"Trimeth-Sulfa" antibiotic

[disneylandia]

I was just wondering if anyone has had "Trimeth-Sulfa" prescribed for their rat. I'm not familiar with it.

My "old lady" rat of about 3 years developed a head tilt, had spastic movements and noticeable weakness all of the sudden (Monday). Being the holidays, I couldn't get into my regular vet, so I took her to another who does know exotics. He didn't find any ear problems (infection), and said it could be that, stroke or pituitary tumor; all diagnosis I'd read about. He prescribed this and said to let him know how she progressed.

I got into my regular vet today (Saturday). Same prognosis, but he prescribed Baytril and Prednisone, which are the meds I've read would be used for her condition.

She has got a bit better each day since Monday. She's a thin, wiry girl, always been healthy as an ox and strong as one too. So her weakness is noticeable, but it also seems to be improving. Although she still is off balance, she's getting around better every day. I stopped giving her the "sulfa" meds and started the Baytril/Prednisone, and will call my vet Monday night to let him know how she's doing. He said if there's not a noticeable improvement we should run a blood test. Anybody else been through this? She's not in pain as far as we can tell, and although we've made her cage more "handicap accessible"    we're trying to let her play outside (the cage) the same as always, just keeping a good eye on her so she doesn't fall.

[the_pumpkin_queen]

Here's what Trimeth-Sulpha is: Bactrim -- (trimethoprim sulfa; SMZ-TMP; sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim; Tribrissen, Septra)
.
It is considered by some to be the drug of choice for urinary tract infections (UTI's). Louise C. notes it is used for urinary tract, ear and lung infections and kills the following: P. carnii, E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas cepacia, Pasturella, Clostridia, Proteus, Salmonella, Shigella, Brucella

As far as I know it is safe for rats. It is the most prescribed AB (antibiotic) for cavies (guniea pigs). I gave Charlie this med when he got a URI and it cleared right up.
For more information on bactrim, see www.marvistavet.com


~EDIT~I also found this: http://ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/trimethoprim_sulfa.php

[Kathleen]

Trimeth Sulfa (TMS) is an antibiotic which is commonly used for rats. I've used it a number of times. Rarely, it produces severe allergic reactions -- none of my rats have experienced this and it's unusual, but there is one person on the forum who lost her rattie to such a reaction. It's a good drug to use on pregnant rats because it is effective and doesn't interfere with the pregnancy.

[disneylandia]

Thanks for the info!

[Yavannasgrandmom]

I shoulda bought stock in Trimeth-Sulfa! This is my vet's antibiotic of choice for my rats' infections (along with Batryl-- they usually get both).

[the_pumpkin_queen]

I shoulda bought stock in Trimeth-Sulfa! This is my vet's antibiotic of choice for my rats' infections (along with Batryl-- they usually get both).

Ha ha, tell me about it! I have 10 guinea pigs and they had to go two rounds of 2 doses per day for 10 days each round. When some of your pigs are over 2 1/2 lbs...it gets costly.

[IndieRat]

My rats have been prescribed Trimethoprim a lot lately.  It works differently than Baytril/Doxy in that it weakens the bacteria rather than knocking it out completely so that the rat's immune system can kill it.  Baytril and Doxy actually kill the infection and can weaken the ratties immune system in the process.  It works WONDERFULLY on bacterial infections in general (ex. abcesses and such).  I've had nothing but good luck with it, but there are dangers with it, as with any drug.  I have one rattie who doesn't do well on baytril, and it got him over a bout of the sneezies.  It's also sometimes called "Ditrim" or "Trimethoprim".  

[kim]

actually, SMZ TMP is in fact bacteriocidal. so it kills the bacteria.

[Heather]

It's a good drug to use on pregnant rats because it is effective and doesn't interfere with the pregnancy.

The link given for the rat guide says it should not be used in pregnant animals because of birth defects.

[Kathleen]

It's a good drug to use on pregnant rats because it is effective and doesn't interfere with the pregnancy.

The link given for the rat guide says it should not be used in pregnant animals because of birth defects.

I have never heard this. Could you give me a link to the source? A vet I trust told me that it's okay to give to pregnant and lactating animals. I gave it to a lactating ratmom, and all babies grew up strong and healthy.

[Heather]

It's a good drug to use on pregnant rats because it is effective and doesn't interfere with the pregnancy.

The link given for the rat guide says it should not be used in pregnant animals because of birth defects.

I have never heard this. Could you give me a link to the source? A vet I trust told me that it's okay to give to pregnant and lactating animals. I gave it to a lactating ratmom, and all babies grew up strong and healthy.

the_pumpkin_queen posted it. http://ratguide.com/meds/antimicrobial_agents/trimethoprim_sulfa.php
I read through the page and found that and wanted to point it out.

"This medication is best not used in pregnancy. Birth defects have been reported after this medication was given to pregnant rats."

[Critterluv02]

That's odd because it is actually the drug of choice for young cavies.  Baytril is known to cause growth problems in the young, so Bactrim is usually prescribed instead.  I have a hunch something may be misconstrued here.  

A very informative site on these drugs for us lay people is www.guinealynx.com  although it is a guinea pig website, she has the drug info written out on the main page and it is easy to follow.  It doesn't all apply (i.e. Dangerous Meds) but if you are just wondering about the uses of the drug it will let you know.

[the_pumpkin_queen]

CL02, thats where I took the info from the first time, that is italisized. That is the drug my vet prescribed for my nursing guinea pig and her babies that were only 1 week old. I also posted the marvistat link from GL. But when I found the rat guide link I threw it in as well. As always there will be mixed views on meds, just as anything else. I, personally, think it is fine for pregnant and nursing animals.