Cephalexin is used to treat bacterial skin diseases like Pyoderma, as was previously mentioned. Cephalexin may also be used in dogs for:
- Veterinarians may advise Cephalexin for urinary tract infections because of its capacity to combat bacteria.
- Ear infections: Your veterinarian may prescribe Cephalexin if your dog has red, itchy, or inflamed ears on either or both ears.
- Preventive measures: Your veterinarian may advise Cephalexin as an infection-prevention measure if your dog has any wounds or injuries.
What antibiotic works best for a dog ear infection?
Otitis interna, an inflammation of the inner ear, is typically brought on by an infection. Although fungus (also known as yeast) can be a factor in an inner ear infection, bacteria are the most frequent infectious agent.
It can eventually result in an issue in the inner ear and increase the chance of a bacterial infection if your dog has ear mites in the external ear canal. Similar to this, whether a diseased ear canal or a benign polyp is emerging from the middle ear, inner ear infections may occur. A foreign object, such a grass seed, can potentially cause an inner ear bacterial infection.
Are some dogs more susceptible to inner ear infection?
Dogs with long, heavy ears appear to be more likely to experience recurrent ear infections, which can eventually result in otitis interna. The most frequently affected breeds include hound breeds like the Bloodhound and Basset Hound as well as spaniel species like the Cocker Spaniel. Any dog, regardless of breed, who has an uncontrollable chronic ear infection is susceptible to developing otitis interna if the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is compromised. This is because a compromised eardrum enables bacterial migration into the inner ear.
“Otitis interna, which eventually results in chronic ear infections, seems to be more likely to affect dogs with long, heavy ears.”
Otitis interna can occasionally result from very rigorous cleansing of an infected external ear canal. Some ear cleaners irritate the middle and inner ear, and if the eardrum is broken and enables some of the solution to enter too deeply, they may result in symptoms of otitis interna.
What are the signs of an inner ear infection?
The degree and scope of the illness determine the otitis interna symptoms. However, you could notice your dog is reluctant to chew or acts as though he’s in discomfort when opening his mouth. Some dogs may not even exhibit any visible symptoms. He might shake his head or scratch the troublesome ear.
Your dog might start tilting his head, usually to the side of the infected ear. He might also lean, fall, or roll that way. He might have entirely lost his sense of balance, which would make it impossible for him to walk normally. He might even start to circle around to the side of the infected ear. You might observe him move his head from side to side like an elephant swinging its trunk if both ears are affected, and he might have trouble standing still. Additionally, dogs with active otitis interna are unable to hear on the affected side (s).
Are there other signs I should watch for?
During the acute stage of otitis interna, nausea and vomiting might happen. Your dog may experience any of the following signs of an inner ear infection if the facial nerve, which is situated near the inner ear, is harmed:
- salivating on the side of one’s mouth
- eating difficulties and food spillage
- incapable of blinking
- Unblinking eye develops dry eyes (see handout) “Dogs with Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
- eye sloughing
- the affected side’s eyelids, lips, and nose drop.
- Horner’s syndrome symptoms (see handout) “Anisocoria, or a smaller pupil on the side of the infected ear, a prominent third eyelid, and drooping upper eyelids on the affected side are all symptoms of Horner’s Syndrome in Dogs.
In fact, the face may actually twist in the direction of the ear infection if there is long-term facial nerve paralysis.
Redness in the impacted ear and discharge with an unpleasant smell are further symptoms. Chronic inflammation may cause the outer ear canal to thicken and become painful to the touch, and the lymph node beneath the chin on the affected side may grow. Your dog can start to prefer to sit or lie in one place rather than move at all, and even while at rest, his head might start to swivel. Nystagmus, or brief, swift side-to-side eye movements, are another thing you might observe.
How is otitis interna treated?
It is quite dangerous to have otitis interna. Hospitalization for intravenous hydration therapy is typically necessary if your dog is unable to eat regularly or drink owing to sickness or confusion. Dehydration must be prevented and nausea must be managed. In order to properly inspect the ear tissues, collect samples for bacterial culture, and clean the ear, your dog may also need to be sedated or anesthetized.
It’s crucial to treat the underlying infection, and your veterinarian will prescribe the necessary drugs. Both intravenously and orally delivered medications will be used. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics (such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, or cefpodoxime) will be taken for at least 6 to 8 weeks. If the infection is fungus-related, a prescription for an anti-fungal drug (often itraconazole) will be given. Whatever medication is selected, it is essential that it is taken exactly as directed.
