Posted: July 3, 2008, 5 a.m. EDT
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer Animal Health’s Convenia (cefovecin sodium), the first antibiotic for dogs and cats available in a single injectable dose (www.convenia.com).
The product, which is said to provide up to 14 days of antibiotic treatment for the most common skin infections in dogs and cats, will eliminate the difficulty owners have giving pills to pets and will ensure the antibiotic course of treatment is completed on time, according to the company.
“We understand how difficult it can be for owners to give their pets the right pills at the right time,” said George Fennell, vice president, Companion Animal Division, Pfizer Animal Health. “With career and family responsibilities, many people simply aren’t around at appropriate intervals once, twice, or even more times a day despite their best intentions. With Convenia, the pet gets the dose it needs right in the veterinarian’s office — so owners don’t have to worry about when and how to give pills to their pets.”
The most common side effects are similar to those seen with other antibiotics, such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and lethargy.