What is Tamiflu used for?
It is human antiviral medication that is used for the treatment of the Parvo virus in dogs.
What is Parvo?
Parvo is a viral disease that can be fatal, especially to puppies who are no longer being protected by antibodies in their mother’s milk. For some reason, Rottweilers and Dobermans are especially susceptible to the virus. Parvo is not dangerous to cats or humans.
How is this medication used?
To assist in the treatment of canine parvovirus infection, Tamiflu is given orally twice a day for 5 days. The medication should be obtained as soon as the parvo diagnosis is confirmed. Usually an oral suspension is compounded or the human product is given. This medication is not approved for use in small animals.
Side Effects
Veterinary experience is limited but the following is from human use of Tamiflu.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or veterinarian as soon as possible:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- ear ache or infection
- infection and inflammation of the sinuses (nose) and chest
- skin rash
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- coughing
- diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- nose bleed
Cautions
The most important caution is to recognize that canine parvovirus is a life-threatening infection for which there is no substitute for hospitalization. One should never attempt to diagnose parvovirus infection on their own or treat it on their own. Puppies that have advanced parvo symptoms (such as septicemia or severe dehydration) may not respond to Tamiflu.
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