Posted by GoatWorld on January 16, 2001 at 15:53:44:
Hello everyone,
Recently one of our does had mastitis and it was recommended to me to use a treatment of Gentamicin and Penicillin G. This treatment method did appear to cure the mastitis. Subsequently, quite a number of people have written asking how to treat their doe(s) for mastitis and I have recommended that particular treatment.
It was recently brought to my attention that Gentamicin does have specific withdrawal times - in particular for "animals" used for food or milk. These facts are substantiated by the FDA. It should also be mentioned that of the several Gentamicin products available, none of them make any reference to use in goats.
From what I have been told and have read thus far (from the FDA Drug Database), the active ingredient in Gentamicin leaves residue in the liver and kidneys of the treated animal. Thus the need for a withdrawal time. And while there has been no specific withdrawal time indicated for its use in goats, there is a possible voluntary ban on its use.
The withdrawal times for animals varies: chickens 5 weeks, turkeys 9 weeks, swine 10 to 14 days (depending on the Gentamicin product), horses (mares)....varies. And please note that there are basically two types of Gentamicin Sulfate available - an injectable and a water soluble powder (primarily for poultry and swine use).
While it would certainly seem to not apply to goats kept as pets only, I would certainly now use caution when using Gentamicin on goats that are used for the purpose of food or milk. Luckily our doe is a goat we consider a pet and serves no other purpose.
This information was brought to my attention by Tracy Vest DVM and researched on the FDA Drug Database.
Best regards,
Gary Pfalzbot