Can I get more antibiotics without an appointment?

[RabbitsarenotHares]

Thought I'd ask here before I make a fool of myself on the phone to the vets...

I have three GPs. One went down with an ear infection whilst I was on holiday last month. I took them all in to the vets when I got back and was given Canaural for all and Baytril for the really ill one. Nearly four weeks later and the poorly one still has balance probs but the Baytril does seem to be working as he's obviously feeling much better in himself (getting the medicine into his mouth is now one helluva struggle!) and he zooms round with the enthusiasm of a puppy!

But I'm now down to the last drops of the antibiotic, and would love to get some more. Am I likely to be able to get some without taking him to the vets again? It'd be simple enough for me to pop in to the surgery and pick up some when I go past on Saturday, but I'm not sure how I'd manage fitting in an appointment (surgery's 25 miles away, so app't would mean an extra 50 mile round trip as I can't take him to where I'm going later on in the day).

Any thoughts?

[Naoko]

My vet would do it if I phoned and asked, but he knows me well and knows I'd bring my furries in if it was necessary. That said, he may want to check how your GP is doing if he's a lot better but still has balance problems. I don't know anything about GPs but I know that rats with ear infections can be left with head tilts even after the infection clears, so I think my vet would want to establish if the infection has gone and the balance issue is permanent before handing out more ABs. Why don't you phone up and discuss it with them, see what they say?

[RabbitsarenotHares]

Thanks Naoko. You gave me the courage to ring up, and I can pick some up when I'm passing. Am so relieved. Have saved myself about £50 I reckon! (Taxi fares and appointment!)

Sorry, I know it seemed a silly qu but I suspect I have a reputation there for running in at the slightest upset, and I didn't want to make matters worse. I'm not sure that they're the best for small animals, but I really don't have a choice.

[BonkeyMollocks]

Make sure you get pro-biotics too for guineas!

I personally would have taken back to the vet to have the balance issue looked at. If the vet thinks that anti bs are still necessary then yes of course I would give them but 4 weeks on anti bs seems a awful long time for such a little creature especially if he seems lively and better.

In fact tbh I would think it about anything, humans included.

[BonkeyMollocks]

Btw - I have guineas but never had to take them to the dreaded vet.
I admit that the illness side is something I have very limited knowledge in but I don't think I would be happy for one of my boys to be on medication for so long unless it was essential!

Have you googled? Or had a look on one of the guinea forums??

[RabbitsarenotHares]

Aye, I have googled and it's not unusual for this to take a long time to clear up. He's only getting a very little each day. He's better in himself but still has head-tilt and keeps running in circles. I know there's a chance it won't completly go but I need to give it my best shot. But thanks for your concern.

Out of interest which probiotics do you use?

[BonkeyMollocks]

This is the info....www.guinealynx.info/probiotics.html as to why they need it. A must if they are on anti-b's but alot of vets seem to not know this .

Hang on - I will try and find the name of one....its on the tip of my tounge

[BonkeyMollocks]

Fibreplex is what is coming up but not sure if thats the one I was thinking of....but suitable for guineas!

[BonkeyMollocks]

Hate that this is a P@H link.....but needs must!

[RabbitsarenotHares]

Thanks so much! Have ordered the first one and will see how we get on. He's not going to love the extra medication, but needs must. I keep telling him it's for his own good but he doesn't believe me!

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

In my Real Life I work with human patients and I know the problems with antibiotics being over-prescribed and more importantly the wrong ones.I don't prescribe though. I'm supposed to do a POMS (Prescription Only Medicine) course but I don't want to for various reasons.

If he's been on them for a while then they might need to re-prescribe (ie another one) and may need to swab and culture.
But I know that the range of antibiotics guineas can tolerate is much less than humans can.

So, it might be that your vet will need to see guinea-pig anyway (Pain in the tonsils when it's a huge detour to get him there though)

[RabbitsarenotHares]

As it's turned out my cat now seems to have an ear problem, so I'm having to go up anyway. I have warned the surgery I'm doing my usual and bringing more than one with me!

I don't think the cat's problem is related (could be mites, could be nothing) but I'm feeling rather sensitive to ear troubles atm and would feel terribly guilty if it was something dire and I ignored it.

So, I've rearranged my plans for the morrow, found a neighbour who's driving in that direction anway (himself's away with the car) and will see what they say. I seriously need to take out shares in the surgery!

On a positive note, ill piggy ran out his box across the floor in a STRAIGHT line last night!!!!! Ok, so he was circling later but he can do it if he puts his mind to it!!! Was thrilled! Think he's happier in himself too. I wasn't so pleased about his escape attempt from his cage at half six this morning, mind...!