Baytril 5% Solution for Injection is a veterinary antibiotic solution formulated specifically for use in dogs, cats, cattle, and pigs. Its active ingredient, enrofloxacin, is renowned for its efficacy in treating a variety of bacterial infections.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Baytril contains enrofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis. The solution has a concentration of 50 mg/ml of enrofloxacin and includes 30 mg/ml of n-butyl alcohol as a preservative, ensuring the product remains sterile and effective for injection. Its clear and light yellow appearance serves as an indicator of its quality, and the solution is designed to be administered subcutaneously in dogs and cats, while intramuscular injection is appropriate for cattle and pigs.

Indications for Use

Baytril 5% Solution is indicated for the treatment of various bacterial infections in different species.

• Dogs and Cats: This antibiotic is effective in treating infections of the alimentary, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, as well as skin infections, secondary wound infections, and otitis externa. When selecting Baytril as the treatment option, veterinary professionals often utilize clinical experience and sensitivity tests to confirm its appropriateness as the drug of choice.
• Cattle: In cattle, Baytril treats bacterial or mycoplasmal respiratory and alimentary diseases, such as pasteurellosis, coli-bacillosis, and salmonellosis. It is also effective against secondary bacterial infections that may arise following viral conditions, like viral pneumonia.
• Pigs: The solution is also used in pigs for similar bacterial and mycoplasmal infections affecting the respiratory and alimentary tracts, including conditions like actinobacillosis and atrophic rhinitis. Again, clinical experience and sensitivity tests are essential to confirm enrofloxacin’s suitability for the specific infection.

Dosage Guidelines

Dosage recommendations vary based on the species being treated:

Dogs and Cats: The recommended dosage is 5 mg of enrofloxacin per kg of body weight (1.0 ml per 10 kg), administered subcutaneously once daily for up to five days. In some cases, treatment may be initiated with Baytril 5% Solution and continued with Baytril Flavour Tablets for completion.

Cattle: For cattle, the dosage is 2.5 mg of enrofloxacin per kg of body weight (0.5 ml per 10 kg) given subcutaneously for three days. This dosage may be increased to 5 mg per kg (1.0 ml per 10 kg) for five days in cases of salmonellosis or complicated respiratory diseases. At no point should more than 10 ml be injected at a single subcutaneous site.

Pigs: In pigs, the recommended dosage is similar to that of cattle, with 2.5 mg per kg body weight (0.5 ml per 10 kg) given intramuscularly for three days. This may also be doubled to 5 mg per kg (1.0 ml per 10 kg) for five days for serious infections, with a maximum administration of 2.5 ml at one intramuscular site.

Withdrawal Periods and Safety Considerations

Withdrawal periods are essential to consider when treating food-producing animals with antibiotics. For Baytril:

Cattle: A withdrawal period of 14 days is necessary for meat and offal.
Pigs: The withdrawal period for pigs is 10 days for meat and offal.