Dosages of Cephalosporins

Cephalexin

Cats

15–35 mg/kg, PO, q 6–12 h

Dogs

15–45 mg/kg, PO, q 6–12 h

Cefazolin

Dogs, cats

15–35 mg/kg, IM, SC, or IV, q 6–8 h

Horses

10–20 mg/kg, IV, q 6–8 h; 15–20 mg/kg, IV, q 8–12 h (foals)

Cefpodoxime

Dogs, cats

5–10 mg/kg, PO, q 12–24 h

Foals

10 mg/kg, PO, q 6–12 h

Not absorbed in adult horses

Cefovecin

Dogs, cats

8 mg/kg, SC, q 14 d

Cefoxitin

Dogs, cats

20–30 mg/kg, IV, q 6–8 h

Cefotaxime

Dogs, cats

50 mg/kg, IV, q 12 h

Foals

20–40 mg/kg, IV, q 6–12 h

Cefadroxil

Dogs, cats

22 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h

Ceftiofur sodium

Horses

2.2–4.4 mg/kg, IV or IM, q 12–24 h; 10 mg/kg, IM or IV, q 6–12 h (foals)

Cattle

1.1–-2.2 mg/kg, IM or SC, q 24 h for 3–5 days

Acute postpartum metritis: 2.2 mg/kg, IM or SC (2 mL sterile suspension per 45 kg [100 lb]), daily q 24 h for 5 consecutive days. Do not inject more than >15 mL per injection site).

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and acute bovine interdigital necrobacillosis: 1.1 – 2.2 mg/kg, IM or SC (1– 2 mL sterile suspension per 45kg [100 lb]), q 24 h for a total of 3 consecutive days.

ELDU prohibited

Swine

For swine bacterial respiratory infections (label dosage; FDA-approved): 3 –5 mg/kg, IM, q 24 h for a total of 3 consecutive days

ELDU prohibited

Ceftiofur crystalline-free acid

Horses

6.6 mg/kg, IM, at 0 and 96 h; 6.6 mg/kg, SC, q 72 h (foals)

Cattle

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and bovine interdigital necrobacillosis in beef, non-lactating dairy, and lactating dairy cattle: 6.6 mg/kg, SC, once in the base of the ear

Acute metritis in lactating dairy cattle: 6.6 mg/kg, SC, in the base of the ear, repeat dose (in opposite ear) in 72 h.

ELDU prohibited

Swine

Swine respiratory disease (SRD): 5.0 mg/kg, IM, once in the post-auricular region; do not give more than >2 mL per injection site

ELDU prohibited