Every now and then, one of our charges becomes ill, and we start to look for a "miracle in a bottle". Frequently, that miracle is seen to be an antibiotic. Listed below are a few facts about antibiotics and their effectiveness. Much of this information came in an Agricultural Extension Service bulletin from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. I hope you find them as helpful as did I.

• Antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
• They are not effective against fungi.
• They have various spectra of bacteria against which they are effective.
• Most of them can be toxic or do more harm if they are not correctly dosed.
• Antibiotics depend upon a working immune system in order to be effective.
• They should be used as a component of a complete health program, and not depended upon exclusively for treatment.
• Each compound has a particular part of the body in which it tends to accumulate.
• Some antibiotics are more concentration dependant, while others are more time dependant.
• Some kill bacteria, while others only stop bacterial growth.
• There needs to be an effective level in the animal for at least three days, and preferably more.
• Directions for dosing must be followed exactly, for the entire course of treatment in order to prevent the growth of resistant bacteria.

Many times, we give an antibiotic to an animal that actually has a viral infection. The viral infection will run its natural course of 5 to 9 days and no antibiotic is going to cure it. The animal remains ill. So what do many people tend to do? They change to another antibiotic on about day 4, thinking that the first one is not effective. The animal then tends to get better after a few days on the second antibiotic. These people then conclude that the second drug solved the problem, which is most certainly not the case. About all this sequence does is produce resistant bacteria within their animals. Listed below are a few of the common antibiotics that are available today, along with a general description of that for which they are often used.This is not an exhaustive list - just a rough set of guidelines. Always consult your veterinarian before treating your animal.

• Naxel or Excenal - Good spectrum against many of the organisms that cause respiratory and skin disorders. Not as effective against many of the organisms that get into cuts or lacerations as is Penicillin. Some people use it as part of the therapy for intestinal disorders.
• Penicillin - Good for mild respiratory infections as a first line of treatment. May have some resistance problems and possibly the wrong spectrum of activity for many of the pneumonia and intestinal causing bacteria. Very good to use when castrating or treating a laceration or foot problem.
• Nuflor - Good against respiratory pathogens in cattle. Proven effectiveness against the major bacteria that affect bovine lung tissue.
• Baytril - excellent spectrum of activity against a wide variety of bacteria. Good distribution in the body and concentration at site of infection. Only approved for use in cattle.
• Sulfa drugs (Albon, Vetisulid, Sulfamax boluses, etc.) Good for cental nervous system and ear problems. Often used to treat urinary tract infections and some types of diarrhea. Often incorporated into treatments for coccidia.
• Tetracyclines - First line treatment for respiratory or general illness. Problem with bacterial resistance and negative interaction with other antibiotics.
• Micotil - Good respiratory spectrum and use in metaphalaxis in cattle. Concentrated in lung tissue. Will kill a pig.

In the seeming confusion of what to use and when to use it, perhaps this will give you a place to start and some general guidelines to follow. ALWAYS check with your veterinarian when making the choice of an antibiotic, and always read and follow precisely the directions given on the label. You may also wish to have the bacteria cultured to help in the selection of the most effective antibiotic.

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