Our Wolfhound has recently had a bout of mild Colitis. We took him to the Vet and he gave him an injection of antibiotics in the neck and told us to return the next day to monitor his temperature. Our dog is very good with injections and did not respond before or after the injection. Next day a different Vet saw us and again gave our dog an injection in the scruff of the neck. Our dog began to try to scratch the site wildly and could not walk as was suspending his rear leg as if to scratch. This continued with the dog frantically trying to reach the site and spinning around for approx. 5 mins. The Vet told us to rub the site as 'It can sting occasionally'. When we got him home after about 3 hours,the site began to irritate him again and he could not get comfortable, getting up, sitting down and constantly licking his genitals. Why had he not reacted like this the day before?
Please, any suggestions most welcome.



Post Edited (06-11-04 08:14)

Hi, Ken,
It sounds as though a different antibiotic was given each time - have you checked that out?
Some yeras ago a particular brand of an oxytetracycline injection was producing exactly the signs which you describe, and it turned out that it was not the antibiotic itself which was causing the problem, but one of the preservatives in the solution was breaking down during storage, and one of the breakdown products was responsible for producing a local irritant and a general sensitivity reaction.
Such reactions almost invariably disappear after a matter of hours, but a lump may develop at the site of the injection.
The vet could not have anticipated such a response, and cannot be held responsible. You should, however, make sure that the practice enters details of the occurrence on your dog's file, with a very firm reminder that it should never be used again to treat him.
Walter

Walter, thank you so much for your quick response. It is a comfort to know that the Vet was not responsible as to us (the uninitiated!) we thought that she might have hit a nerve and done some damage! She is a good vet and has injected our dog before with no side effects so we were loathe to point the finger,however he reacted so violently and immediately that we were concerned. Our dog is now back to his usual bouncy self and all is well. We have taken a note of your response and shall broach the subject with the Vet's next time. Many thanks again.
Ken