Efficacy and tolerability of once-daily cephalexin in canine superficial pyoderma: an open controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of oral cephalexin given at 30 mg/kg once daily in dogs with superficial pyoderma and to compare them with those of oral cephalexin given at 15 mg/kg twice daily.


METHODS
Twenty dogs with superficial pyoderma were treated with cephalexin at 30 to 60 mg/kg orally once daily (group A) and compared with 20 dogs treated at a dose of 15 to 30 mg/kg orally twice daily (group B). Dogs were treated until 14 days after clinical remission. Type and distribution of lesions, pruritus and general health status were assessed every 14 days using a numerical scale until 14 days after treatment discontinuation. Total scores for each evaluation day were compared between the two groups as well as time to obtain resolution and percentage of relapses.


RESULTS
Resolution of superficial pyoderma was obtained in all dogs in 14 to 42 days (median 28 days for both groups), with no difference between groups. Six dogs experienced vomiting or diarrhoea but did not require discontinuation of the treatment. Only one dog (in group A) relapsed nine days after treatment discontinuation.


CONCLUSIONS
Once-daily cephalexin is as effective as twice-daily cephalexin in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma.
Toma
S
S
Ospedale Veterinario Cuneese, Via Cuneo 52/N, 12011 Borgo San Dalmazzo CN, Italy.
Colombo
S
S
Cornegliani
L
L
Persico
P
P
Galzerano
M
M
Gianino
M M
MM
Noli
C
C
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002506:Cephalexin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D004285:Dogs; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D011711:Pyoderma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002506:Cephalexin