Laboratory evaluation of the use of cefovecin in healthy dogs

Abstract

Cefovecin is the third generation semi synthetic cephalosporin. The drug is indicated for treatment of skin and urinary infections. The main difference between cefovecin and the others cephalosporins is the highest plasma protein binding, providing an extend action. Due to lack of laboratory studies demonstrating changes caused by the use of cefovecin, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cefovecin therapy on the serum proteins, hemogram, urea and creatinine activities, blood gas, platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count. Ten healthy dogs (males n=4; females n=6), average weight of 10.03±3.54 kg were used. The animals were kept in individual cages all over the experiment. The animals were submitted to the clinical and laboratory examinations as an inclusion criterion for the experiment. Sodium cefovecin (Convenia®) was subcutaneously administered (8mg/ kg) to the dogs. Clinical evaluation and laboratorial analysis was performed prior and at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days post treatment (dpt). Despite to be in accordance with the reference values, it was observed a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in total serum protein, globulin, hemoglobin and packed cell volume at 21 dpt. The platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count were increased at seven and 21 days (p>0.05), respectively. No changes in urea and creatinine activities, blood gas and leukocyte values were observed in the dogs after the administration of cefovecin. In conclusion, cefovecin can be administered in healthy dogs without causing significant laboratory abnormalities.