A bit worried about my horse - side effects of penicillin?

[Tash88]

My gelding has been having 20ml penicillin injections (to treat an infection in his hock) daily since last Thursday, and the last one is this evening. They have worked and his leg looks much better, but I'm a bit concerned about a possible side effect.

He has been fine so far, but yesterday evening when he came in he did a wee in his stable and I don't think it was normal, it looked very slightly milky and he took a while to 'get started', if that makes sense. There also wasn't much of it. This morning he was fine, but there was very little wet bedding when usually there is quite a lot, and he had drunk a bit more water than normal. Should I be worried that this is an effect of the medication? I'm a bit concerned about his kidneys, but apart from that he is completely fine - normal droppings, energetic, eating etc.

The vet is coming out tomorrow morning anyway so will mention it to him then, unless my horse appears much worse this evening.

Has anyone else experienced this with their horse before? Thanks in advance.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Umm, do a search on here coz I seem to remember a while ago another thread on exactly this subject - perhaps if was human penicillin injections rather than equine, can't quite remember, but would be worth having a look on the HHO archives.

I'd be inclined to ring your vet if you're at all worried though. No personal experience of penicillin injections, but know that strange reactions can and do occur with it (hope am not frightening you).

 

[ladyt25]

I would think if he's been ok up to now then it's unlikely he's reacting to the penicillin and if it was likely to have an adverse effect on any of his organs in that short space of time then i wouldn't have thought vets would use it to treat horses.

I would just query with your vet so they can give him a check over but, if he seems ok otherwise I wouldn't worry too much. My pony had a penicillin injection to help with an infection in his foot.He reacted very badly and we realised that that must have been the first time he'd ever had penicilin since being with us (about 15/16 years). he was very poorly as was apparently allergic to it (much like some humans afre). The vet said this was very rare and yo just watch him closely. He wouldn't eat but vet said as long as was drinking then he'd be ok. He basically lay in the field flat out for a very long time and when stood up he showed colicky signs (pawing at the ground and generally looking uncomfortable). When we brought him in (to give him the oral antibiotics he needed - we gave up eventually as there was no way he'd eat them!) at one stage his body was trembling all over - it was horrid. He did recover though after about 3 days but we're mindful that he shouldn't have peniciliin again as I believe it could be fatal next time.

So, from what you're syaing yours could be reacting slightly but if he's due to come off them soon then i wouldn't get too worried.