“Restrict your dog’s activity during therapy if his balance is off,” advises the ASPCA.
If your dog’s balance is off, limit his activities while he receives treatment to avoid damage from falls. These canines shouldn’t be allowed access to stairs because they could fall. Additionally, you might need to temporarily feed your dog by hand because reaching into a dish could make you queasy.
If a dog’s otitis interna recurs, if it doesn’t improve with medical management, or if it continues to worsen despite treatment, surgery may be necessary. Only dogs with fluid buildup in the middle ear, osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone around the ear, or a mass (benign or malignant tumor) emerging from the middle ear or the eustachian tube should undergo surgery (the tube leading from the middle ear to the back of the mouth). In extreme cases of middle and inner ear infection, the entire external ear canal may also be removed during surgery to empty the middle ear cavity. See the brochure “Total Ear Canal Ablation with Bulla Osteotomy” for more details on this procedure (TECA-BO). Surgery is not always required for otitis interna, regardless of how severe the nervous system symptoms are.
Are there any potential complications or long-term effects of otitis interna?
Although it happens very rarely, a severe inner ear infection can potentially extend to the area of the dog’s brain that regulates breathing and heart rate.
Permanent balance impairment and/or chronic Horner’s syndrome symptoms are two potential long-term side effects of inner ear infection. Additionally, the afflicted ear in your dog could become permanently deaf.
However, the majority of canines with otitis interna respond favorably to medical treatment. To avoid a relapse, anticipate taking oral antibiotics for two to four months. Otitis interna frequently causes a change in balance, which usually gets better in two to six weeks. In comparison to huge breeds, small dogs may regain their balance more rapidly.
What can dogs be treated with cephalexin?
Pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections are treated with cephalexin (brand names Rilexine, Keflex, and Vetolexin), an oral antibiotic, in dogs. Pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections are treated with cephalexin off-label or extra-label in cats. For the treatment of canine and feline urinary tract infections, it is occasionally used off-label or extra-label.
In veterinary medicine, many medications are frequently used for off-label uses. In these situations, pay close attention to your veterinarian’s instructions and warnings.
How is cephalexin given?
There are three different forms of cephalexin: capsules, chewable tablets (for dogs), and oral suspension. It is additionally offered as an oral paste in Canada.
You can take cephalexin with or without food. If your pet vomits or displays other symptoms of sickness after getting the medication, consider administering it along with some food.
This medication will start working within 1 to 2 hours, although it can take a few days before you notice any obvious effects.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you recall, but if it is almost time for the next dose, omit the missed dose and take the following one instead. Never administer additional dosages or two doses at once to your pet.
Even if your pet appears to be doing better, it is crucial that they finish the antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor.
Are there any potential side effects?
Cephalexin side effects are often minor and infrequent. It might result in gastrointestinal distress, which includes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if these side effects worsen.
If your cat stops eating, more serious difficulties may develop, so if your cat hasn’t fed in 24 hours, call your veterinarian.
The following adverse effects may point to an allergic reaction to the medication: fever, rashes, and breathing difficulties. Cephalexin may very infrequently induce severe skin reactions. In these situations, contact your veterinarian right away.
The effects of this quick-acting medicine should wear off after 24 hours, though they may last longer in animals with liver or renal illness.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
Cephalexin should not be administered to pets known to be allergic or hypersensitive to cephalosporins. In animals that are sensitive to specific antibiotics, such as pencillins, cepamycins, and carbapenems, it should be administered with caution.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Cephalexin and other medications like probenecid and warfarin may interact with one another. Cephalexin has no known drug interactions, but make sure to let your vet know about any prescription drugs your pet is taking, including vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies.
How do I store cephalexin?
Cephalexin should be kept at room temperature, in a firmly sealed container, and away from light. After 14 days, oral suspensions should be thrown away after being kept in the refrigerator.
What should I do in case of emergency?
Serious consequences may result from a significant overdose. Call your veterinarian’s office right away if you think your pet may have taken too much medication or is having an unfavorable reaction to it. Follow their instructions for contacting an emergency facility if they are not readily available.
What medication is administered to dogs with ear infections?
Only use dog ear infection medications as directed by your veterinarian.
Dogs with bacterial ear infections may benefit from the following antibiotics:
- Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate)
- Enrofloxacin.
