Species: Dogs & Cats7 dose protocols1 dosage forms
This page is a calculation and educational reference for veterinarians and veterinary students. It does not replace examination, culture and susceptibility testing, clinical judgment, or the attending veterinarian's final decision.
General dose: 8 mg/kg SC · single doseSource: EU SPC (cefovecin)
Spectrum of activity
A bactericidal, very long-acting third-generation cephalosporin (one subcutaneous injection ≈ 14 days of cover). Its strengths are skin staphylococci (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) and β-haemolytic streptococci; it is also active against Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus) and Pasteurella multocida, and covers Porphyromonas (a periodontal anaerobe). But it has no useful activity against Pseudomonas, enterococci, Salmonella, methicillin-resistant staph (MRSP/MRSA) or most anaerobes (anaerobic activity is unpredictable). Note: this is a critically important extended-spectrum cephalosporin; because of its long persistence and resistance pressure it is not first-line — reserve it for cases where oral dosing is impractical (ideally after culture).
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Veterinary uses and doses
Skin & soft tissue
DogSource: EU SPC (cefovecin)
8 mg/kg SC · single dose (~14-day cover)
Clinical note: For superficial pyoderma, abscesses and wounds (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and streptococci). For deep pyoderma up to 3 further injections may be given at 14-day intervals.
CatSource: EU SPC (cefovecin)
Cat: 8 mg/kg SC · single dose (~14-day cover)
Clinical note: The main feline use: bite-wound abscesses and wounds (Pasteurella multocida). A single injection is ideal for a cat that won't take oral medication.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
DogSource: EU SPC (cefovecin)
8 mg/kg SC · single dose
Clinical note: UTI due to E. coli / Proteus. Not first-line; reserve for when oral dosing is impractical (poor compliance, fractious patient, single visit) and ideally after culture.
CatSource: off-label / EU SPC
Cat: 8 mg/kg SC · single dose
Clinical note: UTI due to E. coli / Proteus (off-label in cats). Note: in cats most lower-urinary signs are idiopathic (FIC) and non-infectious — confirm infection by culture before treating.
Parvovirus — outpatient
DogSource: outpatient parvo protocol (Venn 2016)
8 mg/kg SC · single dose — secondary-infection cover
Combination therapy: fluid therapy and an antiemetic (e.g. maropitant)
Clinical note: ⚠️ In outpatient parvovirus, to cover secondary bacterial infection / sepsis from gut-barrier breakdown. It does not treat the virus itself. Only for mild-to-moderate cases; a patient with severe dehydration, shock or obtundation must be hospitalised.
Periodontal disease
DogSource: EU SPC (cefovecin)
8 mg/kg SC · single dose — adjunct to dental therapy
Clinical note: Only as an adjunct to mechanical/surgical periodontal therapy (Porphyromonas), not alone.
CatSource: EU SPC (cefovecin)
Cat: 8 mg/kg SC · single dose — adjunct to dental therapy
Clinical note: Only as an adjunct to mechanical/surgical periodontal therapy (Porphyromonas).
Dosage forms
Vial 800 mg (powder)
Safety and clinical notes
⛔ Key warning — very long half-life: about 65 days are needed to eliminate 97% of the dose; if a serious adverse reaction occurs, the drug cannot be withdrawn and effects can persist for weeks, needing prolonged supportive care.
Contraindicated in β-lactam (penicillin/cephalosporin) allergy; use with great caution in renal impairment (renal elimination).
Adverse effects: GI (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia) and lethargy; rare but serious myelotoxicity (neutropenia, anemia) — deaths reported post-FDA-approval; anaphylaxis reported.
Safety is not established in very young animals (under 8 weeks) or in pregnancy/lactation — use clinical judgment in parvo puppies.
🛡️ Stewardship: sub-therapeutic drug persists for weeks after treatment and selects for resistance; it is not first-line — use only when oral dosing is impractical, ideally after culture.
Reconstitution: dissolve the 800 mg vial in 10 mL sterile water (= 80 mg/mL; dose volume ≈ 0.1 mL/kg). Subcutaneous (SC) only. Refrigerate and use within 56 days.
