Reptile
Compounded enrofloxacin in reptile species
Enrofloxacin is a synthetic antimicrobial prescribed in disease states involving susceptible bacteria like Staphylococcus, Proteus, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. (4) The drug acts by inhibiting DNA and RNA synthesis within the pathogen. In most of our patients, it is metabolized to ciprofloxacin, which may contribute to additional antibacterial effects. In reptiles, it is mostly used in upper respiratory infections, wounds, abscesses and critically ill individuals. For example, this python (see figure 1) has facial lesions from self-induced trauma after some components of the enclosure materials were changed from plastic to wood. The patient also presented with upper respiratory congestion, which was noticed during the physical examination as a harsh upper nasal noise.