Dental problems in a dog can be treated with clindamycin.
Veterinarians prescribe the antibiotic clindamycin for dogs with various types of bacterial infections. Usually given to dogs with deep wounds or a gum infection, clindamycin has been approved for canine use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Clindamycin can be given to dogs in liquid form with a dropper, or as tablets or capsules.
A veterinarian may prescribe clindamycin to treat a dog for various bacterial infections.
Some older dogs may have dental problems and gum infections, which can be treated with the oral antibiotic clindamycin. The antibiotic prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in dogs and helps control infections. Periodontal disease in older dogs can be serious as an older dog’s immune system may be weakened. In addition to antibiotic therapy, other procedures may be necessary, such as tooth extraction or scaling.
Clindamycin is commonly administered to dogs with deep tissue wounds.
Clindamycin is commonly prescribed for infections caused by an anaerobic organism. This type of organism can multiply and survive without oxygen, causing infections in dogs. However, the presence of oxygen can destroy certain strains of bacteria.
Dogs that develop a soft tissue infection are often treated with clindamycin. When a dog shows signs of soft tissue infection, such as discoloration around the gums, vomiting, or difficulty chewing, a proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the course of treatment. Dogs diagnosed with soft tissue infection should be given the full course of clindamycin to ensure full recovery.
Clindamycin for dogs can be prescribed in liquid, capsule, or tablet form.
When a dog develops an abscess, which usually causes pus and swelling near the wound site, it can usually be treated with clindamycin. Clindamycin for dogs with a puncture wound with an abscess may be prescribed for up to three weeks. An oral abscess usually requires 10 days of treatment.
Canine bone infections can cause serious complications that can be fatal if not treated right away. In some cases, a biopsy of the affected bone may be performed. Veterinarians may prescribe clindamycin for dogs with bone infections that have not metastasized to other areas of the body. The inflammation can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications and oral antibiotics.
Clindamycin may particularly benefit older dogs, as they are susceptible to gum disease and other infections.
As with any oral antibiotic, there is a risk of side effects when administering clindamycin to dogs. In most cases, side effects are mild and can include diarrhea or vomiting, which may go away after a day or two. Some dogs may have severe allergic reactions to clindamycin, including difficulty breathing or seizures. Any unusual side effects should be reported to a veterinarian immediately.