Staphylococcal Phage Lysate
Also known as: Staphage Lysate, SPL
**Understanding the Treatment:** * This medication is an 'immune stimulant' designed to help your dog's own immune system fight off chronic or recurring bacterial skin infections (pyoderma). * It is not an antibiotic, but it is often used alongside antibiotics initially to gain control of the infection. **Administration & Safety:** * > **Important:** Because there is a rare but serious risk of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), injections should ideally be given at your veterinary clinic where emergency treatment is immediately available. **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following after an injection: * **Local reactions:** Redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site (usually occurs within 2-3 hours and can last up to 3 days). * **Systemic reactions:** Weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, severe full-body itching, rapid or difficult breathing, or sudden extreme tiredness/lethargy.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Labeled indications (Highly allergic patients)
- Labeled indications (Non-allergic patients)
- Idiopathic, recurrent pyoderma
- Chronic recurrent idiopathic pyoderma
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Post vaccine-type reactions (fever, malaise)
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching, swelling occurring 2-3 hours post-injection and persisting up to 3 days)
- Systemic hypersensitivity reactions (weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, severe itching, rapid breathing, fatigue/lassitude)
Cautions & contraindications
- Prior systemic hypersensitivity reactions to SPL
- Documented hypersensitivity reactions to beef products (contains unfiltered beef heart infusion broth)
- **Hypersensitivity Risk:** Use with extreme caution (if at all) in patients with a history of systemic hypersensitivity to SPL or documented allergies to **beef products**, as the formulation contains unfiltered beef heart infusion broth. * **Administration:** Avoid administering subsequent doses at the exact same injection site to minimize local reactions. * **Handling:** The product contains **no preservatives**. It must be handled strictly aseptically. The manufacturer recommends using the entire contents of a vial once opened. * **Allergic Patients:** In highly allergic patients, reduced desensitizing doses and prior intradermal skin testing may be indicated.
Drug interactions
- Cell-mediated immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., corticosteroids, cyclosporine): May reduce the efficacy of SPL
Frequently asked questions
What is Staphylococcal Phage Lysate used for in pets?
**Understanding the Treatment:** * This medication is an 'immune stimulant' designed to help your dog's own immune system fight off chronic or recurring bacterial skin infections (pyoderma). * It is not an antibiotic, but it is often used alongside antibiotics initially to gain control of the infection. **Administration & Safety:** * > **Important:** Because there is a rare but serious risk of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), injections should ideally be given at your veterinary clinic where emergency treatment is immediately available. **What to Watch For:** Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following after an injection: * **Local reactions:** Redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site (usually occurs within 2-3 hours and can last up to 3 days). * **Systemic reactions:** Weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, severe full-body itching, rapid or difficult breathing, or sudden extreme tiredness/lethargy.
Is Staphylococcal Phage Lysate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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