What is "cefovecin"

n. A cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections in cats and dogs.

Cefovecin ( INN) is an antibiotic of the cephalosporin class, licensed for the treatment of skin infections in cats and dogs. It is marketed by Zoetis under the trade name Convenia. It is the first single-dose injectable antibiotic for dogs and cats that assures owner compliance with dosing for the animal. It is used for the treatment of skin infections caused by Pasturella multocida in cats, and Staphylococcus intermedius/S. canis in dogs. The advantage of using injectable antibiotics is not missing a dose that can allow partially resistant microbes to recover during missed doses. The disadvantage is the durable presence of subtherapeutic concentrations in the weeks after the resolution of infections. This is associated with the development of resistance in microbes. It is effective, but should not be used in pregnant or lactating animals or in animals with a history of allergies to penicillin or cephalosporin drugs.