The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Convenia RTU for Dogs, a ready-to-use cefovecin injectable suspension for treating skin infections caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Streptococcus canis (Group G). The newly approved product contains cefovecin sodium, a third-generation cephalosporin antimicrobial, and is indicated for use in dogs only. Although it shares the active ingredient with Convenia, approved in 2008 for dogs and cats, the new formulation contains benzyl benzoate and propylene glycol, which may be toxic to cats. Convenia RTU for Dogs has a concentration of 160 mg/mL, double that of the original formulation. It is supplied in a 10-mL multidose vial containing 1,600 mg of cefovecin and is available by prescription through licensed veterinarians. The FDA advises veterinarians to shake the vial for 60 seconds before each use and administer the suspension using a 20-gauge needle. Zoetis Inc., based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, received FDA approval for the product.
