Clindamycin for Dogs

Both germs and single-celled organisms called protozoa can cause life-threatening infections in dogs. Antibiotic medications fight infections. The antibiotic clindamycin is effective against staph germ infections and the protozoas neospora, toxoplasma, hepatozoon and babesia.

Types

Clindamycin is sold both under brand names and as a generic drug and available in an oral solution and as capsules in 25, 75, 150 and 300 mg strengths.

Uses

Veterinarians commonly prescribe clindamycin for dogs with dental, bone, and deep-wound infections caused by germs that don't need oxygen to survive, according to Dr. Wendy C. Brooks, education director of Veterinary Partners.com. Dr. Craig Datz of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine recommends it at higher doses for protozoal infections.

Function

Clindamycin belongs to a family of drugs, the lincosamides, that keeps germs and protazoa from reproducing by interfering with their DNA replication process. Clindamycin, however, doesn't harm dogs' DNA.

Dosage

Standard clindamycin doses for dogs with infections are from 2.5 to 15mg/5 lbs. of weight given by mouth every 12 hours. Your veterinarian's specific dosing instructions should be followed.

Time Frame

Discontinue clindamycin if your dog's infection has not improved within three to four days. Otherwise your dog can continue to take it under your veterinarian's supervision for up to 28 days.

References

• Clindamycin
• Clindamycin Hydrochloride (Clindadrops, Antirobe, Cleosin)
• Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules

Resources

• Toxoplasmosis
• More about Antibiotics for Dogs