Baytril for Guinea Pigs

What is Baytril for guinea pigs?

Baytril is the trade name for the antibiotic enrofloxacin. If your guinea pig has been prescribed a course of Baytril, the packaging is likely to have both names on it somewhere. But even if it only has one of them, it is still the same drug.

Enrofloxacin was developed specifically for veterinary use by the pharmaceutical giant Bayer, in the 1980s. It first became commercially available in 1988, and remains one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for guinea pigs and other small pets.

Baytril has been so successful because it is quickly absorbed, rapid acting, and effective against many different types of bacteria.

What is Baytril used for in guinea pigs?

Baytril antibiotic for guinea pigs is a real medicinal workhorse for treating bacterial infections. Some of the most frequent reasons Baytril is prescribed for guinea pigs include the treatment of:

Pneumonia and respiratory tract infections. Guinea pigs are prone to bacterial pneumonia and respiratory tract infections such as Bordetella and Streptococcus. Especially when they are young and their immune system is immature, or their immune system is already compromised by fighting of another illness, or if their hutch and bedding is routinely dirty or damp. Symptoms of chest infections include not wanting to eat, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, sneezing, and audible or visible breathing. Baytril can be used to treat these infections by itself, or in conjunction with other antibiotics, such as doxycycline.

Puncture wounds. The most common cause of puncture wounds in guinea pigs is fighting between rival boars. Your vet might prescribe Baytril to a wounded guinea pig as a precautionary measure to prevent a hard-to-treat infection getting established in the bone.

Bacterial skin infections. Bacterial skin infections in guinea pigs are often a secondary consequence of untreated fungal infections, picked up from dirty living quarters.

Abcesses. Baytril can be used to treat some abscesses.

Mastitis. Baytril can also be used to treat mastitis in nursing sows.

Bladder stones. Guinea pigs are prone to bladder stones caused by eating lots of calcium-rich foodstuffs, such as watercress or spinach. Bladder stones usually require surgical removal, but the veterinarian may prescribe a post-surgical course of Baytril. Post surgical antibiotics prevent bacteria collecting in the healing areas, thereby avoiding a secondary infection as a result of the initial problem.

How does Baytril work?

Baytril is effective against infections because the active ingredient enrofloxacin blocks the activity of an enzyme called gyrase. Bacteria rely on gyrase to replicate their DNA. Blocking it’s activity causes rapid death of the bacterial cells.

To get to work, enrofloxacin needs to be administered to a guinea pig either orally, or by injection directly into the muscle tissue. Don’t worry, you won’t be called upon to deliver the shot yourself! Your vet may administer a first dose of Baytril to a sick guinea pig via an injection, to kick start their treatment. Repeated shots can irritate the injection site though, so you’ll continue their treatment at home using oral Baytril. If you’re worried about how to do that, take a look at this quick vet-led tutorial:

Giving Baytril to guinea pigs

The correct dose of Baytril for guinea pigs is 5–10mg per kilo they weigh (or 2.3-4.5 mg per pound), twice a day. When you receive your prescription, it will have precise instructions about how much Baytril to administer, and when. Follow them to the letter! If you think there might be a mistake in the instructions, call your veterinarian and ask for clarification.

A course of Baytril may be as brief as 5 days, or last up to 21 days for serious infections like pneumonia. Always finish the course as prescribed by your veterinarian. Your pig will hopefully perk up quite quickly, but that doesn’t mean the infection has been completely eradicated!

Guinea pigs rely on large populations of good bacteria in their gut to help break down tough plant material into a digestible source of energy. These good bacteria are notoriously vulnerable to becoming unintended victims of antibiotics too. To help bolster and protect your guinea pig’s good gut bacteria, your veterinarian may also prescribe a probiotic supplement to administer as well. Check the instructions for this, because it usually needs to be given for several days after the course of antibiotics has ended.

Where to buy Baytril for guinea pigs

Enrofloxacin is a prescription-only drug, which means Baytril isn’t available to buy over the counter. You’ll only give this medicine to your guinea pig when you’ve been instructed to by a vet. It’s likely the clinic will provide the Baytril itself too, rather than giving you a prescription to get fulfilled elsewhere.

In fact, it’s not a good idea to ever seek out over the counter antibiotics for guinea pigs. As we touched on earlier, guinea pigs’ specialized digestive systems are super-sensitive to antibiotics, and it’s very unwise to administer them without veterinary support.

Is Baytril safe for guinea pigs?

Baytril is safe for most guinea pigs, provided it is only used because a veterinarian has prescribed it, and according to their instructions about dosage.

Baytril’s manufacturer specifically advises against giving Baytril to some guinea pigs in some situations. These are known as ‘contraindications’ by veterinarians. The contraindications for giving Baytril to guinea pigs are:

• When the guinea pig has a known history of hypersensitivity to antibiotics from the same drug family (called fluoroquinolones).
• If the guinea pig has a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizures. Enrofloxacin may cause central nervous system stimulation and worsen these conditions.
• If the guinea pig is already being given some other types of antibiotics. Some antibiotics counteract or delay each other’s effects.

Your vet may also avoid this antibiotic if your guinea pig is pregnant or lactating, or if they aren’t fully grown yet. This is because enrofloxacin has been observed to affect the development of cartilage in growing joints. But it depends on whether the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risk.

Baytril for guinea pigs side effects

Generally, Baytril is safe and produces minimal side effects in guinea pigs when given at the appropriate dosage. Mild side effects may include dehydration and a loss of appetite. Be sure to provide your guinea pig with plenty of water while they’re on Baytril. If they don’t resume eating normally, your veterinarian may offer them an appetite stimulant or a belly-calming medication.

If you notice any side effects from giving your guinea pigs Baytril, or their original symptoms aren’t improving, call the vet and ask their advice.

Baytril for guinea pigs

Baytril antibiotic for guinea pigs is a prescription-only treatment for bacterial infections including pneumonia, respiratory tract infections, skin infections, abscesses and mastitis. It is also sometimes given as a precaution against infection when guinea pigs receive puncture wounds, or following surgery.

Enrofloxacin for guinea pigs is safe and relatively side-effect free, provided it is administered in accordance with veterinary instructions. Be sure to give your guinea pig the full course of Baytril to ensure that the infection clears, and consult your vet if the symptoms return or do not fully clear up.

Has your guinea pig been prescribed Baytril to fight an infection?

Please share your story with other cavy parents in the comments box down below!

More guinea pig resources

• Why Do Guinea Pigs Nibble You?
• Guinea Pig Lifespan – How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
• Skinny Pig Breed Information – A Guide To The Hairless Guinea Pig
• Why Do Guinea Pigs Eat Their Poop?
• How Long Does It Take To Tame A Guinea Pig?

References

• Antibiotic dosages for use in guinea pigs. MSD Veterinary Manual. Accessed September 2022.
• Garner-Richardson. Guinea Pig Nutrition. The Veterinary Nurse. 2013.
• Mitchell. Enrofloxacin. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine. 2006.
• O’Rourke. Disease Problems of Guinea Pigs. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents. 2004.
• White et al. Skin diseases in companion guinea pigs: a retrospective study of 293 cases seen at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California at Davis (1990–2015). Veterinary Dermatology. 2016.