Oxytetracycline is indicated for the control and treatment of bacterial infections, primarily in calves
INDICATIONS
- Bacterial Enteritis (Scours): Infections of the intestines caused by susceptible organisms like Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli (colibacillosis).
- Bacterial Pneumonia: Respiratory tract infections, such as “shipping fever complex” (pasteurellosis) caused by Pasteurella multocida.
- Other Livestock Infections: In sheep and goats, it can also be used to treat other infections like foot rot and diphtheria.
ADMINISTRATION
- Dosage: the typical dose in calves is two 250 mg tablets per 100 lb of body weight every 12 hours for up to 4 consecutive days.
- Administration Notes: The treatment should continue until the animal returns to normal and for 24-48 hours after symptoms subside, but generally not exceeding four days.
- Extra-label Use: While primarily approved for livestock, veterinarians may prescribe oxytetracycline tablets for “off-label” use in other species like dogs and cats to treat various infections (e.g., tick-borne diseases, respiratory issues, and specific eye infections), following specific veterinary instructions and cautions.