Metabolic bone disease treatment: any side effect of antibiotic Fortaz Ceftazidim injection?

[Hermann Hermit]

Hi Everyone,

For 1-year old Hermann's tortoise, any side effect of taking antibiotic injection of Fortaz Ceftazidim?

Today, my baby Hermann's tortoise Royal was checked by doctors in Animal Medical Center. They strongly think she is suffering "Metabolic Bone Disease" based on the observation: inability to lift whole body, less walk, soft plastron and X-ray image. Given Royal is too tiny (1 year old hatching, 26g), they don't suggest to go CT check for lung because few information may get, but they do suspend respiratory issue.

Therefore, doctors gave the prescription (attached): Injection of Antibiotic Fortaz 2 Gram Vials Ceftazidim for 21 days, every 72 hours 1 injection, 0.01 ml inject to front legs . In addition, keep using oral calcium prescribed by previous doctors ( I took Royal to Avian and Exotic Center two weeks ago).

Tortoiseforum friends, any thoughts? In addition to painfulness, any other side effect? Is every 72 hours 1injection 0.01 ml too much? Eager to hear your opinions! Many thanks in advance!

A worrying mom

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Yes. It will effect the "good" bacteria in the gut and you might see a drop in the amount of food he will eat or in how long it might take him to pass the food. This could last a month or so.

 

[JoesMum]

Why would you prescribe antibiotic for MBD?

What's needed is correct diet, including calcium supplementation, and UVB.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infection and then only effective if the correct antibiotic is used for the bacteria causing a problem.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Why would you prescribe antibiotic for MBD?

What's needed is correct diet, including calcium supplementation, and UVB.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infection and then only effective if the correct antibiotic is used for the bacteria causing a problem.

This is true.

 

[Dizisdalife]

Hidden in the original post is the Vet's suspicion that there are respiratory issues. The antibiotic is to combat those and probably has little to do with the MBD.