Convenia Long-Acting Antibiotic Injection

“Awwww, Doc, can’t you just give him a shot?”

Usually that question comes from a pet lover in the form of an objection to having to give oral medications for a two week or longer time period. Up until now our answer has been, “No, an antibiotic injection will last 12 to 24 hours, then we would have to give another one. Do you want to come in every day for 14 days for injections at $35.00 each?”

But the times, they are a’changing.

Enter Convenia, the long-acting antibiotic from Pfizer Animal Health that lasts 10 to 14 days with a single injection. Convenia is more than just penicillin. It’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic (in the simplest terms that means it kills a lot of different kinds of bacteria), so it can be used in a wide variety of infected organ systems and clinical and hospital situations.

Convenia isn’t right for every infection. If it were, it would be the only antibiotic on the market. Instead, there are hundreds and hundreds of antibiotics, each with a situation or organism on which it works best.

If my pet were a patient, I would sure ask my pet’s doctor if Convenia were right for him.

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165 Comments to “Convenia Long-Acting Antibiotic Injection”

  1. Dr. James W. Randolph 21 March 2012 at 7:26 pm #

    Susan, as many intestinal problems are related to hypersensitivity to food-related items, your first veterinarian was correct to try a diet change. As often happens, the doctor giving the second opinion has the advantage of knowing what the first veterinarian has tried that didn’t work. Bottom line? Your kitty is better and everyone is happy.

  2. Sue Kearney 21 March 2012 at 6:12 pm #

    Our cat suffered with an intestinal infection for 6 months. I took him to a new veterinarian and the doctor gave him a series of two shots of Convenia two weeks apart, and it was like a miracle. The former veterinarian changed his diet, treated him with other antibotics and nothing worked until he received Convenia. We will be forever grateful for this wonderful drug.

  3. Dr. James W. Randolph 13 March 2012 at 12:28 pm #

    Vickie, if it’s working, certainly no one is going to argue with it!

  4. Vickie Malis 12 March 2012 at 7:59 pm #

    My cat Chobe has had chronic pancreatitis for almost 2 years. He is maintained on an oral antibiotic but recently had an acute episode when it got a lot worse. Chobe has now had 2 Convenia injections (I’m getting ready to give him his third injection) and he is MUCH better. His insulin needs have gone back down and he is much more active – almost symptom free. I understand that antibiotics don’t necessarily work for an acute episode of chronic pancreatitis – but it has sure helped my kitty and I thank you.

  5. Dr. James W. Randolph 6 March 2012 at 3:16 pm #

    Cynthia, sometimes what LOOKS like UTI isn’t. Click here to read a single post about Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, in which we discuss some of the potential complicating factors. As you have time you can click here to access a list of posts we’ve written on the topic. Read those and you’ll be well-educated when you go back to talk to your local veterinarian about exactly what is causing your kitty’s difficulty. Only he can tell you exactly what’s going on.

  6. Cynthia 6 March 2012 at 1:03 pm #

    Hi Doc, my cat was given Convenia for her UTI which was very bad (blood and all) on Friday night and today is Tuesday. I thought she was doing well, until this morning when I saw blood on my floor again. I was so heartbroken all over again. I thought was recovering and now blood again. She is also on methigel, and special food to help her with her UTI. What do you think this could be?

  7. Dr. James W. Randolph 20 January 2012 at 9:50 pm #

    I’m sorry, but Convenia, like all antibiotics, is a prescription medication, and can only be dispensed from a veterinarian with whom you have a doctor-client-patient relationship. Please see your veterinarian for care.

  8. Queen 20 January 2012 at 9:43 pm #

    Im a 10 month greatdane female i need convenia again…my mother put like 3000$ on me since 6 month i had demodex ive been sterilised for less come back of this and after all that i loose my fur my skin is dry i try the natural method since one week…can i die fault of no convenia my weight 120 pound im lazy , anxiety , shake … =( how much for convenia please help be i buy right now i love my mother and she love me im her queen wait for answer thks xx

  9. Dr. James W. Randolph 20 January 2012 at 9:32 pm #

    We are saddened to hear of the passing of your kitty, Woody. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and what your veterinarian had to say about the cause of death.

  10. woody 20 January 2012 at 9:23 pm #

    Nine year old male cat with Crylotkorax. Doctor drained the chest area of cat drawing about eight ounces of fluid. Doctor then give cat Convenia and Vetalog when stable. On hour later cat had rapid breathing and heart rate. Dealth resulted. Any feed back?

  11. Dr. James W. Randolph 15 August 2011 at 5:57 pm #

    Debbie, there are so many factors in upper respiratory tract infections of cats there is no way to give a one-size-fits-all answer. Fever, congestion, amount and location of congestion, whether cough is present in addition to sneezing, other complicating factors, such as diarrhea, percentage of illness caused by viral disease versus bacterial disease (I could go on and on). I would say if my kitty were not eating in 3 days or if he were not substantially improved in his respiratory tract signs in a week I’d be on the phone, making another appointment with my veterinarian. Best wishes, Dr. Randolph.

  12. Debbie 7 August 2011 at 4:25 pm #

    My 10 week old kitten was given Convenia for a upper respiratory infection. How long does it take to see improvement? He is sneezing and coughing.

  13. Lexis 11 April 2011 at 4:18 pm #

    My cat Max 19 months old had a large open wound on Friday his skin was torn up and you could could see the muscle on his gluteous. We don’t know how this happen since he is an outdoor cat during the day. We took him to the vet on Saturday and they flush and closed the wound. He also got an injection of Convenia. First when he was examined on Saturday he had a temperature of 103. Is Monday now and his temperature is over 104. I when back to the vet and got another antibiotic injection Baytril and IV fluids. I don’t understand why the first antibiotic Convenia didn’t work since is a long lasting antibiotic? I’m concern about his still fever and how long is going to take to be resolved? Thanks!

  14. Robert 20 December 2010 at 7:05 am #

    Update 2: The barium moved through to her colon over 6 hours. They described this as “slow, but no clear indication of an obstruction.” I brought her home and she is resting. I removed the fentanyl patch and that seems to have helped slightly although she is clearly in discomfort still as evidenced by her whining. Basically, 3 days, $2,000 and many injections and stressful trauma to her later? They still don’t know anything definitive as to a cause. I’m beside myself and inclined to keep her home for awhile longer to see if she improves/develops any appetite. VERY heartbreaking/frustrating.

  15. Robert 20 December 2010 at 12:07 am #

    Dog is in emergency care facility for past 9 hours undergoing barium xrays to check for blockages. So far, no blockage detected and barium is 1/2 thru intestines. Will call in 3 hours for status report and I’m told if no blockage is detected, they will keep her overnight and try to feed her. Until they detect blockage (likely necessitating surgery?) or she eats on her own if no blockage is found, they will keep her there on IV fluids.
    P.S. so far the bill is $2,200 and they still don’t know what’s wrong and she still wont eat or drink on her own.


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