- Cleocin (clindamycin)
- Cefpodoxime.
What effects does Cephalexin 500mg have on canines?
When treating canine infections, cephalexin is beneficial against:
- urinary system (UTI)
- Skin and soft tissue conditions including pyoderma and hotspots
- Bone
- respiration system
- Ear (otitis)
The medication, which is regarded as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, works well against the following bacteria:
- A. Staphylococcus
- pneumococcal streptococcus
- influenza with hemophilus
- E. coli
- pyogenes streptococcal
- bacterial pneumonia
- Positivus mutabilis
How can I take care of the ear infection in my dog without seeing the doctor?
I don’t think apple cider vinegar is a good idea. It didn’t work for us, and if done incorrectly, it might do more harm than good. But if you’re seeking for home-made natural cures, this is the most popular one.
If your dog’s ears are red or have open sores, DO NOT use this cure. She will feel the burn and the sorrow. In order to work, apple cider vinegar must destroy both yeast and bacteria.
Use a cotton ball soaked in a solution of 50% organic apple cider vinegar and 50% water to clean your dog’s ears.
Stop using it and take your dog to the doctor if you see any signs of discomfort or excessive ear drying.
How can I treat the ear infection in my dog?
Otitis externa can occur in up to 16.5% of dogs, and problems can include continued progression into more severe dog ear infections. Fortunately, there are simple actions you may do to reduce the severity of such diseases in your dog and alleviate symptoms.
Your dog’s ear will be carefully cleaned to remove dirt, discharge, and ear wax after your veterinarian has assessed the type and severity of the ear infection your dog is experiencing. They might apply a topical medicine or use a medicated ear cleaning.
The veterinarian might recommend oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs for your pet in more serious situations.
Your dog will probably be given a topical medicine by your veterinarian. It is crucial that you carefully adhere to the precise directions and instructions provided by your veterinarian. You could simplify the application procedure by:
- Using affection and incentives, keep your dog at ease.
- relying on your partner to hold and comfort your pet while you inject the ear with the medication.
- ensuring that while administering medication, the applicator is carefully placed outside of the dog’s ear.
- rubbing the drug into the afflicted region gently.
Continued
Regardless of whether your pet seems to be feeling better, always finish the entire course of medicine. Treatment omissions or mistakes may cause your dog’s disease to worsen.
Ear cleaning is a crucial component of your dog’s care, whether it’s to stop an infection from forming or to manage the healing of one that is currently present. You can: Clean your dog’s ears by:
- Make it simpler for you to check the ear canal of your dog.
- Get rid of bacteria and other tiny foreign particles that could result in dog ear infections.
- To prepare the ear canal for potential topical medicine treatments, clean it.
Excessive wetness is frequently the cause of ear infections. After a bath or swim, be sure to completely dry your dog’s ears. Ask your veterinarian about underlying factors like allergies if your dog consistently becomes sick.
Taking care of your dog’s cleanliness is a good method to stop ear infections in the future. By: Cleaning your dog’s ears
- cleaning the ear gently with a piece of absorbent gauze. Never use a paper towel or washcloth.
- Avoid using cotton swabs, which might irritate your dog’s ear further.
- the exterior of your dog’s ears should be cleaned.
Many dogs experience recurrent ear infections. Be proactive in maintaining your dog’s ears in a healthy state by keeping them dry and clean.
What dosage of cephalexin should I administer to my dog?
The dosage guidelines provided by your veterinarian must be followed. The general dose for this drug is as follows, however your vet can adjust it for your particular dog.
Dogs often receive cephalexin at a dose of 10 to 15 milligrams per pound of body weight. That implies that you would probably give a 50 pound dog 500 mg. Because the drug’s concentration will vary, carefully read the instructions and heed the advise of your veterinarian.
Typically, veterinarians suggest pet owners to administer the medication to their dogs every eight to twelve hours, or twice to three times per day. Although owners can give it to their dogs with or without food, doing so lowers the likelihood of adverse consequences.
The recommended treatment schedule from your veterinarian must be followed. Depending on the condition being treated, cephalexin treatment typically lasts seven to twenty-eight days. No matter how much better your dog feels, you should always finish the entire course of Cephalexin.
Although overdosing is rarely a problem, it might cause gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting. A negative reaction could occur if your dog is hypersensitive to the drug, which could make the problem worse. Consult a veterinarian if there has been a dose overload.
