# Oxytetracycline: veterinary dose and monograph

> Oxytetracycline is a veterinary antibiotic. Broad-spectrum tetracycline, primarily used in food animals. Indications include bovine respiratory disease (shipping fever); infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye, Moraxella bovis); bovine anaplasmosis (control + carrier elimination). This monograph lists 28 reference doses for dogs, cats, cattle, horses, goats and sheep and 11 more species, each with route, frequency and source, plus meat and milk withdrawal periods for food animals.

Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/oxytetracycline · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

## At a glance

- **Drug class:** Antibiotic
- **Also known as:** Liquamycin LA-200, Terramycin, Tetradure-300, Biomycin
- **Species with doses:** Dogs, Cats, Cattle, Horses, Goats, Sheep, Pigs, Birds, Rabbits, Guinea pigs, Reptiles, Chinchillas, Hamsters, Rats, Mice, Gerbils and Primates
- **General dose range:** 6.6–20 mg/kg IM q24–72h — check the species tables for the indication
- **Routes:** SC, IM, IV, PO
- **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026

## Indications

- Bovine respiratory disease (shipping fever)
- Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye, Moraxella bovis)
- Bovine anaplasmosis (control + carrier elimination)
- Foot rot
- Anthrax (treatment in food animals)
- Equine ehrlichiosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum)
- Equine Lyme disease
- Potomac Horse Fever
- Avian chlamydiosis

## Oxytetracycline dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

### Dogs

*Oxytetracycline doses for dogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Systemic susceptible infection | 20–22 mg/kg | PO | q8h | 7–14 days |

- Systemic susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924 (Greene 2006): 22 mg/kg PO q8h, or 20 mg/kg IM (repositol) q7d. Salmon poisoning (Neorickettsia): 7 mg/kg IV q8h ×3–5 d. Avoid in young/pregnant/breeding animals.

### Cats

*Oxytetracycline doses for cats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Feline haemoplasmosis (Mycoplasma haemofelis) | 10–25 mg/kg | PO | q8h | 5–7 days |

- Feline haemoplasmosis (Mycoplasma haemofelis): Plumb's p.924 (Greene 2006): 10–25 mg/kg PO or IV q8h; may not clear infection. Cats tolerate tetracyclines poorly — monitor for anorexia/fever.

### Cattle

*Oxytetracycline doses for cattle*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BRD / pinkeye / foot-rot (LA formulation) | 20 mg/kg | SC | once or q72–96h | — | 28d slaughter / 96h milk |
| Daily IM/SC/IV regimen (50/100 mg/mL) | 6.6–11 mg/kg | IM | q24h | up to 4 days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Anaplasmosis carrier elimination (LA-200) | 20 mg/kg | IM | q3 days x 4 doses | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Anthrax | 4.4 mg/kg | IM | q24h | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- BRD / pinkeye / foot-rot (LA formulation): Plumb’s p.924 (LA-200 label): range cattle pneumonia or pinkeye 20 mg/kg SC or IM once (Tetradure-300: 20–30 mg/kg once); alternatively 6.6–11 mg/kg daily. Pneumonia 20 mg/kg IM q48h (Hjerpe); LA 20 mg/kg IM q3–4 days (Beech). Papich 5e: long-acting 20 mg/kg IM single dose. Max 10 mL per site, in the neck. Label: 28-day slaughter withdrawal; follow the local label for milk.
- Daily IM/SC/IV regimen (50/100 mg/mL): Plumb’s p.924 (label): 6.6–11 mg/kg IM, SC or IV (slowly) once daily, 11 mg/kg for severe foot rot, continuing 24–48 h after remission but not more than 4 consecutive days; 11 mg/kg IM/SC q24h or IV q12–24h (Beech). Papich 5e: 11 mg/kg q12h IV. Rapid IV injection can cause collapse. Withdrawal depends on the product — follow its label.
- Anaplasmosis carrier elimination (LA-200): Plumb’s p.924 (Richey 1986): LA-200 20 mg/kg deep IM, split between two sites, 4 treatments at 3-day intervals; with 50–100 mg/mL products 22 mg/kg daily for 5 days or 11 mg/kg for 10 days. Clinical cases: 20 mg/kg once. Extra-label regimen — obtain a FARAD withdrawal.
- Anthrax: Plumb’s p.924 (Kaufmann 1986): 4.4 mg/kg IM or IV daily. Do not use in healthy animals recently vaccinated with live anthrax vaccine. Obtain a withdrawal (FARAD).

### Horses

*Oxytetracycline doses for horses*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Equine granulocytic / monocytic ehrlichiosis | 6.6 mg/kg | IV | q24h | 5 days |
| Lyme disease | 5–6.6 mg/kg | IV | q12h | 3–4 weeks |
| Flexural limb deformity in foals | 44–70 mg/kg | IV | once, may repeat once | — |
| Potomac horse fever (Neorickettsia risticii), early | 6.6 mg/kg | IV | q12h | usually ≤5 days |

- Equine granulocytic / monocytic ehrlichiosis: Plumb’s p.925 (Bentz 2007): drug of choice, 6.6 mg/kg IV q24h — dilute at least 1:1 (or in 0.5–1 L fluids) and give slowly to avoid muscle tremors, agitation or collapse. Granulocytic ehrlichiosis: 7 mg/kg once daily for 5–7 days (Madigan & Pusterla 2000).
- Lyme disease: Plumb’s p.925 (Weese 2009): 5–6.6 mg/kg IV q12h for 3–4 weeks — preferred treatment to eliminate persistent B. burgdorferi. Dilute and give slowly IV.
- Flexural limb deformity in foals: Papich 5e: 44 mg/kg, up to 70 mg/kg (2-3 g per foal) slow IV to relax the deformity. Far above the antibacterial dose and used for its calcium-chelating effect, not infection. Give slowly and ensure the foal is well hydrated - nephrotoxicity is the limiting risk.
- Potomac horse fever (Neorickettsia risticii), early: Plumb’s p.925 (Madigan & Pusterla 2000): 6.6 mg/kg IV twice daily, rarely needed beyond 5 days. Papich 5e: 10 mg/kg q24h IM or slow IV. Always dilute and give slowly IV.

### Goats

*Oxytetracycline doses for goats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Anthrax | 4.4 mg/kg | IM | q24h | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Enteritis (E. coli) / pneumonia (P. multocida) — in drinking water | 22 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 7–14 days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Anthrax: Plumb’s p.925 (Kaufmann 1986): sheep & goats 4.4 mg/kg IM or IV daily. Do not use in healthy animals recently vaccinated against anthrax (the live vaccine’s protection may be negated).
- Enteritis (E. coli) / pneumonia (P. multocida) — in drinking water: Plumb’s p.925 (Fajt 2008): sheep & goats 22 mg/kg in the drinking water daily for 7–14 days (oral, not injectable).

### Sheep

*Oxytetracycline doses for sheep*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Anthrax | 4.4 mg/kg | IM | q24h | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Campylobacteriosis outbreak in pregnant ewes (long-acting) | 20 mg/kg | IM | once | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Enteritis (E. coli) / pneumonia (P. multocida) — in drinking water | 22 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 7–14 days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Anthrax: Plumb’s p.925 (Kaufmann 1986): sheep & goats 4.4 mg/kg IM or IV daily. Do not use in animals recently given live anthrax vaccine. Obtain a withdrawal (FARAD).
- Campylobacteriosis outbreak in pregnant ewes (long-acting): Plumb’s p.925 (Menzies 2008): in an outbreak treat all pregnant ewes with long-acting oxytetracycline 20 mg/kg; for large flocks tetracycline may instead be fed at 250–300 mg/head/day until lambing is finished.
- Enteritis (E. coli) / pneumonia (P. multocida) — in drinking water: Plumb’s p.925 (Fajt 2008): 22 mg/kg in the drinking water daily for 7–14 days (oral, not injectable). Observe meat/milk withdrawal for the product used.

### Pigs

*Oxytetracycline doses for pigs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pasteurella pneumonia (Tetradure-300) | 20 mg/kg | IM | once | — | 28d slaughter |
| Susceptible infection — daily regimen | 6.6–11 mg/kg | IM | q24h | max 4 consecutive days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Pasteurella pneumonia (Tetradure-300): Plumb’s p.925 (Tetradure-300 label): 20 mg/kg IM once where retreatment is impractical, or 6.6–11 mg/kg IM daily for up to 4 days; dilute for pigs ≤11.4 kg at the lower doses. Papich 5e: 20 mg/kg q48h IM. Label slaughter withdrawal 28 days (confirm locally).
- Susceptible infection — daily regimen: Plumb’s p.925 (Tetradure-300 label) and Papich 5e: 6.6–11 mg/kg IM once daily, continued 24–48 h after signs resolve, not exceeding 4 days; dilute for pigs ≤11 kg. Papich also lists 20 mg/kg q48h IM. Sows (enteritis control in piglets): 6.6 mg/kg IM once ~8 h before or right after farrowing.

### Buffalo

No buffalo-specific doses are on file, so buffalo are dosed as cattle.

*Oxytetracycline doses for buffalo*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| BRD / pinkeye / foot-rot (LA formulation) | 20 mg/kg | SC | once or q72–96h | — | 28d slaughter / 96h milk |
| Daily IM/SC/IV regimen (50/100 mg/mL) | 6.6–11 mg/kg | IM | q24h | up to 4 days | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Anaplasmosis carrier elimination (LA-200) | 20 mg/kg | IM | q3 days x 4 doses | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Anthrax | 4.4 mg/kg | IM | q24h | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- BRD / pinkeye / foot-rot (LA formulation): Plumb’s p.924 (LA-200 label): range cattle pneumonia or pinkeye 20 mg/kg SC or IM once (Tetradure-300: 20–30 mg/kg once); alternatively 6.6–11 mg/kg daily. Pneumonia 20 mg/kg IM q48h (Hjerpe); LA 20 mg/kg IM q3–4 days (Beech). Papich 5e: long-acting 20 mg/kg IM single dose. Max 10 mL per site, in the neck. Label: 28-day slaughter withdrawal; follow the local label for milk.
- Daily IM/SC/IV regimen (50/100 mg/mL): Plumb’s p.924 (label): 6.6–11 mg/kg IM, SC or IV (slowly) once daily, 11 mg/kg for severe foot rot, continuing 24–48 h after remission but not more than 4 consecutive days; 11 mg/kg IM/SC q24h or IV q12–24h (Beech). Papich 5e: 11 mg/kg q12h IV. Rapid IV injection can cause collapse. Withdrawal depends on the product — follow its label.
- Anaplasmosis carrier elimination (LA-200): Plumb’s p.924 (Richey 1986): LA-200 20 mg/kg deep IM, split between two sites, 4 treatments at 3-day intervals; with 50–100 mg/mL products 22 mg/kg daily for 5 days or 11 mg/kg for 10 days. Clinical cases: 20 mg/kg once. Extra-label regimen — obtain a FARAD withdrawal.
- Anthrax: Plumb’s p.924 (Kaufmann 1986): 4.4 mg/kg IM or IV daily. Do not use in healthy animals recently vaccinated with live anthrax vaccine. Obtain a withdrawal (FARAD).

### Birds

*Oxytetracycline doses for birds*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Psittacosis (LA-200) | 50 mg/kg | IM | q3–5 days | — |
| Psittacosis outbreak in breeding birds (LA-200, short course) | 200 mg/kg | IM | q24h | 3–5 days |

- Psittacosis (LA-200): Plumb’s p.925 (McDonald 1989): LA-200 (200 mg/mL) 50 mg/kg IM once every 3–5 days, used alongside other tetracycline forms. Severe local tissue reactions possible.
- Psittacosis outbreak in breeding birds (LA-200, short course): Plumb’s p.925 (Clubb 1986): LA-200 200 mg/kg IM once daily for 3–5 days to control an outbreak while birds are transitioned to oral doxycycline or chlortetracycline. Severe injection-site reactions possible.

### Rabbits

*Oxytetracycline doses for rabbits*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible / E. cuniculi | 15–50 mg/kg | PO | q24h | — |

- Susceptible / E. cuniculi: Plumb's p.924 (Ivey & Morrisey 2000): rabbits 15 mg/kg SC/IM q8h, or 15–50 mg/kg PO q24h, or 1 mg/mL drinking water. E. cuniculi: 20 mg/kg SC q24h (Bryan 2009).

### Guinea pigs

*Oxytetracycline doses for guinea pigs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection | 50 mg/kg | PO | q12h | — |

- Susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924: 50 mg/kg PO q12h.

### Reptiles

*Oxytetracycline doses for reptiles*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ulcerative stomatitis (turtles/tortoises, Vibrio) | 10 mg/kg | PO | q24h | 7 days |

- Ulcerative stomatitis (turtles/tortoises, Vibrio): Plumb's p.925 (Gauvin 1993): turtles & tortoises 10 mg/kg PO once daily ×7 days.

### Chinchillas

*Oxytetracycline doses for chinchillas*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection | 50 mg/kg | PO | q12h | — |

- Susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924 (Hayes 2000; Adamcak & Otten 2000): 50 mg/kg PO q12h.

### Hamsters

*Oxytetracycline doses for hamsters*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection | 16 mg/kg | SC | q24h | — |

- Susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924: hamsters 16 mg/kg SC q24h.

### Rats

*Oxytetracycline doses for rats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection | 10–20 mg/kg | PO | q8h | — |

- Susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924: rats 10–20 mg/kg PO q8h, or 6–10 mg/kg IM q12h.

### Mice

*Oxytetracycline doses for mice*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection | 10–20 mg/kg | PO | q8h | — |

- Susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924: mice 10–20 mg/kg PO q8h.

### Gerbils

*Oxytetracycline doses for gerbils*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection | 10–20 mg/kg | PO | q8h | — |

- Susceptible infection: Plumb's p.924: gerbils 10 mg/kg PO q8h or 20 mg/kg SC q24h.

### Primates

*Oxytetracycline doses for primates*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Susceptible infection (monkeys) | 10 mg/kg | IM | q24h | — |

- Susceptible infection (monkeys): Carpenter Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 13-1 (p.683): monkeys 10 mg/kg SC/IM q24h, or 25–50 mg/kg PO.

## Contraindications

Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy (first half) — deciduous tooth discolouration, fetal skeletal effects (greater risk than doxycycline). Renal/hepatic impairment (use caution and reduce dose). Cats tolerate poorly.

## Species-specific warnings

> **Caution:** Horses: IV must be SLOW (≥5 min) — rapid bolus causes hypotension, collapse, sudden death. SC injection causes severe tissue necrosis — IM only.

> **Caution:** Cattle: Withdrawal periods vary by product strength: short-acting 50 mg/mL = 22 d meat / 4 d milk; long-acting 200 mg/mL (LA-200) = 28 d meat / 4 d milk.

> **Caution:** Dogs: Less preferred than doxycycline for small animals — more GI upset, more frequent dosing, less tissue penetration. Use doxy unless cost-constrained.

> **Caution:** Cats: Avoid in cats when doxycycline available — same oesophageal stricture risk + more GI side effects.

> **Caution:** Goats: Goats clear tetracyclines faster than cattle — may need q8–12h dosing. Same withdrawal periods.

> **Caution:** Sheep: Footrot dose 10 mg/kg IM single — but extra-label, no approved sheep product in many jurisdictions.

## Adverse effects

- Yellow/brown/grey staining of bones and teeth in young animals
- Ruminoreticular stasis at high oral doses (ruminants)
- Intravascular haemolysis, cardiodepression on rapid IV (propylene-glycol carrier)
- Local injection-site reactions, yellow staining, necrosis
- Photosensitivity
- Diarrhoea in stressed horses (oral)

## Drug interactions

- Aluminium / magnesium / calcium / iron / zinc / dairy products: chelate oxytet — separate by 2–4 h. Avoid milk replacers within 4 h of oral dose in calves.
- Sucralfate / antacids: same chelation issue
- Penicillins / cephalosporins: theoretical antagonism (bacteriostatic vs. bactericidal) — usually clinically irrelevant
- Methoxyflurane / general anaesthetics: increased nephrotoxicity risk
- Insulin: may potentiate hypoglycaemic effect
- Warfarin: may potentiate anticoagulant effect
- Phenobarbital / phenytoin: induce hepatic metabolism — may shorten half-life

## Pregnancy and lactation

AVOID in pregnant animals — tetracyclines bind developing fetal teeth and bone, causing yellow-brown discoloration and enamel hypoplasia. Crosses placenta freely. Enters milk. Use alternative tetracyclines or other classes during pregnancy and lactation. FDA Category D (human).

## Monitoring

- Renal function (BUN, creatinine) — baseline and during prolonged courses
- Hepatic enzymes if treatment >2 weeks
- Injection-site for sterile abscess / tissue necrosis (rotate sites)
- Withdrawal periods: short-acting LA preparations 22 d meat / 4 d milk; long-acting LA-200 28 d meat / 4 d milk
- Photosensitivity in lightly pigmented / outdoor animals

## Toxicity and overdose

IV bolus in horses and small animals: hypotension, collapse, sudden death (rapid Ca chelation, cardiotoxicity) — give SLOWLY (over 5–10 min). Cattle and sheep generally tolerate IV/IM. Nephrotoxicity (acute tubular necrosis) from outdated / breakdown products — discard expired stock. SC injection: severe tissue irritation, sterile abscess. Photosensitivity rare. Hepatotoxicity at very high cumulative doses.

Management: No specific antidote. Discontinue. IV calcium gluconate if cardiotoxic / hypotensive reaction from rapid IV (chelation antagonism). IV fluids for renal protection. Anti-emetic for vomiting. GI decontamination if oral ingestion <2 h. Photosensitivity: avoid sun. Monitor renal and hepatic function for 5–7 days post-exposure.

