Question about antibiotics dosage?

[yuki]

My 4 year old female was diagnosed with pneumonia of R middle lung almost 3 weeks ago. She was put on antibiotics 500 mg 2 x/day. She stopped coughing after 4-5 days of antibiotics. I called the vet back and they said even though she feels now OK she should stay on antibiotics for another 4 weeks. Now they presribed 875 mg. Initially they said give it just once a day, then called back and said give it twice per day. I don't understand if she feels good, no coughing, active, good appetite, why to continue antibiotics and increase the dose almost twice. Do you know any formula how to calculate how much antibiotics to give according to dog's weight. I think they miscalculated something. Thanks for your help.
They also said that she shouldn't go to kennel for weekend because her immune system is comprimized and she can get sick easily. Don't know what to do about this one as I already have airline tickets. She really has no symptoms at all.
Please, any advice?

[SaranBear]

I don't know about dosage, but just because she has no symptoms doesn't mean she is "better". If you stop the meds too soon you may not have killed all the bacteria. The ones that are still alive may well be resistant to the antibiotics and your girl could end up with a worse infection and need stronger/different antibiotics. I would also not put her in the kennel.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by yuki

I don't understand if she feels good, no coughing, active, good appetite, why to continue antibiotics and increase the dose almost twice.

The way we create all those antibiotic resistant strains is by "almost" killing them, and then discontinuing the medication because "the dog feels fine". The dog may feel much, much better, but until the bacteria is completely eradicated, she is not well. If you are unsure if they've made a mistake in dosage, call and ask to speak to the vet him/her self for clarification. While you're at it, ask him/her to explain to you WHY this medication is needed at this dose and for this length of time.

I would not put this dog in a kennel. If you can't reschedule your trip, find a dogsitter to come stay in your home with her.

[yuki]

Thanks for your replies. I will probably still have to put her in kennel but will ask for isolation unit (they have one there). It's just for 2 days, 1 night. I was just wondering why it is so different for dogs. I had pneumonia last year and took antibiotics for 10 days. She took for 18 days. I was released back to work after that, nobody cared about my immune system even though I work in a hospital Thanks again, I will just continue giving it to her then.

[Lola B Marie]

Lola is 15 months old and 110 lbs. She has an over growth of bacteria in her stomach and needs to be treated with amoxicillion. She was given 500 milligrams 3x daily for almost 3 months. The vet said that because dogs have a much different amount of acid and digestive things going on, she needed that large a dose to kill the bacteria. She went from 3 pills to 2 and now is down to 1 a day. Even this one dose a day , he wants to continue for at least another two months.
I don't think your vet is off the mark.Meds and dogs are just so different than meds and people. Hope your girl well soon.