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Comment on antibiotic use for "the snots" |
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by Country Animal Hospital
I think that most veterinarians would agree that one dose of penicillin would not be sufficient to treat a bacterial infection.
Likely what is occuring is that the animals own immune system is fighting the infection (probably viral) off fairly quickly.
When we think about prudent use of antibiotics the general recommendation is that once you start a course of antibiotics you use it for a sufficient course of time. Usually that is at least 5 days. You can actually select for bacterial resistance by using antibiotics for insufficient time periods, or by using them intermittently.
The reality is that if animals are getting better with just one dose of penicillin then they probably would have gotten better without antibiotics.
If you do start with Antibiotics then use them for the appropriate number of days.
Kurt Riemer, DVM
Country Animal Hospital
"A friendly reminder: You and your veterinarian are ultimately responsible for the care of your alpacas. All drug dosages should be confirmed prior to using medications unfamiliar to you."
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Alpaca Health 