## Clinical pearls

- LA-200 (long-acting 200 mg/mL): 20 mg/kg IM lasts 72 h — convenient one-shot for cattle BRD
- Foot rot in cattle / sheep: 10 mg/kg IM single dose often curative
- Anaplasmosis in cattle: 22 mg/kg IM daily for 5 days, or LA-200 q72h × 2 doses
- Honey bee European foulbrood: 0.2 g per colony in syrup — only approved use in apiculture
- IV in horses: must be SLOW (≥5 min) — rapid bolus can be fatal
- Tetracycline-induced renal failure in dehydrated patients — ensure adequate hydration before parenteral dose
- Outdated stock = nephrotoxic Fanconi-like syndrome — always check expiry

## Mechanism of action

First-generation tetracycline. Reversibly binds the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking aminoacyl-tRNA attachment and inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Bacteriostatic. Active concentration-dependent against many Gram-positive, Gram-negative, atypical (Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma), and protozoal (Anaplasma) organisms. Less lipophilic and shorter half-life than doxycycline — needs more frequent dosing.

## Formulations and products

- Standard injection 50 mg/mL
- Standard injection 100 mg/mL
- Long-acting LA-200 200 mg/mL
- Tetradure-300 300 mg/mL
- Tetracycline WSP VET 50 mg/g powder (MSD) — water-soluble
- Tetracycline WSP VET (MSD Animal Health) — 50 mg/g (5 %), Water-soluble powder
- Oxetera (Assure Biotech, Jagadhri (HR)) — 50 mg/mL, Injection - IM or IV

## Storage

Powder / tablets: 15–25 °C, dry, protected from light. Reconstituted injectable: protect from light, use within recommended period (varies by product — typically discard 28 d after broaching multidose vial). Discard expired stock — degradation products are nephrotoxic. Long-acting LA-200 formulations: do NOT freeze.

## Before you use this dose

> **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

## Other antibiotics

- [Nitrofurantoin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/nitrofurantoin)
- [Norfloxacin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/norfloxacin)
- [Orbifloxacin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/orbifloxacin)
- [Ornidazole](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/ornidazole)
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- [Pirlimycin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/pirlimycin)
- [Polymyxin B](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/polymyxin-b)
- [Pradofloxacin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/pradofloxacin)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dose of Oxytetracycline for dogs?

Reference doses for Oxytetracycline in dogs: 20–22 mg/kg PO q8h for 7–14 days (Systemic susceptible infection). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Oxytetracycline for cats?

Reference doses for Oxytetracycline in cats: 10–25 mg/kg PO q8h for 5–7 days (Feline haemoplasmosis (Mycoplasma haemofelis)). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Oxytetracycline for cattle?

Reference doses for Oxytetracycline in cattle: 20 mg/kg SC once or q72–96h (BRD / pinkeye / foot-rot (LA formulation)); 6.6–11 mg/kg IM q24h for up to 4 days (Daily IM/SC/IV regimen (50/100 mg/mL)); 20 mg/kg IM q3 days x 4 doses (Anaplasmosis carrier elimination (LA-200)); 4.4 mg/kg IM q24h (Anthrax). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the withdrawal period for Oxytetracycline?

Cattle, SC (BRD / pinkeye / foot-rot (LA formulation)): 28d slaughter / 96h milk; Cattle, IM (Daily IM/SC/IV regimen (50/100 mg/mL)): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Cattle, IM (Anaplasmosis carrier elimination (LA-200)): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Cattle, IM (Anthrax): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Goats, IM (Anthrax): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Goats, PO (Enteritis (E. coli) / pneumonia (P. multocida) — in drinking water): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; see the tables on this page for the remaining 5. Follow the product label and national regulations where they differ.

### When should Oxytetracycline not be used?

Hypersensitivity. Pregnancy (first half) — deciduous tooth discolouration, fetal skeletal effects (greater risk than doxycycline). Renal/hepatic impairment (use caution and reduce dose). Cats tolerate poorly.

### What are the side effects of Oxytetracycline in animals?

Yellow/brown/grey staining of bones and teeth in young animals; Ruminoreticular stasis at high oral doses (ruminants); Intravascular haemolysis, cardiodepression on rapid IV (propylene-glycol carrier); Local injection-site reactions, yellow staining, necrosis; Photosensitivity; Diarrhoea in stressed horses (oral).

## Sources

- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition
- Carpenter, Exotic Animal Formulary

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VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.