Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Vetropolycin Ointment for Dogs & Cats

Vetropolycin ointment is used in the treatment of superficial bacterial infections of the eyelid and conjunctiva in dogs and cats when due to organisms susceptible to the antibiotics contained in the ointment. There are 3 antibioitics in the medicine vetropolycin which are: bacitracin, neomycin and polymyxin. Bacitracin is effective against gram-positive bacteria including hemolytic and non-hemolytic Streptococci and Staphylococci. Neomycin is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including Staphylococci, Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae and many strains of Proteus and Pseudomonas. Polymyxin B is bactericidal to gram-negative bacteria especially Pseudomonas. Each gram of vetropolycin contains Bacitracin Zinc 400 units, Neomycin Sulfate 5 mg, Polymyxin B Sulfate 10,000 units, in a base of White Petrolatum and Mineral Oil.

The application of vetropolycin is fairly simple. Clean the area properly prior to application. Foreign bodies, crusted exudates, and debris should also be carefully removed. Then apply a thin film over the cornea three or four times daily in dogs and cats. Itching, burning or inflammation may occur in animals sensitive to the product. In such cases, you should discontinue use and contact your vet. Please note that laboratory tests should be conducted including in vitro culturing and susceptibility tests on samples collected prior to treatment.