Infection and inflammation of the bronchi and other air tubes in the lungs is commonly known as pneumonia. In canines, pneumonia can also be accompanied by mucus secretions, excessive wheezing, loss of appetite and dehydration. Canines displaying any signs of pneumonia should be taken immediately to their veterinarian to be prescribed an effective antibacterial or antibiotic medication.
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Baytril
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Baytril is manufactured by Bayer and comes in three different strengths for canine pneumonia. The medication's active ingredient, enrofloxacin, has the ability to kill off the pathogens causing pneumonia in dogs. Baytril is also available in an injectable form, and is generally administered to dogs at a rate of about 5 mg for every kilogram of body weight. Canine doses are administered once daily for a period of five to 10 days.
Orbax
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Orbax is another often administered antibiotic for canine pneumonia; its active ingredient is orbifloxacin, a broad spectrum antibacterial agent from the fluoroquinolone family. Orbax is administered once daily in dosages ranging anywhere from 2.5 mg to 7.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, depending on the condition's severity. Orbax should be administered for at least 10 days, including two to three days after symptoms have stopped.
Gentocin
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Gentocin is an injectable antiobiotic supplement that contains the active ingredient gentamicin, which suppresses the protein synthesis necessary for pneumonia to duplicate. Gentamicin has more severe side effects than most pneumonia medications for dogs, but its effects are stronger and may be a better choice for advanced pneumonia or antibiotic-resistant strains. Normal canine dosages of Gentocin range from 10 mg to15 mg per kilogram of body weight, and doses are administered once daily through an intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Geocillin
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Geocillin contains a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic which is ineffective against pseudomonas but is effective against most bacterial pneumonias and carries fewer side effects than many other medications. Geocillin has been approved for use in both humans and dogs. Although generally nontoxic, excessive dosages can cause gastrointestinal irritation; fatal dosages occur at 500 mg per kilogram of body weight.
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