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  Discussion on Is Penicillin the right antiboitic??
Author Message
New Member:
Labower

Posted on Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - 5:41 pm:

I have a 5 month old filly that has a knee injury. I have cleaned it and used an antibiotic salve on it. It seems that now it's getting infected. I called my vet and they're closed for the weekend. Would penicillin be OK to use and what dosage. If not, what would be suggested?? I really don't want to wait until Monday to consult with my vet.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Oct 14, 2006 - 8:48 am:

Welcome Linda,
We have a real can of worms here. Perhaps most important, if you really think it is becoming infected, and you cannot reach your vet, and penicillin is all you have....I don't see it matters what might be the best choice. But it worries me when there might be a septic joint as you only have about 24 hours to properly treat it or permanent arthritis may result and that will require veterinary attention see Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Joint & Bone Diseases » Joint Infection, Joint Ill, and Septic Arthritis.

There are wider spectrum antibiotics that would be a better choice however, see Treatments and Medications for Horses » Antibiotics and Antimicrobials for a list. You should also review the article Treatments and Medications for Horses » Antibiotics and Antimicrobials » Antibiotic Use in Horses: An Overview. For the proper use of penicillin see the article associated with this discussion that can be accessed from the navigation bar above.

I am interested in the nature of the wound and what signs you associate with worsening infection. For more on our advice on wound care see Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases » Wounds / Burns » Wounds: First Aid Care
DrO
New Member:
Labower

Posted on Saturday, Oct 14, 2006 - 11:46 am:

Hello DrO.,
I don't really know how the injury occured as she was out on pasture. It looks like she had fallen and scraped the knee. The knee was already swollen when I found her. I hosed the knee and administered a topical dressing, Furazine, (I hope I am spelling this right).
Things looked good until two days ago when I noticed considerable swelling and heat. I have continued the hosing and treatment with Furazine. I cannot get her into the vet until Monday as he is out of town until then.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Oct 15, 2006 - 8:01 am:

So you describe a scrape, do you not see any full skin thickness wounds? If you think infection has gotten underneath such a wound needs to be opened and drained. Antibiotics, NSAID's, hosing, and a antibacterial poultice under a mild pressure bandage, although if it is infected it is unlikely the horse will tolerate the pressure. Nitrofurazone ointment would be OK but I would prefer a povidone based ointments. You will find specific therapy descriptions in the article on wound care and bandaging.
DrO
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