Vet gave antibiotic overdose to 16 yr old yorkie

Question
Hello, My 16+ yr old yorkie has been with my dad for a year now and very happy. My dad took him to a vet due to badly swollen gums around his lower cuspid. The vet did a full blood panel which is understandable, and it revealed his heart and kidneys were not in good shape which didn't surprise us due to his age. He gave my dad antibiotics to give him for a few days before a dental appt. On day 3 of meds my dad called me and said his perio abscess was gone but he was NOT doing well, lethargic, dementia, no wanting food or water. I asked my dad to read the RX label, and it is Clavamox 125mg bid. I was shocked at the overdose at double the strength given to a 10lb old dog. I told my dad to give half tab a day for 2 more days only until we reach the vet on monday to chew him out. My Q is, is it possible that the 3 days overdose harmed our old dogs kidneys and heart?
Thank you!


Answer
Lori -

The doses on the box are recommended doses. Talk with your vet to ask him why he prescribed the doe he prescribed. If you pet is sick, then you also want to talk with your vet=to make sure your dog gets taken care of properly.

It is highly unlikely that Clavamox damages the heart and kidneys and even more unlikely that it caused dementia in your dog.  However, even at low doses, Lava can cause severe GI upset. Make sure your dog has eaten before giving this medication.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM