE CAT WOULD BE IN THE CAR IN HIS CAGE ALL DAY DRIVING TO BELIZE, AND WE KNEW THAT WE WOULD BE WITHOUT FOOD OR WATER UNTIL NIGHT. SO THIS MADE THE CIRCUMSTANCES EVEN WORSE TO RECIEVE THIS INJECTION. I WANT TO PREVENT MY CAT FROM GOING INTO ANOTHER SEIZURE. I LOVE HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING, SO DOES MY HUSBAND, HE IS THE MOST SMART, CLEVER, UNIQUE CAT I HAVE EVER SEEN, OTHER PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS SO IMPRESSED WITH THIS CAT,MORE THAN ANY ON ANIMAL PLANET. I COULD NOT BEAR TO SEE MY CAT SUFFER FURTHER, ESPECIALLY SINCE THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG BEFORE THE INJECTION, AND TO TOP IT OFF OTHER VETS HERE IN MEXICO REFUSE TO BLAME THE BAYTRIL ENROFLOXICIN, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN RECALLED COMPLETELY IN THE FORM OF INJECTION, THEY HARDLY TEND TO HAVE EVER EVEN VACCINATED A CAT, AS CATS ARE SEEN AS PESTS TO MOST PEOPLE IN LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES, I HATE TO SAY IT. WHAT THEY ARE MISSING OUT ON.
PLEASE THIS IS RIDICULOUS, I WANT MY CAT TO BE HELPED, NOT TO HURT THE VET. I HAVE BEEN BEGGING FOR 2 WEEKS AND NO ONE CAN BELIEVE ME OR WILL STOP IGNORING ME. TIME IS CRUCIAL. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE BEARLY SLEPT SINCE THIS BEGAN. mrc434@hotmail.com P.S. MY CAT LOOKS A BIT LIKE THE DOG IN THE PHOTO FOR LIVER FAILURE THOUGH NOT THAT BAD.PLEASE ADVISE, IS IT GOOD TO GIVE ELECTROLYTE? PETLAX? WHICH FOOD?
Hi guys,
Some of the core issues start with what your feeding your pets. I believe all of you would benefit from raw/natural feeding practices to give the pets body something to work with to heal their own bodies. Their will definitely be times where you will need to visit the vet and conventional medicine will be required, but if you don't provide your animal with the right building blocks (good food) they can not help their own bodies heal. Although in saying that.......Making your pets food should not be taken lightly as you still need to provide adequate/balanced nutrition for them, their is some great books out their i.e. 'Give your dog a bone', 'Grow your pups with bone' and 'The BARF Diet' by Dr Ian Billinghurst that will give you all the important information before you start making their food. The changes you will see in your pets will be amazing, you will see most problems disapear completely, vet visits will become a thing of the past, and they will be bright eyed, strong immune systems, happy and healthy.
Also i would recommend you look up a Animal Herbalist/ natupath/ Homeopath and deffinitely try natural medicine as the antibiotics/ steriods/ cortisone etc just distroy their immune systems. I am based in australia and their is a fantastic one here, it is worth the phone call or jump on the net and google Robert McDowell, honestly, Dial the australian international code first then 0263313937.
I have followed these methods for the last year and cured urinary tract infections, seizures, eye problems etc. and the pets are now amazing healthy. Good luck and all the best x
HI, WELL THANK YOU ABOVE IN AUSTRALIA FOR HAVING GIVEN ME SOME HOPE AND I DO INTEND ON BUYING THE PRODUCTS. WE FOUND OUT FINALLY WHAT THE VET INJECTED IT WAS NOT BAYTRIL 5% IT WAS BAYTRIL MAX 10% CONCENTRATED IN A 5MG SYRINGE. AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT WE THINK IT WAS. WE REALLY WANT TO PRESS CHARGES AND SUE BECAUSE ALTHOUGH MY CAT IS MOVING AROUND MORE, HE IS NOW BLIND. THE SAD THING IS THOUGH THIS IS MEXICO AND WE ARE AMERICANS SO YOU CAN ONLY BEGIN TO IMAGINE HOW MUCH PEOPLE HATE US HERE, BUT STILL WE NEED TO WORRY ABOUT OUR DARLING ANGEL CAT. WE WANT TO TAKE HIM TO A VETERINARY OTHAMALOGIST BUT WE DON'T HAVE ANY TRUST IN VETERINARY MEDICINE IN MEXICO. HOW ABOUT STEM CELL THERAPY? DOES ANY ONE BELIEVE KNOW IF THAT CAN HELP? OUR CAT IS ONLY 5 AND A PART OF US WE BELIEVE IN HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING AND WE LOVE HIM, WE WILL DO ANYTHING AND GO ANY WHERE TO RESTORE HIS EYESIGHT AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE FROM THIS BAYTRIL MAX. THE SADDEST THING IS HERE IS THAT THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO KIND OF INFECTION, AND WE HAVE ACTUAL EVIDENCE, HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE PUT TO USE AND HELP STOP THIS VET FROM CONTINUING HER WORK IN VETERINARY MEDICINE. ALSO, SHE DID HIT A NERVE SHE INJECTED RIGHT ON THE LEG AND HE IS LIMPING.
mrc434:
I asked some friends in the business what to offer as advice. As expected, no one wants to make any kind of diagnosis or prescription without actually seeing your pet, and that's understandable, as working on a patient without actually seeing them can do much more harm than good as a lot of assumptions would have to be made and this is what makes such a diagnosis nigh impossible to be accurate. Instead, I would like to suggest a possible alternative solution:
First, I would go to a local pet store and hang out a bit ... pretend you are shopping for things for your cat. While doing so, speak to other shoppers in the cat section and explain to them that you are new to the area and that you are wondering who they would recommend as a good vet. Get several opinions and see which name comes up the most. In all likelihood, this will be the one person in the area who shows some competence.
