Clindamycin Treatment for Kennel Cough in Pets

Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that can be used to treat kennel cough in pets. It's often prescribed for dogs and cats that have a moderate to severe case of the infection.

Clindamycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause kennel cough. It can be administered in the form of an oral capsule or a topical solution.

The dosage of clindamycin for kennel cough in pets is typically 10-20 mg per pound of body weight per day, divided into two doses. This can be adjusted based on the severity of the infection and the pet's overall health.

Clindamycin is usually given for 7-10 days to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

Consider reading: Dog Upper Respiratory Infection vs Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs. It's caused by a bacteria called Bordetella bronchiseptica, which often invades the respiratory tissues along with a virus.

Dogs contract kennel cough through airborne bacteria, usually in large groups of dogs in close quarters, such as dog shows or kennels. They can also catch it from nose-to-nose contact and through contact with secretions from an infected dog.

The disease affects the lining of the trachea, causing minor irritation that leads to frequent coughing. In mild cases, coughing is less frequent.

Immunization doesn't protect against all strains of kennel cough.

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Diagnosis of kennel cough typically involves a physical exam, medical history, and clinical signs. In uncomplicated cases, this is usually enough to make a diagnosis.

A veterinarian may also take an airway sample for evaluation in some cases. Blood tests and X-rays can be helpful in making a differential diagnosis in complicated cases, particularly if a dog has pneumonia.

Complicated cases of kennel cough may require additional testing, such as a CBC and X-rays, to rule out other conditions like fungal pneumonia or congestive heart failure.

In complicated cases, a dog may need to be kept at the veterinarian's office for IV fluid hydration therapy and oxygen therapy.

Here are some possible treatment options for uncomplicated and complicated cases of kennel cough:

Diagnosis of kennel cough is based on your dog's medical history, physical exam, and clinical signs.

In uncomplicated cases, this is usually enough to make a diagnosis.

A blood test (CBC) and X-rays can be helpful in making a differential diagnosis from other sources of similar symptoms in complicated cases.

These tests can help rule out other conditions like fungal pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or pyothorax.

An airway sample may be taken for evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.

In rare cases, a dog may need a bronchodilator to help diagnose the condition.

Treatment for kennel cough typically involves isolation from other dogs for 2 to 3 weeks. This allows your dog to recover without infecting others.

Hydration is also crucial, so make sure your dog has access to plenty of water. Hygiene is also important to prevent the spread of the disease.

In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe cough suppressants like butorphanol or hydrocodone to help manage your dog's symptoms. If your veterinarian suspects bacterial pneumonia, they may prescribe an antibiotic like doxycycline.

In severe cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for IV fluid hydration therapy and oxygen therapy. They may also need antibiotics like doxycycline, clindamycin, or ampicillin and fluoroquinolone.

If your dog's cough is severe, they may cough for extended periods of time and even vomit. If this is the case, you should seek veterinary attention immediately.

Minor to moderate cases of kennel cough often go away on their own without treatment, but if the cough lasts longer than 7-10 days, you should have your dog evaluated for other airway or lung diseases. In some cases, the disease can last up to 21 days.

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If your dog has a good appetite and is otherwise normal, your veterinarian may not prescribe antibiotics and will simply let the disease run its course.

Here are some common dosage forms of clindamycin, a type of antibiotic that may be prescribed for kennel cough:

Isolating your dog from other dogs for 2 to 3 weeks is crucial in preventing the spread of Kennel Cough.

You should also keep an eye on your dog's hydration, providing plenty of water to help them recover.

Cough suppressants like butorphanol or hydrocodone can help alleviate the discomfort caused by the cough.

If your veterinarian suspects bacterial pneumonia, they may prescribe an antibiotic like doxycycline.

In severe cases, your dog may need to be kept at the veterinarian's office for IV fluid hydration therapy and oxygen therapy.

If your dog's cough is severe, they may cough for extended periods of time and throw up food or mucus, which can range in color from white to green.

If your dog's cough lasts longer than 7-10 days, it's a good idea to have them evaluated for other airway or lung diseases.

In some cases, the disease can last as long as 21 days.

Here's a quick rundown of the treatment options for Kennel Cough:

If your dog has uncomplicated Kennel Cough, you can expect symptoms to resolve in 10 to 14 days after they begin.

Recovery time for complicated forms of Kennel Cough can be significantly longer, lasting from 2 to 6 weeks.

In severe cases, Kennel Cough can progress into serious complications, such as pneumonia, multiple organ dysfunction, or sepsis.