Describe the cutaneous defense mechanisms against bacterial infection . List the major pathogens of the skin of the dog and cat. Erythromycin is a bacteriostatic macrolide that inhibits ribosomal protein synthesis. It is a good antibiotic for first occurrence pyoderma but its efficacy is reduced after multiple usage. It is generally used for large dogs to lower the cost of therapy.
Vomiting is a common side effect.
However most dogs will tolerate it after the first 48 hours. Estolate may be used instead of stearate. Estolate may be given with food that reduces the incidence of vomiting while stearate should be given on an empty stomach. Start with a lower dose and then increase to the full dose in 2-3 days. It is more expensive than erythromycin but easier to dose for small dogs.