chloramphenicol - what to expect?

[Laura and Quincy]

Quincy has a bladder infection with a strain of e.coli resistant to many ABs. Testing indicates that is was sensitive to chloramphenicol, so I'm supposed to give Quincy chloramphenicol 2x day for 14 days. I am nervous about it though as I have read about some yucky side effects. Plus I will need to wear gloves (I wanted to use a tablet vs. the liquid suspension b/c it's much easier to pill Quincy). I'm going to talk to my vet about what to expect, but does anyone here have experience administering chloramphenicol?

Thanks,

Laura

 

[Larry and Kitties]

Luckily I have not had any experience with its use. I am away of its possible nasty side effects.

 

[Laura and Quincy]

Unfortunately sensitivity testing revealed this strain of e coli is resistant to the vast majority of ABs that can be administered orally. The vet thought the other option, tetra-something, had different side effects that were equally bad if not worse. I trust his judgment... he's gotten us through A LOT at this point. After 1 week on this AB, I will need to bring Quincy in for a CBC just to make sure there's no bone marrow suppression effect or anything else. He has handled leukeran ok, so hopefully he will be ok on this AB other than the standard diarrhea stuff... Will be glad when the 14 days are over, that's for sure! I have to wear gloves for this med... apparently it's a pretty unsafe drug for humans, so don't want to mess around with it.