Orbifloxacin for Dogs

Orbifloxacin is a broad-spectrum veterinary antibiotic grouped under the fluoroquinolones class of drugs, acting on gram-positive and gram-negative bacterium groups. As a broad-spectrum veterinary drug, Orbifloxacin is classed together with other fluoroquinolones such as marbofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. Orbifloxacin is a bactericidal antibiotic that works effectively against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria like Pasteurella multtocida, staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and so on   

This broad-spectrum veterinary antibiotic medication is mainly prescribed for dealing with dermal, urinary, and respiratory infections in cats and dogs. Vets also prescribe Orbifloxacin sometimes for treating infections involving soft tissues such as the prostate and kidney.

Orbifloxacin at a Glance

Is Orbifloxacin Safe for Dogs?

Though generally safe for canines your vet may not prescribe Orbifloxacin if your pet is found to be hypersensitive to fluoroquinolones. Studies have demonstrated that dogs are particularly sensitive to quinolones as many pet dogs administered with this antibiotic developed arthropathy. If your pet dog is suffering from a CNS disorder, you should exercise caution while administering Orbifloxacin or any other Fluoroquinolone.  

Mechanism of Action

Orbifloxacin, like all other fluoroquinolones, inhibits and neutralizes the bacteria or rather the bacterial enzymes essential for decoding the information in DNA. Since the cell is the smallest unit of an organism, DNA to fit within the cell is coiled up very closely. The DNA gyrase in the infection-causing bacteria needs to uncoil some of the DNA strands for protein synthesis.

Orbifloxacin acts on the DNA gyrase, deactivating the enzyme thereby making it impossible to transcript or decode the mammalian DNA. Since the microbe or bacteria thrives and propagates by transcribing the information within the DNA, it dies once it's unable to do so.

How Much Orbifloxacin Should You Offer to Your Dog?

As Orbifloxacin is a prescription-only medication, you’ll first need to check with your vet whether he or she’ll prescribe it. If the vet deems fit, then she’ll typically prescribe a dose of about 1.25-3.25 mg/lb (or 2.5-7.5mg/kg) to be given once daily. The duration of the therapy will for the most part depend on the severity of the infection and how your dog is responding to treatment.

The medication which is available in both tablet and liquid forms is administered orally. Make sure you shake the bottle thoroughly before measuring out the oral suspension. Be extremely careful while pouring the solution into the graduated cap and ensure that you’ve measured out exactly the dosage recommended by your vet.

Offering the medicine on an empty stomach guarantees the best results. However, if your pet vomits after taking the drug, offer the subsequent doses with a little amount of food. Never administer Orbifloxacin with any food item containing aluminum, iron or calcium or with any dairy product.     

Possible Side Effects and Signs of Overdose

Side effects rarely occur if you offer the prescribed dose of Orbifloxacin. Nevertheless, a few side effects may occur if you give a higher dose as per your vet’s recommendation. Some of the usual side effects include:-

• Vomiting
• Allergic reaction manifested by anaphylaxis and distended face
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite

Other side effects resulting from overdose are somewhat graver though rare including but not limited to:-

• Ataxia or uncoordinated movement
• Skin rashes
• Fever
• Excitability
• Seizures
• Cartilaginous abnormalities (making it difficult for dogs to walk normally)

Drug Contraindications

Discuss in detail with your vet your pet’s medical history and if the animal is taking any medication for a preexisting condition. The medical professional will not prescribe Orbifloxacin if:-

• Your pet is less than 8 months old (if it’s a medium-sized or small dog breed) or less than 18 months old (in case of larger breeds)
• The pet is allergic to quinolones

Disclaimer: The above content is based on multiple research articles referred to online. Global Dog Breeds intends to share information, but it's strictly advised to consult a veterinarian and seek advice before using any medications described. We believe each condition and dog is unique, and only after careful evaluation from a qualified professional should you be offering any medications to your pet.