When you go to meet this doctor don't give them your full story; but rather, just tell them that you took your cat to a local vet and what they did at the clinic, maling it all sound like a routine visit that went well - don't mention any of the sordid details and don;t use any names.
Next, tell them things started going bad for your pet and that a staff member recommended the vet (the one you find yourself now going to) as they felt this person could do more for you, and if they ask where you had went say you don;t want to say as you don't want that person to look bad as they were very kind and you believe they did the best they could - also, you don't want to get the staff memer fired for the recommendation.
Yes, it's a whole lot of lying, but in Mexico the culture can be very tight, as you have discovered. If they find that one of their own made the recommendation then they will be more apt to help you, and it wouldn't hurt to gush on a bit as to how people at the pet store also recommended this new vet.
Desperate times require desperate measures, and so long as your motives are pure (and I do consider restoring the health of your beloved pet a pure cause) then I see no issue with this slight of hand. No one gets hurt, and you just might see a loved one get better.
I wish there was more that I could offer, but my resources are limited on this one. I do hope all gets better soon!
While I do see many benefits in all natural cures, I see much harm done when people adopt these methods as the 'only' cure. When a pet is in distress it's always best to have your vet work their magic to bring your loved one out of the deep woods. Then, once healthy again, I would certainly recommend a healthy diet and all natural products can definitely become a good piece to plug in to the puzzle.
The reason I say this is for all of the pet owners who have been heartbroken when they refused to take their pets to the vet for serious life-threatening conditions, standing firm on the island that natural cures would bring their loved one back from the precipice. It isn't always nature that causes the illness, so it won't always be nature that makes it go away.
Also, I only recommend one make food for their own pets if they have a firm understanding of the effect of the ingredients they will be using. All natural doesn't always equate to good - as per the case of arsenic, which is a natural element we all know can kill. If you have any kind of doubts about making your own pet's food then perform some online research and find the natural pet food - premade - that's right for your pet. :)
DaniellaMelissa:
One thing I forgot to mention ... whether the blindness can be cured or not depends a lot on whether there has been degeneration of the retinal walls. If there has been then I'm afraid there is no cure for that which I am aware of. However, we need to remember that cats do not live by eyesite alone.
Just like us, cats have five senses - and just like us, when one sense is lost the others will go into overdrive to replace what was lost. As your loved one already has a keen sense of smell and excellent ears, a time might come when you won't even notice the blindness. I mention this as I have known of blind cats beofre that went on to live full lives, and you could only tell they were blind by passing a light over their eyes or moving your finger silently before their face.
It's horrible what you have just went through, but know that this is not an end to your relationship with your loved one. Behind those eyes is tha same loving pet you have come to know and love, and right now they need you more than ever. Be strong for your loved one.
As for stem cell therapy, I'm unaware of any current research as it's pretty much a taboo topic in the states. My current prescription for your pet is all of the love and understanding you can provide, as these next few weeks will be a trying time for him. Help him adapt to this new life crisis and he will be back to his old loving self in no time, I assure you.
Daniellamelissa, my heart goes out to you. I have no advice as I am in Ireland and know nothing about Mexico, but yoshi's advice makes sense..... And telling those white lies wouldn't bother me in the slightest!
I have a dog here on bay trail at the moment. He has crohn's disease which has no cure but has been every ill recently. He is a 5 year old large crossbreed dog, so I am not concerned about side effects such as blindness in his case. He started on bay trail yesterday and is already much improved and eating again this morning. What caused his recent bad bout, was ingesting a tiny piece of raw bone, probably a scrap he found somewhere as I never give him bones and am vegan myself so they aren't lying around! It got stuck in his anus and took two days to get out. The vet didn't want to intervene unless absolutely necessary due to his underlying health issues. He would have need a full anaesthetic. So while I do certainly see the benefits of natural diets for animals, this is something which should be carefully studied and understood, and each particular animal's needs taken into consideration. Jack gets a home cooked diet recommended by vets which consists of chicken or oily fish, plain boiled with potato or butternut squash (it is the closest thing to pumpkin available here). In addition he gets regular shots of b12 and thiamine at the vets to help his mucosa and counteract the malabsorbtion caused by the crohn's disease. It is a constant battle to keep him as healthy as possible, but he is worth every second.
Jobst 19 months ago
I have a 10 and a half week old Boxer puppy. He had kennel cough for a few weeks, it seemed as though he was getting better, he finished almost all of his medication, then he started to get worse. He won't eat, won't drink, is very lethargic, just doesn't look good at all. He cannot hold anything down. We took him to the vet today and they said he has pneumonia. He was prescribed two different medications, one of which being Baytril. I am so worried about him, especially because he is so young. Any information on this really helps. Thanks for all of the information on this drug.