Any systemic antibiotic therapy must only be performed with simultaneous antifungal coverage. Swifts are extremely susceptible to secondary respiratory tract infections with Aspergillus fumigatus. Infections are usually peracute and can lead to death within a few days. Therefore, the benefits and risks of antibiotic treatment should be carefully weighed.
Systemic antibiotic therapy is mandatory for injuries caused by a cat. The long-proven Enrofloxacin ("Baytril"), administered as a 2.5% oral solution, is no longer used at the Swift Clinic for cat bites, as resistances have now appeared according to our own experience. A single intramuscular injection with Doxycycline ("Vibravenös") can be associated with problems, mainly because the volume to be injected is relatively large and may cause damage to the breast muscles, which would be fatal for a permanent flyer. Furthermore, intolerances can occur, especially in weakened individuals; in one case, this even resulted in death. Cephalosporins ("Claforan" 0.5) are well tolerated and effective but had to be injected intramuscularly once daily for 5-7 days. According to more recent experience, daily subcutaneous application seems to be just as effective and is therefore preferable.
For bacterial respiratory tract infections, Doxycycline and Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid ("Augmentan infant drops") are effective; the latter can be administered orally and is therefore preferable. It is absolutely contraindicated to immediately administer antibiotics for symptoms that seem to indicate a respiratory tract infection without further clarification or precaution, as the same symptoms occur with the common mycotic pneumonias. The immediate prophylactic administration of a suitable antifungal to weakened and/or injured swifts, well tolerated in all cases so far, subsequently allows antibiotic coverage if needed.
For closed fractures, it is advisable to avoid antibiotics. If intramedullary pinning is performed under sterile conditions, locally applied antibiotic wound powder ("Neomycin wound powder") has been sufficient according to experience so far; in no case did wound infection or osteomyelitis occur.
For open and contaminated fractures, however, systemic coverage with a bone-penetrating antibiotic is advisable. Clindamycin, injected once daily for 5-7 days, is well tolerated in most cases. Since swifts with open, contaminated fractures are not infrequently cat victims, it may be necessary to carefully weigh which preparation seems more necessary in the individual case: Clindamycin prevents osteomyelitis but does not prevent a usually fatal infection with Pasteurella, which is transmitted through cat saliva. Cephalosporins would be needed here, but they are not bone-penetrating. A combination is not possible. In most cases, the decision was made in favour of cephalosporins; complications in bone healing did not occur. Alternatively, the combination of Enrofloxacin with Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be used ("Baytril 2.5% oral solution" and "Augmentan infant drops"). Both are to be applied orally for 10 days.
For digestive disorders, which often occur in severely malnourished swifts, systemic antibiotic therapy is usually not required. Ampicillin administered orally ("Ampitab") is not absorbed but acts locally in the intestine and often shows success after 2-3 days. Antifungal coverage is not necessary in this case.
Local antibiotics are also used in the form of eye and nose drops; Ofloxacin ("Floxal") is suitable, for example. Eye ointments should be avoided if possible, as application usually leads to sticking of the feathers in the eye area. Stuck feathers can poke into the eye and at worst cause corneal injuries.
Intolerances with dramatic course occur with intramuscular application of Chloramphenicol, already after the first administration. Enrofloxacin in 5% injection solution leads to severe muscle necrosis.
| Active Ingredient | Dosage | Trade Name | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampicillin | 150 mg/kg p.o. TID-QID 3-5 d |
Ampitab Suspension |
Chassot |
| Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid |
150 mg/kg p.o. SID 10 d |
Augmentan Drops |
SmithKline Beecham |
| Cefotaxime | 100 mg/kg i.m. SID-BID 7 d |
Claforan 0.5 | Hoechst AG/Aventis |
| Doxycycline | 75 mg/kg i.m. 1x | Vibravenös SF | Pfizer |
| Enrofloxacin | 10 mg/kg p.o. BID 10 d |
Baytril 0.5% 2.5% Oral suspension |
Bayer Vital |
| Clindamycin | 100-150 mg/kg SID 5 d |
Clindamycin ratiopharm | Ratiopharm |