Tetracycline on a foal

[magic code]

I have an almost-four-month-old baby who's quite stilted in front. The vet gave me tetracycline to administer in two doses tomorrow to bring her down.

I understand there are risks associated with doing this - but don't know how risky.

Any thoughts or ideas? The foal has been confined to a smaller space for several weeks with only minimal improvement.

[Mood Swings]

Tetracycline can cause an allergic reaction leading to anaphalactic shock.

"Quote"
Adverse effects:
Tetracyclines are generally regarded as relatively non-toxic, but they produce a fairly large number of adverse effects, some of which can be life threatening under the right circumstances. Therefore, they should not be used casually.

Hypersensitivity
Allergic reactions are not a major problem with the tetracyclines although they do occur.

Biological adverse effects
Superinfection
Superinfection (suprainfection) may occur with the tetracyclines, particularly the older, more poorly absorbed ones when given orally. Because of their broad spectrum of activity, activity against commensal organisms of the gut, and effective concentration in the gut, they nearly always alter the intestinal flora. This may occur within 24 to 48 hours, but these changes are not always clinically evident as diarrhea. It is not unusual to find superinfection with yeasts or resistant pathogenic bacteria. Although frowned upon by the FDA, commercial preparations of tetracyclines combined with nystatin (an oral antifungal) have been prepared to help combat superinfection with yeasts. Many authorities believe that because such superinfections do not always occur, there is less risk to the patient if one waits until there is evidence of yeast superinfection before beginning therapy.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea may occur and will usually be the result of change in microflora of the gut. See the discussion of superinfection.


My foal responded well to oxy-tetracycline, however the vet was the one to administer it. Good Luck

[Mood Swings]

I wanted to add that my foal had turn-out. I don't know how bad your foal is and I am not a vet but my own foal was severe and we have had others with one or more joints effected and turn out was beneficial to all of them. The reason being that "gentle" exercise helps to stretch the tendons. That is my opinion

[madelyn]

We usually do oxytet for contracted tendons, etc., in the first week or so. Give it REALLY SLOW. The tendons should relax amazingly. But I've never waited four months, don't know if they come down as fast or as well.