My dog can't stomach any antibiotics - what next?

[stevemosk]

I have a 1 year old beagle / German shorthair pointer mix who was just tested for the Lyme titer with a result of ~180.  She is showing no symptoms so our vet wanted to start on a doxycycline cycle.  However, within 5 minutes of taking the medicine she started to violently throw it back up with continued dry heaving afterwards.  So we switched to Clavamax - with more vomiting and then to Amoxicillan - again more vomiting.  The violence of the vomiting is less, but she still vomits within 5 minutes of taking any antibiotic.  The vet then tried having us give her Gastricalm prior to the Amoxicillan, but that didn't help at all.  

We are going back to the vet later this week to discuss what to do next, but would appreciate any advice that other folks have about how to deal with this situation.

Thank you very much,
Steve (owner) and Gracie (dog)

[BabaluandOtis2]

yes....the shots might be best. I had a diabetic pup and gave him shots 2 x day, it was really simple....as long as you are not needle phobic. he didn't even know, gave in the scruff of the neck.

And you know, since she does have Lyme's, one of the symptoms is loss of appetite and anorexia. She may not be showing signs physically, which is great, but it could be what is making her tummy not feel well too with the meds.

I hope she is better soon, sending her tons of hugs & smooches ; )
Take care, Teresa

[Jaybay]

That was what I was thinking: bypass the GI system altogether and go with the shots.  If a series of shots is required, you might ask you vet to show you how to administer them so you can do it at home.

When our dog was severely barfing due to kidney failure, she couldn't deal with oral reglan.  Using it in injection form made a huge difference in the side-effects.  The vet drew up a dozen syringes for us and we were able to stop her barf-fests the moment they got started.  I'm just glad my husband used to give himself allergy shots and was somewhat used to dealing with needles.  I'm a big baby about that myself.  :-)

[stevemosk]

Thanks Teresa for the feedback.

We tried on an empty stomach, a full stomach with dog food, a full stomach with rice and hard boiled eggs, and a full stomach with food and the Gastricalm.  All to no avail.  

I think the next step will be to do give the antibiotics in shot form... and hopefully that will work.  It's just a lot pricier and takes more time at the vet to do it that way.  But if that's our best option then that is what we'll do.

Thanks again!

[BabaluandOtis2]

Hi,

Did she eat before giving any of the meds? Sometimes it's better for them to have a full stomach. Luckily mine have all been fine w/ antibiotics, except Baytril, which was fine for him to swollow.....just made my beagles UTI much worse some how. The Clavamox cleared it wonderfully.

Most antibiotics are mild, really, compared to some of the NSAIDS and steroids, but some dogs do have sensitive tummy's. Maybe giving it to her in a shot form, bypassing the stomach?

I have a basset who has slow digestion and has episodes of vomiting after eating or drinking too fast and my vet gives me Reglan (metoclopramide) 10mg tablets...which funny enough I have for myself as I also have slow digestion and acid reflux. The Reglan ( it's brand name) makes the stomach contract more, therefore helping food to pass quicker and easier, instead of hanging out in the tummy. diabetics use it to for gastric upset associated w/ diabetes.
There is also promethazine, a human drug also, for vomiting. My hubby has had to use sometimes when his meds have upset his stomach. he had a motorcycle accident 10 yrs. ago and is on many different nerve/pain meds. for his nerve damage.
I know dogs can take a lot of the same meds humans do but not sure on that one.....maybe there is info online about it.

Sometimes the antibiotics are just like vitamins on an empty stomach, very upsetting to the tummy without food to help absorb. Have they tried it in shot form?

Teresa