Meretseger is on the money regarding the culture/testing. You need to know what you are shooting at.



Baytril (Enrofloxacin) is a very harsh drug, and can cause sterile injection site ulcers when injected (especially the 100mg/ml strength), but it is effective against most bacteria that commonly cause RI in reptiles. It can also be given orally, but absorption isn't quite as good.



Amikacin Sulfate is also effective against some RI causing bacteria. It isn't quite as harsh as Enrofloxacin.



Another good drug for RI caused by most Gram-negative rod type bacteria is Ceftazadime.



The bottom line is that you need to find out what's causing the problem and use the appropriate drug. You actually don't even need to culture unless you are going to do a sensitivity test. Most times, you can just Gram stain a specimen and choose a drug. Usually, you only need to know if it's G- or G to know which drug is appropriate.



Some drugs which are known as Aminoglycosides are known to have nephrotoxic qualities, and some drugs are known to be toxic to certain species of reptlies, so that must be taken into account also. Even when dealing with vermifuges or anti-flagellates, some things are toxic to certain species and relatively safe in others. A good example is Ivermectin. It is deadly in Chelonians, Indigo Snakes (if improperly dosed) some rattlesnakes, etc. Same with Flagyl (Metronidazole).



The practice (common among herpers) of acquiring "leftover" drugs from other herpers and using them on their own because "it worked for someone else" is a VERY dangerous practice and has likely caused the inadvertent death of many reptiles. I saw someone selling a 100ml bottle of 100/1 Injectible Enrofloxacin at the Daytona show....chances are that someone with no idea how to use it or when to use it will purchase that (illegally) and injure their animals with it.

[ Hide Replies ]

• R.I. : What's the drug of choice these days ? - Jim Merli, Sat Nov 8 20:43:48 2003
• RE: R.I. : What's the drug of choice these days ? - meretseger, Sat Nov 8 21:13:42 2003
• RE: R.I. : What's the drug of choice these days ? - oldherper, Mon Nov 10 08:49:05 2003