Antibiotics for the Urinary Tract of a Weimaraner

Weimaraners, often referred to as '' silver ghosts or gray ghosts'' due to their distinctive sleek silver-gray coat and light amber eyes, are generally a healthy and strong breed. However, they may at times be affected by certain ailments. Should your Weimaraner ever suffer from a urinary tract infection, a course of antibiotics in most cases will lead to the rapid resolution of symptoms. Learn about the most common antibiotics prescribed to treat your Weimaraner's urinary problem.

  1. Penicillin Antibiotics

    • The penicillin group of drugs derives from penicillium fungi and is effective against several gram-negative pathogens. Ampicillin and amoxicillin in particular, are relatively non-toxic broad spectrum antibiotics effective against staphylococci, streptococci, enterococci, and proteus, according to the Merk Veterinary Manual. When amoxicillin is combined with clavulanate potassium, a drug known as Clavamox, its effectivess increases against gram-negative bacteria. Should penicillin drugs be prescribed for your Weimaranar's urinary infection, consider that despite having a wide margin of safety, they can cause gastrointestinal upset, explains veterinarian Adam Honeckman.

    Cephalosporin Antibiotics

    • Cephalosporins are broad spectrum bactericidal antibiotics available in tablet and liquid formulations. Cefadroxil and cephalexin, just as penicillins, are relatively non-toxic, but have the advantage of being more effective against staphylococci and gram-negative bacteria. Ceftiofur in particular has been proven effective for urinary tract infections caused by E. coli and Proteus. Should a cephalosporin drug be prescribed for your Weimaraner's urinary tract infection, watch for vomiting and other possible gastrointestinal signs.

    Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

    • Fluoriquinolone antibiotics approved for urinary tract infections in dogs encompass enrofloxacin, orbifloxacin, difloxacin and marbofloxacin, These drugs are effective against several gram negative bacteria such as pseudomonas, E.coli, klebseilla, campylobacter,

      enterobacter, salmonella, proteus and staph. Intact male Weimaraners suffering from a urinary tract infection benefit from such drugs, since they easily penetrate the prostate gland. Fluorinquinolones are also beneficial for Weimaraners suffering from bladder infections due to gram-negative bacteria such as pseudomas.

    Sulfonamide Antibiotics

    • Sulfonamides are effective against several strains of strep, staph, protozoans and many

      gram-negative bacteria. The combination of sulfonamides and trimethoprim is often prescribed for urinary tract infections as it is effective against staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and proteus. The use of sulfonamide antibiotics requires a word of caution when administered to Weimaraners. Weimaraners indeed are among the several breeds documented to being hypersensitive to his drug, according to veterinarian W. Jean Dodds.