Staph infection

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kona has had a huge tumor on his side for the past 2 1/2 years. We noticed it when it barely fit in the palm of my hand. The vet did a needle biopsy and determined it was a lipoma, basically a benign fatty tumor. We have had it checked a couple of times. This past week Kona had a little skin tag removed from the inside of his eyelid. A new vet did the procedure, and while he was under she did another needle biopsy of Kona's huge tumor which now fills my hand to the fingertips. The substance she withdrew was bright yellow. She sent it off to a lab and determined it is not cancer within a few days, but now 10 days later I was told it is a staph infection and he has been prescribed Amoxicillin.

I have a Probiotic for him and will begin that 2 hours away from the antibiotic. Any other tips from those well-versed in this kind of thing? Your help is always greatly appreciated. I do not like the sound of staph at all. Thank you in advance.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm sorry to hear that Kona has a staph infection and I hope the meds clear it up quickly.

The amoxicillin may upset his stomach. You might want to give him a generic Pepcid or Zantac about 30 minutes before meals. That works well for JD. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Karen. I thought there was something else. Can I give the probiotic and Pepcid at the same time?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I wouldn't, if you can avoid it. I give JD his probiotics in the middle of the day apart from any other meds or meals. You may have to give the antibiotics with meals, anyway. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Okay. I'll separate all the drugs. Time to make a chart. ;o)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Welcome to my world. :)

I'm thinking the Zantac 30 minutes before meals, the amoxicillin with meals or immediately after, and then the probiotics midway between meals and if a second dose is needed, at bedtime. 

[DJ & Chance]

Bonnie, so sorry about Kona.  You are right, staph can be quite serious and I am so glad your new vet discovered the infection and is treating it. A few years ago,  I gave my dog Zantac in an effort to avoid amoxicillin side effects and that seemed to work.  Wishing you and Kona the very best outcome.

[Bonnie and Kona]

I will try the Zantac. Thanks so much, DJ!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Sorry about Kona Bonnie. I hope he feels better soon!!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Sherri. Hoping it's not the resistant kind.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Although the antibiotic resistant strain of staph can be problematic, staph is a very common and usually easily treatable problem. Good luck with Kona.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for the encouragement, F. I hope this is the easily treated kind!!!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Bonnie, I'm sorry to hear about Kona.  Hope the meds work fast and he feels better soon.