Osteomyelitis

[Amazonia]

Hi - I'm new here

I live in the UK, and have an adult male beardie called Nioka. A few weeks back I discovered a small lump on his jaw, and the vet said he'd probably hurt himself somehow. When she checked in his mouth he'd broken a tooth, so she gave me 2 types of antibiotics to give him for 10 days.

The lump was still there (although slightly smaller) after the period of treatment so I made another appointment, which was today. The vet examined Nioka and then took him in for an x-ray. So it turns out he's got osteomyelitis. I've been told he'll need to be on antibiotics for a while to clear the infection, and was given Baytril and told to try it for a month and see how it goes. He also mentioned the possibility of scraping the infection out of the bone... But I've to try this first.

I'm wondering if anyone else's beardie has had this and what was the outcome? Also any tips for helping him through being on Baytril would be gratefully received as last time he was on it he was pretty lethargic and off his food. I do use Critical Care when he's on medication, it seems to help. I have also started using probiotic powder as I'd heard that's meant to help.

Thanks for any comments/advice.

 

[dragonlover3]

Hydration is especially important. Baytril is nephrotoxic meaning it can damage the kidneys. Providing adaquate fluid can help prevent that. Giving oral fluid daily and daily soaks in warm water, warm as for a human infant, for 10-15 minutes can help keep beardie hydrated. Oral fluids can be given with syringe if the beardie won't drink. Giving a probiotic is excellent. It is indeed needed to help restore and maintain good gut flora. Giving it 4-6 hours after the antibiotic dose is best. If you give the Baytril in the morning, give the probiotic in the afternoon or evening at least 2 hours prior to lights out.
Amanda

 

[gocamels]

Also, be sure not to give the Baytril within two hours of anything high in calcium. Quinolones bind with 2+ ions like calcium, magnesium, etc, which decreases the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

Osteo is pretty hard to get rid of, mainly because the blood supply to bone is much lower than to soft tissues. In humans, it usually takes a minimum of 6-8 weeks to cure. So, don't be surprised or discouraged if you're not seeing a lot of progress. It will come, but it will be slow.

 

[Amazonia]

Hi and thank you to you both for your comments.

I give him water daily. He won't drink it (although sometimes he will when I bathe him) so I give him it from a syringe, which I don't like doing but needs must. I will start bathing him more often, usually do it once a week unless he's shedding, then it's more but I'll start doing it daily now. He's going to shed lots soon too, poor little monkey.

I've been giving him the Baytril at night - he kind of gags when he swallows it, it must taste pretty nasty. Thanks for the advice about the calcium, will keep that in mind.

 

[dragonlover3]

For my rescues that need antibiotic I give it in the morning. When they bask and reach proper temps for digestion during the day, the antibiotic is better absorbed. I give the probiotic at least 4 hours later in the afternoon.

Currently research is being done on broilers that show giving calcium gluconate 2 hours prior to the Baytril dose can obtain a more pronounced antibacterial activity of enrofloxacin {brand name is Baytril}. This is only in the research stage at this time but research into the effects on reptiles will begin. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16624360

 

[Amazonia]

Thanks for the info. Not sure if I should switch to giving him it first thing, would that interfere with things do you think?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is too bad, I think it can be overcome but it will take a little time.
Reptiles heal up very slowly, but are surprisingly resilient though.
The baytril is harsh as suggested so giving probiotics is a good idea to give while he is on the baytril along with daily hydration. I would try giving oral fluids daily also, mixed with pedialyte or juice, such as apple or grape, diluted.
Then give the probiotics later in the day when he is all warmed up & has eaten.
I agree, the antibiotic should be given early on in the day on an empty tummy so it absorbs better. It does taste a little bitter. I would give the calcium separately though as I feel the calcium would absorb more effectively without any other substances. What type of calcium do you use currently?

I hope that he gets better soon.
Tracie

 

[Amazonia]

I'm not sure if we have pedialyte in the UK? I currently give him water mixed with Avipro Plus and Critical Care, and baths too.

He totally gags when I give him the Baytril, it must taste nasty. I might give tomorrow night's dose a miss then and start him on it again the following morning. I hope that won't make much difference in how effectual it is?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That will be fine, to give a dose in the morning. Can you flavor his Baytril?
The Avipro plus & critical care is fine, no problem. The baths are very helpful too.
How is he doing? Is his appetite doing alright?

Tracie

 

[Amazonia]

Thanks, I'll miss out tonight's dose and give him it in the morning (bet he'll be pleased!).

Never thought of flavouring baytril.

He's not eating so much but he's never been a big eater. He had a bug the other day. I've got babyfood to try him on again tomorrow, will mix the probiotic in with that.

eta: I usually give my beardie milk thistle extract (the vet thought he might have fatty liver disease) on a daily basis but I was wondering if it's safe to continue giving him this while he's on antibiotics? Thanks.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,
How are things coming along?
I think you should be able to use the milk thistle along with the Baytril, but at different times. The milk thistle can be given later on in the day.
How long will he have to remain on the Baytril?
What is the strength of the Baytril & the dosage?

I am sure he was very happy about not getting his usual dose. LOL
I hope he is having a good day!

Tracie

 

[Amazonia]

Thought I'd replied to this this morning, evidently not!

I gave him his Baytril first thing this morning. Poor thing was still half asleep, he was not impressed! I've given him milk thistle tonight, along with a bath with the critical care and avipro plus in it.

My vet has told me to keep him on the Baytril until at least the end of this month, then we'll evaluate him again. He's on 0.2 mils a day and it's 2.5% oral solution.

 

[Amazonia]

Hmm. The morning administration of the medicine isn't going that great. Not sure if he's more wary at that time (rather than when he's sleepy at night) but for the second time some of the dose went down his face when he shook his head Didn't want to give him any more in case I o/d'd him. Hopefully it'll go better tomorrow, I just want him to get better.

 

[Amazonia]

Argh. For the first time ever Nioka did not co-operate when I was giving him his Baytril. Usually he's so good. Today, he clamped his jaw completely shut and was not going to open it I was scared of hurting him but after many unsuccessful attempts eventually his mouth opened a tiny bit and I squirted the Baytril down his throat. I really hope he's not going to do this every time now!

The bump's still there. We have another vet's appointment in 2 weeks' time so we'll see how it goes. Fingers crossed.

 

[Amazonia]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd do a little update. I had Nioka back at the vet on Monday and he got another x-ray of the infected area. We got good news! The infection is clearing up really well, there's just a small area where it's still present. Really pleased with his progress I've to keep him on the meds for another 2 weeks then we'll try him off them for a month and see how things go. Fingers crossed!