General Considerations

The vast majority of bacterial infections seen in small animal practice are related to skin, respiratory and the genitourinary tract.

Due to underlying primary disease, as well as poor response of the immune system seen in geriatric patients or animals with a poor general condition, these infections often tend to become chronic and recurrent.

In those cases especially, adequate systemic therapy with antiinfectives is necessary. The antiinfectives must fulfill a number of requirements.

General requirements for antiinfectives

(1) Suitable antibacterial spectrum covering clinically relevant pathogens
Baytrils spectrum covers most of the relevant Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. It is also active against mycoplasmas and chlamydias.

(2) Bactericidal mode of action
Baytril acts rapidly bactericidal against replicating and static bacteria. This makes it well suited to treating immunocompromised patients.

(3) Sufficient drug concentrations at the infection site
Baytril concentrates in tissues, body fluids and phagocytes, in general exceeding corresponding plasma levels several times. Phagocytes act as a transport medium for Baytril to the site of infection (1).

(4) Slow development of resistance, not plasmid mediated
Resistance develops slowly and is not plasmid mediated. Cross resistance to other antibiotic families has not been demonstrated.

(5) Activity against intracellular pathogens
Baytril readily crosses cell membranes and achieves high concentrations of unbound active drug inside the cell. Intracellular pathogens are reliably defeated.

(6) Function of the immune system not affected
Baytril exhibits synergistic activity with functions of the immune system, such as phagocytosis and the antibacterial killing mechanisms of phagocytic cells.

(7) Antibacterial activity not affected by pus or organic debris
Due to its amphoteric and lipophilic properties, Baytril penetrates pus and organic debris and reaches pathogens hidden under layers of inflammatory material. Its activity is not affected by the milieu present at the site of infection.

(8) Broad margin of safety ­ well tolerated by the patient
Baytril is well tolerated by the patient, even if extended episodes of treatment are necessary. The function of the commensal anaerobic bowel flora is not disturbed by Baytril.

(9) Low dosing frequency
Baytril need only be given once daily, which is convenient and significantly increases owner and patient compliance.

(10) Convenient formulations
Baytril is available in different tablet strengths and as an injection. This gives the vet practitioner the possibility of starting treatment with an injection and dispensing tablets for follow-up treatment at home.

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