Zodon for dogs and cats
Formulation
Tablets, liquid
Active ingredient
Clindamycin
Category
Antibiotic
What is Zodon?
Zodon is a liquid or tablet medicine for cats and dogs containing an antibiotic called clindamycin. Zodon treats various bacterial infections in cats and dogs, such as dental and wound infections. It is a prescription-only medication, so you will need to get a prescription from your vet to purchase Zodon.
What does Zodon do?
Zodon contains clindamycin, which belongs to the group of antibiotics called lincosamides. Lincosamides work by interfering with a process called protein synthesis, which occurs inside the bacterial cell. Interfering with protein synthesis stops bacterial growth and stops the bacteria from multiplying. This helps to treat your pet’s bacterial infection.
What is Zodon used for?
Zodon is used to treat some types of bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Your vet will prescribe Zodon if they suspect your pet has a bacterial infection caused by the right type of bacteria for Zodon to be effective. Common uses for Zodon include:
In cats:
- Infected wounds and abscesses caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
In dogs:
- Skin infection caused by Staphylococcus pseudointermedius.
- Bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus
- Infected wounds and abscesses caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium necrophorum, and Clostridium perfringens.
- Dental infections caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium necrophorum, or Clostridium perfringens.
Your vet may prescribe this antibiotic off-license through the ‘prescribing cascade’, which allows vets to prescribe the most suitable drug for a condition when there isn’t a licensed version available. For example, even though Zodon is only licensed for bone infections in dogs, your vet may suggest Zodon ‘off-license’ for a cat with a bone infection if no other suitable antibiotic is available. These ‘off-license’ uses of Zodon are based on a risk-benefit analysis, so if you’re worried about using Zodon in your pet you can always talk to your vet about their reasoning.
Which pets is Zodon not suitable for?
Whilst Zodon is suitable for most pets, there are a few situations where Zodon should be avoided or used with caution, and alternatives or increased monitoring should be discussed with your vet. Several drugs can interact with Zodon and cause possible unwanted side effects. If your pet is already on these other drugs, Zodon may not be suitable for them.
Zodon may not be suitable for:
- Species other than dogs and cats
- Lactating dogs or cats, because Zodon can pass into the milk and cause diarrhoea in puppies/kittens
- Pregnant dogs and cats, because its safety has not been well studied
- Newborn puppies or kittens
- Your vet should assess the risks and benefits of using Zodon alongside ‘neuromuscular blocking’ drugs in your pet.
- Dogs or cats taking other macrolide antibiotics (eg. erythromycin) or aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg. gentamycin)
- Dogs or cats taking ciclosporin (Atopica, Cyclovance, Modulis, Sporimune)
- Dogs or cats allergic to clindamycin or lincomycin
If you think your pet falls into one of the categories above, you should let your vet know so they can decide whether Zodon is the best antibiotic for your pet.
What are the side effects of Zodon in dogs and cats?
Whilst most pets tolerate Zodon without any serious issues, it can have side effects just like all other medications. Although these side effects are uncommon to very rare, here are the ones that you should be aware of:
- Digestive issues: Vomiting and diarrhoea are seen in less than 1 in 10,000 pets that take Zodon.
- Allergic reaction: Less than 1 in 10,000 pets will have an allergic reaction to Zodon. If your pet is having an allergic reaction, they may have swelling and trouble breathing. Visit your vet immediately if this happens.
- Superinfections: Although uncommon, clindamycin can cause resistant bacteria to overgrow. It is important to give Zodon exactly as your vet tells you to. This can help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance
- Overgrowth of other bacteria: Killing one group of bacteria can potentially cause the overgrowth of different groups of bacteria and yeast. This may need correcting.
Remember, the benefits of using Zodon usually outweigh these risks, especially in pets with serious health conditions. However, if you do notice any of these side effects or are worried about a change in your pet’s behaviour, it is best to stop using Zodon immediately and get in touch with your veterinarian for more advice. They will be able to provide you with guidance and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. This will help to ensure your pet’s safety and put your mind at ease.
As a pet owner, you can also report a suspected side effect to the VMD if you think Zodon caused side effects in your pet. Or, read our article for more advice about reporting suspected pet drug side effects to the VMD.
How to give Zodon safely
In order to minimise the risks of Zodon side effects, here are some tips to help you give it safely:
- Follow vet instructions: Always use Zodon exactly as your vet has prescribed. This includes the right dose and frequency. Never adjust the dose on your own, even if your dog seems to be feeling better or worse. If you aren’t sure of the dose prescribed, please call your vet to confirm.
- Separate from other medications: Zodon can interact with several other medications, so it’s best to give it at least 2 hours before and after other drugs.
