The ratty girls

[Member ID2]

That's good news!

 

[Maz]

Hope she continues to improve ok. Once the wound starts healing she'll be back to normal a bit hopefully.

 

[Riven]

How's Harley doing today? Any improvement?

 

[Banned Member 1]

How's Harley doing today? Any improvement?

She is drinking well and starting to eat more too. However she does have a bit of an infection. She's been on baytril but not sure it is working. We're headed back to the vet this afternoon and I'll ask about trying another antibiotic or upping the dose. She has only been on it three days though so maybe it's a bit early to expect improvement. Her stitches are holding fine thankfully so that's a positive.

 

[elusive]

Hope the antibiotics start to work soon.

 

[Banned Member 1]

I have just spoken to a rat breeder who also works in medicine, she said that baytril isnt much use for this sort of thing and recommends that I try and get her on a strong course of amoxicillin

 

[Banned Member 1]

I now have amoxicillin to give her so fingers crossed that does the job...

 

[Maz]

I'm sure your vet knows what to do. I didn't know rats could have amoxicillin. It is not something that is prescribed to hamsters. Hamsters usually only get baytril or if that doesn't work, occasionally trimethoprim. I hope it starts working asap. Poor Harley. Just as she was doing ok again.

 

[Banned Member 1]

I'm sure your vet knows what to do. I didn't know rats could have amoxicillin. It is not something that is prescribed to hamsters. Hamsters usually only get baytril or if that doesn't work, occasionally trimethoprim. I hope it starts working asap. Poor Harley. Just as she was doing ok again.

Just checked the BSAVA formulary. "Do not administer penicillins to hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils or chinchillas". Rats and mice need a high dose of it relative to their size but it is safe for them.

 

[Riven]

3 days isn't much time for the Baytril to work. More severe infections could take up to 14 days to show improvement. Amoxicillin generally does better fighting gram positive.

I understand that you want to do your best for Harley but has Harley seen by an exotics vet?

Amoxicillin and baytril don't clash, as they stay in the system for days after the last dose. Other antibiotics can clash with baytril.

Do you have a broad spec disinfectant for her cage and is she still wrapped?

 

[Banned Member 1]

I got this advice from someone who is a rat breeder and a professional in human medicine and I got amoxicillin from the vet...

 

[Maz]

Although this is a hamster forum, we do clearly advise that any medical issues need a vet. So it might be helpful if updates relate to vet advice rather than advice of a friend.

 

[Banned Member 1]

Although this is a hamster forum, we do clearly advise that any medical issues need a vet. So it might be helpful if updates relate to vet advice rather than advice of a friend.

Understood.

 

[Maz]

I would hope the vet would do a swab and determine the best antibiotic for the infection but sometimes they just want to try and hit an infection hard until they get the swab results. It's always an option also to get a second opinion from an exotic vet - or another exotic vet - if you don't feel things have gone too well.

 

[Banned Member 1]

This whole thread has been full of people second guessing my vets professional judgement and offering lay person opinions on what he should be doing. If a week ago I had talked to my vet about people here recommending antibiotics premptively and my vet had prescribed after I had done so would this also have been a problem?

 

[Maz]

I think the main thing is people suggesting vet advice rather than from friends. Yes we may suggest - ask the vet about antibiotics perhaps - but then the vet would decide. We don't know your vet. You seem happy with them. I think the concern was over a medical issue needing a vet involved. There was no suggestion of questioning your vet's professional judgement but only that if you're not happy with a vet, to seek a second opinion. If you're happy with your vet then you won't want feel the need to seek a second opinion.

We are concerned for Harley as you are and sometimes it does come across that there have been some non vet decisions post surgery - perhaps that is just misunderstanding.

 

[Member ID2]

I can't comment on medical matters or medications because i'm not a vet. All i can say is that i hope Harley will make a full recovery soon.

 

[Riven]

How's Harley doing? Has she shown any improvement since starting the amoxicillin?

 

[Banned Member 1]

May report back after seeing the vet next.

 

[RainbowBrite]

I hope all goes well.