Avelox for Dogs

Function

• Avelox is the brand name for moxifloxacin hydrochloride (tablet formula) and moxifloxacin hydrochloride in sodium chloride (IV formula). Avelox was developed by Bayer Health Care and is marketed, sold and distributed by Schering Plough (who recently merged with Merck and Company). This drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. According to a July 2008 press release from the FDA, the FDA requires the distributor to include a warning as this medication in rare cases may cause tendon damage such as tendinitis and tendon rupture.

Usage

• Avelox has been approved for usage in people to treat bacterial sinusitis, bacterial bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, uncomplicated skin infections and intra-abdominal infections. Avelox was developed to successfully treat and fights bacteria as bacteria has become more resistant to older antibiotic medications. Avelox is proven to work fast to fight infection in people, but not dogs.

Testing in Dogs

• According to published reports in 2008 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Bayer Health Care commissioned clinical trials and animal pharmacology studies on Avelox in 2003 and 2004. These studies found that Avelox tested in young dogs resulted in negative effects including lameness in immature dogs that resulted in permanent lesions of their cartilage. Similar results from these studies were found when testing Avelox in other animals in addition to dogs. Furthermore, results showed that medication caused arthropathy, a disease of the joints, in dogs, similar to side effects found in humans. Also, beagles tested with Avelox were observed to have issues with their eyes. Though dogs were able to tolerate administration of the drug intravenously, their skin became inflamed in the area of Avelox administration. Due to all of these findings, Avelox for dogs is to be avoided.

Recommendations

• Avelox for dogs is not recommended and dog owners should always check with their veterinarian regarding medications that are safe for their pets. Though some over-the-counter and prescription medications designed for human consumption may be beneficial in treating dogs, dog owners must use extreme caution in their administration. If an infection in your dog is suspected contact the vet who can make a proper diagnosis and determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Alternative Medications

• Per the veterinarians that contribute to Vet Info.com, there are dozens of safe and proven effective antibiotics for dogs. Veterinarians may choose to prescribe a common canine antibiotic such as albon, baytril, keflex, amoxycillin and tetracycline. These medications come in a variety of formulas including chewable tablets, gel caps and liquid drops. All of these drugs are a safer alternative then Avelox for dogs to combat infection.