Difference between Tucoprim & SMZs?

[Sparky Boy]

What's the difference between the two?

[sweetpea]

I cannot tell you the scientific differnce -- but SMZ was way to weak for an antibiotic.
Tucoprim gets it done -- yes costly!!

[Sparky Boy]

I have about two-three days worth of Tucoprim and several days worth of SMZs. I think my little mare has an upper resp infection. She has a mild cough and will cough up some phlegm sometimes. Mostly during work. Very slight runny nose but it's clear. I'm wondering if I can start with the Tucoprim and finish with SMZs. Or should I just stick with the SMZ until I can get more, maybe Friday.

I think the last time I used the SMZ was 10-15 pills crushed fed twice a day.

I'm certain antiobiotic treatment is what the vet would prescribe if I called him out.

[Simkie]

LOL...

The SMZs I usually got from the vet were sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

Tucoprim is trimethoprim and sulfadiazine.

They are very similar.

SMZs are labeled for people use. Tucoprim is labeled for animal use.

I would call your vet and at least confirm the dose. IIRC, last time I used SMZs it was 17 BID.

[Sparky Boy]

Yeah, I just tried to call him to confirm what I was doing but they're closed until Friday.

Um, what does BID mean?

[Simkie]

Twice a day :)

SID: once a day
BID: twice a day
TID: three times a day
QID: four times a day

[Sparky Boy]

Thanks. I never would have figured that one out ;)

Previously I've done 15 BID :D for my big horse so this one is probably 200+ lbs lighter. That's why I'm thinking 10 BID for her.

[Simkie]

Is the horse you're thinking of treating really 30% lighter than the other? As in, is the bigger horse 600 lbs and the smaller 400?

If it's more like 1000 lbs vs 800 lbs, then it would be more like 12 tabs.

Underdosing antibiotics is one of those things that leads very quickly to resistance, so I'd be very careful about how much you give.

[Sparky Boy]

He's probably at least 1100lbs (17.1 hh & fat) and she is 15.3hh avg build, so maybe 900 lbs?

So yeah, I could do 12 for her twice daily.

[Simkie]

My 16.1 hand mare with average build is about 1300 lb, and she's the one who was getting 17 BID.

Perhaps it might be a good idea to weight tape? Or measure?

http://oas.ucok.edu/OJAS/01/papers/hapgood01.htm

I have never heard of such a lose dose (12 BID) for anything larger than a pony.

[Sparky Boy]

Is it possible to give too much? Perhaps my weight guess is a little low.

Jeez, your mare is a porker ;)

[Simkie]

LOL...she's really not! She's a pretty average TB. Not one of those slab-sided greyhounds, but she's not built like a brick outhouse, either. Here's (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/2422852420048290005qqQpzq) a pic from this summer.

I can't speak to the overdose issue. Yes, I'm sure it's possible, but whether an additional 3 tabs or whatever is a problem...shrug.

I would get ahold of the vet (I know mine does not charge for emergency PHONE calls) to just confirm the dose.

Edited to add:

This does not stand in as a VET, but this site right here (http://www.farmvet.com/pc-1446-163-sulfa-methoxazole-trimethoprim-smz.aspx) says dosing is one tab per 70 lbs. Do with it what you will.

[Sparky Boy]

She's not a porker at all. Pretty girl.

Here's the fatty I was talking about. http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2802432840051038748USxIXb

[Simkie]

Just to give you something to compare to, this mare (http://pets.webshots.com/photo/1155541330048290005KpUPAM) sticked JUST shy of 16 hands and weighed 1400 pounds on the scale.

I think you might be guessing a bit light with your big guy! ;) I'd be interested to know what he either weighs on the scales or measures out with the formula on the webpage I linked above. If he's 17.1, I'd put him at at least 1500 lbs. It looks like he's a BIG SOLID guy!

[Sparky Boy]

I have a weight tape somewhere. I'll look for it. I was thinking 1200 for him originally because several years ago at a vet clinic, I think he weighed around there, but this was quite a few years and mouthfulls ago! My husband says he "power-eats" hay. He's very solid.

Um, that site had too many formulas on it for me, instant head-ache ;)

[fivehorses]

I think on the packaging it suggest dosage per 100 pounds of body weight. I don't have any smz's on hand, so I cant tell you.

You need to know your horse's weight and then give the proper dose.

If the directions/dosage is in kilograms, then do a search to convert pounds to kg.

[TheOtherHorse]

FYI my 15.3h TBx was prescribed 10 pills BID on two separate occasions.

Most vets I've asked about the difference say they're very similar in function, and that the main difference is that some people would rather get Tucoprim powder since it is more convenient so they don't have to crush/dissolve SMZs at each feeding.

I usually use SMZs since they're a bit less expensive and I just keep a huge jar on hand at all times.

[Liz2642]

The vets I work with usually give owners a choice between tucoprim and SMZ's. Many people prefer tucoprim since it is usually only given once daily and is a powder that can be easily added to grain. If the horse won't eat the tucoprim, SMZ's are easier to dissolve in water and syringe into the horse's mouth, but have to be given twice daily.