Prescribed 2 Antibiotics and 1 Anti-inflammatory for Middle Ear Infection?

[Chan]

Hi,

I adopted my Luna Bean in February of this year from a rescue. She showed no signs or symptoms or any issues, but last week I woke up one day and her head was slightly tilted. I called the vet immediately and they did some blood work and a CT scan and determined she has a middle ear infection. Said it had been manifesting for wayblonger than what I've had her. The vet prescribed Enrofloxacin, Meloxicam, and Chloramphenicol to be given all at the same time every 12 hours. I'm just concerned this is a lot of medication for her little system...and I don't want to cause more harm. Has anyone had to give all of these meds for a middle ear infection? Is this normal? And yes, I took her to an exotics vet.

 

[Siikibam]

I’ll tag @VickiA @Wiebke @Piggies&buns

 

[VickiA]

I’ve not had a piggy with head tilt so I’m sorry I can’t offer any help but all of those drugs are used in piggies regularly and in combination. If you are concerned about what has been prescribed then it would be best to speak to the vet.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

I adopted my Luna Bean in February of this year from a rescue. She showed no signs or symptoms or any issues, but last week I woke up one day and her head was slightly tilted. I called the vet immediately and they did some blood work and a CT scan and determined she has a middle ear infection. Said it had been manifesting for wayblonger than what I've had her. The vet prescribed Enrofloxacin, Meloxicam, and Chloramphenicol to be given all at the same time every 12 hours. I'm just concerned this is a lot of medication for her little system...and I don't want to cause more harm. Has anyone had to give all of these meds for a middle ear infection? Is this normal? And yes, I took her to an exotics vet.

Hi!

Enrofloxacin is the active ingredient in baytril, which is the standard antibiotic for guinea pigs around the world.
Chloramphenicol is a stronger antibiotic than baytril, which may be needed to cut through a persistent untreated/undiagnosed ear infection. It is safe to be used in guinea pigs.

Meloxicam is the active ingredient in metacam (which is now sold under a host of generic brand names, too).
It the standard analgesic in veterinary care (i.e. painkiller and anti-inflammatory).

You may want to supplement the diet with some probiotic, given either an hour before or two hours after the antibiotics in order to support the gut microbiome since they can also affect the digestive gut bacteria and dampen/kill the appetite. Please weigh your piggy daily and step in with top up or if necessary with round the clock feeding support.
The guide links below will hopefully help you with the home care side, especially if the gut is reacting. Since hay is is making the bulk of what a piggy is eating in a day (ca. 80% of the daily food intake) while fresh veg should only make about 15% of what a piggy eats as it replaces the supplementary role that wild forage plays in a fresh grass/hay based guinea pig diet, it is crucial that you weigh an ill guinea pig daily at the same time on your kitchen scales when they are ill and life-long once weekly in combination with a body check to catch any developing health issues early on. The scales are your best friend when it comes to guinea pig health management and monitoring.
If your piggy loses the appetite entirely, please contact the vet clinic.
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre

Weight - Monitoring and Management
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

An un- or undertreated ear infection can be fatal or leave a guinea pig with life-long damage (including a permanent head tilt). I hope that this helps you to understand your vet's treatment decision. Never underestimate an ear infection in guinea pigs!

All the best!

PS: I hope that this information helps you?