One of the most frequently prescribed medications for the treatment of canine UTI is sulfamethoxazole or Triclosan as it is also known. Sulfamethoxazole and alcohol canine infections are a common occurrence. It seems as though, over time, the administration of sulfamethoxazole or Triclosan may lead to some undesirable and irreversible side effects. As a matter of fact, it has even been discovered that some of these side effects can cause more problems than they cure. It seems as if, in the attempt to cure the infection, the veterinarian may not be taking into consideration some of the consequences of prescribing sulfamethoxazole or Triclosan.
As a matter of fact, a number of veterinarians around the United States are prescribing oral antibiotics in the attempt to cure their dogs of UTI’s. Unfortunately, in many cases these antibiotics do not work at all and instead make the problem worse. A recent study conducted by the Department of Animal Science at the University of Iowa has brought the issue of antibiotics and alcohol to the forefront of veterinarians and pet owners alike.
In this study, which was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Veterinary Medical Entomology, Dr. George C. Stewart of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Iowa was able to show that, when given to dogs who have contracted UTI, the administration of antibiotics caused severe decreases in the effectiveness of the drugs. The reduction in effectiveness is due to the fact that antibiotics destroy both good and bad bacteria in the urinary tract. Furthermore, when given to dogs that already have UTI, the use of antibiotics poses an increased risk of arthritis and bladder stones. This finding by Dr. Stewart and his team supports the belief that using antibiotics for long periods of time could cause harmful and potentially life threatening side effects.
In the studies done by the University of Iowa, dogs were divided into two groups. One group was given a sulfamethoxazole-tmp ds tablet, while the other group was given a placebo. Dr. Stewart’s research team measured the affects of the sulfamethoxazole-tmp ds tablet and found that it caused significant decreases in the effectiveness of the antibiotics. Additionally, when the antibiotics and the sulfamethoxazole were combined, the combination produced even more dramatic results. When looking at the possible side effects of the treatment, it was found that there were only a few minor side effects.
When looking at the possible causes of the decrease in effectiveness, Dr. Stewart believes that it is possible that the alcohol intake is causing the decrease in effectiveness of the antibiotics. The animals in his study had a significantly lower intake of alcohol than those in the placebo group. The sulfamethoxazole-tmp ds tablet acts in a similar way as the antibiotic; it interacts with the bacteria by altering their DNA. The alteration in DNA can cause a reaction that results in the bacteria being unable to resist infection.
When looking at whether or not the addition of sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim treat with alcohol is a good idea, the answer is yes. If a dog is constantly drinking alcohol, it is important to supplement the animal’s diet with an antifungal like sulfamethoxazole. Although, many people think of sulfamethoxazole as a cure for strep throat, it is a very effective medication for this condition and in many cases, the dog already has been treated with a strep antibiotic.
Sulfamethoxazole-tmp is marketed under several different names including Nylar, Metronidazole, and Metaplex. It comes in tablet form and can be used to treat fungal skin infections such as candidiasis and athlete’s foot. Many people believe that the sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim treat chlamydia is an unnecessary step because the antibiotic already exists in topical form. This is not true, because while a topical antibiotic can help to alleviate the symptoms of chlamydia, it does not prevent the infection from recurring. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that any dog with a history of chlamydia should receive a second round of treatment with a strong antifungal like sulfamethoxazole-tmp.
Like any other topical prescription medication, there are some precautions to keep in mind before starting any type of therapy with any medicine, including sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim. Dogs that have kidney disease should not take sulfamethoxazole tmp, and all dogs with liver disease should not take a sulfamethoxazole-based tablet of any kind. It is also important to inform your veterinarian if your pet has a history of urological infections, urinary tract infections, or susceptibility to certain antibiotics. Your veterinarian can best advise the best course of action when it comes to treating your beloved pet’s urinary tract infection.