Enrofloxacin 101: Enrofloxacin for Dogs and Cats

Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat dogs and cats with certain bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (quinolone carboxylic acid derivatives) which is designed to treat against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive coverage is limited and often includes Staphylococcus spp., but enrofloxacin is not effective against Enterococcus spp. It is commonly used to treat respiratory, urinary tract, and skin (dermal) infections.

Enrofloxacin is not an appropriate treatment option against infections caused by viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Your veterinarian may prescribe enrofloxacin under the brand name Baytril® or Baytril® Antibacterial Tablets. It is typically given orally and is available in tablet, capsule, and oral suspension forms. It is also available to veterinarians in an injectable form.

Enrofloxacin works by inhibiting the process of DNA synthesis within the bacterial cells, which results in cell death. This drug is commonly used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including those of the skin, urinary tract, and respiratory system, as well as infections that result from wounds.

Enrofloxacin is efficiently absorbed, which makes it a very attractive antibiotic choice for difficult-to-treat infections, particularly those resistant to other antibacterial agents.

• Dogs: Used to treat dermal infections (wounds and abscesses) associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus intermedius; respiratory infections (pneumonia, tonsillitis, rhinitis) associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; and urinary cystitis associated with susceptible strains of Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Enrofloxacin is generally used as a second-line drug for the treatment of deep pyoderma in dogs, although use is only recommended if culture and susceptibility results indicate first-line drugs will not be effective.
• Cats: Used in dermal infections (wounds and abscesses) associated with susceptible strains of Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Enrofloxacin is usually the appropriate treatment option to kill bacteria such as:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Enterobacter
• Campylobacter
• Shigella
• Salmonella
• Aeromonas
• Mycoplasma
• Hemophilus
• Proteus mirabilis
• Yersinia
• Serratia
• Vibrio
• Brucella
• Chlamydia
• Mycobacterium
• Staphylococcus intermedius

Enrofloxacin is commonly used to treat respiratory, urinary tract, and skin infections such as:

• Osteomyelitis (inflammation or swelling that occurs in the bone)
• Sinus Infections
• Otitis (Middle ear infection)
• Urinary cystitis
• Peritonitis (Inflammation of the lining of the abdomen)
• Difficult soft tissue and skin infections
• Pneumonia
• Pleuritis (The layers of tissue that separate the lungs from your chest wall becomes inflamed)

It is not effective against anaerobic bacteria and can be variably effective against Streptococcus infections.

Enrofloxacin is generally well tolerated, so severe side effects are rare. The most common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, vomiting, and lack of appetite. On very rare occasions, a pet can experience a seizure, while younger animals can experience swollen joints, general lethargy, and in some cases, cartilage damage when dosed above the recommended range and below the recommended age. For this reason, it should be used with a great degree of caution in large breed young dogs.

In cats, eye damage and blindness (retinal and ocular toxicity) have been reported, usually at higher doses. Rarely, vomiting, lack of appetite, elevated liver enzymes, diarrhea, uncoordinated walking, lethargy, vocalization, and aggression can occur in cats.

Enrofloxacin metabolites are eliminated in the urine and feces. Because of the dual elimination routes (renal and hepatic), dogs with moderately impaired renal function may have slightly prolonged half-lives and higher serum levels but may not require any dosage adjustment.

Enrofloxacin can interact with iron supplements, antacids, and stomach protectants. Avoid giving enrofloxacin with dairy products such as cheese, cream cheese, or yogurt because the calcium can bind to the drug, limiting its effectiveness.

If enrofloxacin is used with oral cyclosporine (an immunosuppressive medication used for inflammatory bowel disease), the kidney damaging properties of cyclosporine may become worse.

• Should not be administered to puppies aged 28 weeks or younger, and with caution in large breed puppies from 28 weeks to 18 months of age.
• Should be used with caution in pets prone to seizures.
• Due to the known effects on cartilage, use in pregnant dogs and cats should be with caution.
• Doses may need to be adjusted for pets with severe kidney or liver impairment.
• Hydration should be monitored, and fluid therapy used in animals at risk for dehydration.
• Should not be used for regional antibiotic perfusion because it is too irritating and can cause vasculitis.
• Enrofloxacin is eliminated by both renal and hepatic metabolism.

Enrofloxacin is given orally. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s directions carefully. 

The dosage forms and strengths below are the most commonly prepared by Wedgewood.

View all Enrofloxacin options

If you miss giving your pet a dose of enrofloxacin, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses (double dose) to catch up. If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinarian and follow their directions.

Fluoroquinolones, including enrofloxacin, have been shown to cause abnormalities in the tissues that line the bony tissues of joints (articular cartilage) when given at high dose levels. Administer enrofloxacin exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect an overdose.

If you suspect your pet or another animal has accidentally overdosed or has eaten this medication inadvertently, immediately contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A.’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Remember to take your prescription container with you when you take your pet for treatment. If you or someone else has ingested this medication, call the National Capital Poison Center at 800-222-1222.

Compounded medicines are prepared for the exact strength your veterinarian prescribes. The price of the medication will depend on the dosage and the medication form, with certain dosage forms and higher strengths generally being more expensive.

In addition, the cost of a medication will depend upon the price of the other active pharmaceutical ingredients and may increase the cost of the finished drug.

Can I Give My Pet Enrofloxacin for an Ear Infection?

Yes, if prescribed by a veterinarian. Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, used to treat many types of bacteria and infections, including ear infections. It may be administered directly to the ear or orally. Ask your veterinarian about Enrofloxacin Otic (Ear) Suspension. Otic suspensions are formulated to maximize the contact time with the affected area of the ear.

Can Dogs or Cats Take Human Antibiotics for an Infection?

Do not give human antibiotics to your dog or cat unless it has been prescribed by your veterinarian. Your pet will need specific doses based on its weight and may need a special type of antibiotic. Only your veterinarian should determine the best antibiotic and dose for your pet.

Can I Give My Cat Enrofloxacin?

Yes, if prescribed by a veterinarian. Enrofloxacin is FDA approved for use in cats. Some of the side effects in cats are eye damage and blindness when given at higher doses. Rarely, vomiting, lack of appetite, elevated liver enzymes, diarrhea, uncoordinated walking, lethargy, vocalization, and aggression can occur in cats.

How Long Can I Give Enrofloxacin to My Pet?

For both dogs and cats, treatment should continue for at least 2-3 days after symptoms end. For severe and/or complicated infections, it may take longer. Up to 30 days, may be necessary.

Are There Any Risk Factors for This Enrofloxacin?

Enrofloxacin should not be used in small and medium breed dogs under 8 months of age, or in large breed dogs that have not finished their rapid-growth phase. It should be used with caution in pets with seizure disorders, or in pets with kidney or liver disease.

This article is meant to provide general and not medical advice. We strongly recommend that a veterinarian be consulted for the specific medical needs of your animal.

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