Why are most antibiotics contraindicated in rabbits and hamsters?

Why are most antibiotics contraindicated in rabbits and hamsters?

• A. Highly permeable blood-brain barrier
• B. Their little hearts just can't take it
• C. Disrupts gram positive gut flora
• D. Highly sensitive to renal toxicity

Answer: (C)

Antibiotics are often contraindicated in rabbits and hamsters primarily because they can disrupt the gram-positive gut flora that is essential for their digestive health. Rabbits and hamsters are hindgut fermenters, meaning they rely heavily on a specific balance of microorganisms in their gastrointestinal tract to aid in digestion. The normal flora is predominantly composed of gram-positive bacteria, which help break down fibrous plant material. When antibiotics that target a broad range of bacteria or specifically those that are effective against gram-positive bacteria are administered, they can lead to a significant imbalance in the gut microbiome. This disruption can result in serious gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, dysbiosis, and potentially life-threatening conditions like enterotoxemia. Maintaining the integrity of the gut flora is crucial for these animals' health, making the careful selection of medications vital in veterinary practice.

Antibiotics are often contraindicated in rabbits and hamsters primarily because they can disrupt the gram-positive gut flora that is essential for their digestive health. Rabbits and hamsters are hindgut fermenters, meaning they rely heavily on a specific balance of microorganisms in their gastrointestinal tract to aid in digestion. The normal flora is predominantly composed of gram-positive bacteria, which help break down fibrous plant material.

When antibiotics that target a broad range of bacteria or specifically those that are effective against gram-positive bacteria are administered, they can lead to a significant imbalance in the gut microbiome. This disruption can result in serious gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, dysbiosis, and potentially life-threatening conditions like enterotoxemia. Maintaining the integrity of the gut flora is crucial for these animals' health, making the careful selection of medications vital in veterinary practice.