- Let your vet know if your dog has been on other medications recently: Your vet should be aware of other drugs your pet is on, but it’s always worth double-checking in case there’s been a miscommunication somewhere, especially if it’s not your usual vet who prescribes the Zodon. You should also tell your vet if your dog has taken any other drugs in the last week, even if they are no longer on them. This is especially true for:
- Ciclosporin (Atopica, Cyclovance, Modulis, Sporimune), which may be rendered ineffective by the Clindamycin
- Macrolide antibiotics (eg erythromycin)
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (eg gentamycin)
- Report any non-prescription supplements to your vet: If your dog is on supplements or non-prescription treatments (even if these are herbal!) you should also tell your vet when they prescribe Zodon, as they may not be suitable to be given together. This is especially true for:
- Kaolin, found in anti-diarrhoea pastes and powders and in some pet foods for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Aluminium-Magnesium-Silicate, found in montmorillionite clay and used in anti-diarrhoea pastes and powders, and in some pet foods for gastrointestinal disorders
- Aluminium salts and hydroxides, found in some phosphate binders that are used for pets with kidney disease
- Storage and Handling: Store Zodon according to the instructions on the packaging, usually in a cool and dry place (below 25°C). Wash your hands after giving Zodon to your dog or cat. Make sure it’s out of reach of children and other pets, especially rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, horses, cows, and sheep. Zodon can result in severe digestive upset and even death in these animals .
- Report any overdose to your vet immediately: If you have mistakenly given too much Zodon, report it to your vet as soon as you realise the error. They will usually recommend monitoring your pet at home, but depending on the severity of the overdose they may need to see your pet for symptomatic treatment.
- Report accidental ingestion by humans, especially children: Seek medical advice immediately.
How much monitoring do pets need on Zodon?
Low
If your pet is otherwise healthy, Zodon does not require a lot of monitoring
Zodon is usually given as a 5–10-day course so your vet will probably want to revisit your pet just after this period to see if the treatment has worked. If your pet is on Zodon for over a month, your vet may want to do some additional blood tests to check your pet’s liver and kidneys are all ok. If your pet already has kidney or liver disease, your vet may want to perform additional blood tests if they are taking a high dose of Zodon.
What does Zodon cost?
££ – Fairly Expensive
Zodon costs £15-70 per week
The cost of Zodon depends on your pet’s size and the dose they’re on. A 4kg cat on a low dose might cost £2 per day, while a 10kg dog on a low dose of tablets might cost £1.50 per day. A 45kg dog on a high dose of Zodon could cost £10 per day.
You don’t have to buy Zodon from your vet, but if you choose to buy it elsewhere your vet will need to give you a written prescription and, depending on post speeds, it might be more appropriate to get it from your vet for speed. Vets are allowed to charge a reasonable fee to cover their professional time checking doses and writing a written prescription for use elsewhere.
Zodon FAQs
Is Zodon an antibiotic for cats?
The 25mg oral solution of Zodon is a liquid antibiotic licensed for both cats and dogs. The tablet formulations of Zodon are only licensed for dogs. Your vet may prescribe your cat with Zodon tablets off-license if the oral solution is not available or for certain types of infections.
What is the active ingredient in Zodon?
The active ingredient in Zodon is clindamycin, which belongs to a group of antibiotics called lincosamide antibiotics. It treats certain bacterial infections in cats and dogs.
Should Zodon be given with food?
Zodon liquid and tablets are both flavoured. They can be given alone or with a small piece of food. If your pet’s regular diet is designed for kidney problems or tummy issues, you should make sure at least two hours pass between giving the meal and giving the Zodon.
What are the ingredients in Zodon for dogs?
Zodon liquid contains the active ingredient clindamycin, which is an antibiotic. It also contains:
Ethanol 96% (E1510)
Glycerol
Sorbitol liquid (non crystallising)
Sucrose
Propylene glycol
“Grilled note” flavour
Citric acid monohydrate
Purified water
Zodon tablets for dogs contain the active ingredient clindamycin along with
Chicken flavour
Yeast extract
Sodium croscarmellose
Copovidone
Magnesium stearate
Silica, colloidal anhydrous
Microcrystalline cellulose
Lactose monohydrate
Zodon Alternatives
If Zodon isn’t available or you’re struggling to give it to your pet, you can talk to your vet, who will be able to prescribe another brand of clindamycin like:
- Antirobe (capsules, which can sometimes be opened and sprinkled on your pet’s food if necessary)
- Clinacin (grilled meat flavour tablets)
- Clindabactin (chicken flavoured chewable tablets for both cats and dogs)
- Clindaseptin (hard capsules and liquid available)
- Solucin (anise-flavoured liquid solution only)
If you feel as though Zodon is not working or your pet experiences any of the side effects of Zodon mentioned earlier, talk to your vet. They might suggest a different type of antibiotic to give your pet. If they haven’t done so already, your vet may also do an antibiotic sensitivity test to see which antibiotic will work against your pet’s infection.
It’s really important to give Zodon as prescribed, as missed doses can lead to antibiotic resistance developing. If you are struggling to get your pet to take the oral formulations of Zodon, your vet may be able to recommend alternative antibiotics with different formulations available, such as an injection.
You will not be able to buy any antibiotics for your pet over a non-veterinary counter as they are all prescription-only. You will have to go back to your vet to discuss the other options, where you can both decide what is the best thing for your pet to keep them happy and healthy.
Zodon Datasheet
All drugs have a manufacturer’s datasheet, which gives information about the drug’s use and possible side effects. There is usually one with your Zodon tablets, but if you have lost it you can click on the button below to be taken on an online version.
More help for your pet
Zodon is a useful antibiotic for many bacterial conditions. Understanding what is happening with your pet and why can really help you work with your vet to keep your pet in tip-top health. The following vet-written e-learning courses might help:
Please note that the information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. Although it has been written by a vet, we cannot consider the individual nature of your pet’s problems so it does not constitute veterinary advice. If you have questions about your pet’s medication or their health you should contact a vet, who will be able to help.
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