BWSmith
Just another Asp Hole
I have an in-house clinic and was helping a friend with a Ball Python with an RI. That got me thinking about administering antibiotics to Drymarchons (should the need ever arise). It has been shown that the pharmacokinetics of many antibiotics such as Enroflaxin are equal or greater when administered PO rather SQ or IM. Given the metabolism, stool composition, and growth rate of Drymarchons it is obvious that their digestive process is fairly advanced with high absorption of materials. So I am thinking that good results could be gained from injecting the prey items with the appropriate dose of antibiotics. This would also reduce the stress on the animal a great deal while fighting an infection.
The only problem that I foresee is the frequency of doses vs the frequency of feeding. Amikacin would be easier than Enroflaxin because of the 72 hour frequency rather than 48 hour. But Amikacin can be a bit tough on the kidneys, particularly in emaciated or otherwise compromised animals so i try to only use it in extreme cases.
What about using prey items to administer parasite treatments such as Fenbendazole and Metronidazole? I have used this method in pitvipers in the past with decent results although it tended to take a longer regiment.
Just random thoughts for discussion.
The only problem that I foresee is the frequency of doses vs the frequency of feeding. Amikacin would be easier than Enroflaxin because of the 72 hour frequency rather than 48 hour. But Amikacin can be a bit tough on the kidneys, particularly in emaciated or otherwise compromised animals so i try to only use it in extreme cases.
What about using prey items to administer parasite treatments such as Fenbendazole and Metronidazole? I have used this method in pitvipers in the past with decent results although it tended to take a longer regiment.
Just random thoughts for discussion.