Letters: Use of cefovecin in dogs with superficial pyoderma

A recent article in Veterinary Medicine (Clearing it all up: A review of new dermatology drugs, December 2011) contained information about a Pfizer Animal Health anti-infective product, Convenia (cefovecin sodium), that we'd like to clarify. Contrary to the information presented in the article, Convenia is labeled, and thus recommended, to treat secondary superficial pyoderma, abscesses, and wounds caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus intermedius or Streptococcus canis (Group G) in canine patients.

Convenia was evaluated for safety and efficacy in treating naturally occurring skin infections in dogs. In the clinical efficacy study, client-owned dogs (n=320) with skin infections were enrolled in a double blinded study where they received either Convenia or an active control cephalosporin administered twice a day for 14 or 28 days. Dogs were evaluated on days 0, 7, 14, and 28 if one course of treatment was administered, or on day 42 if a second course of treatment was administered. The results showed that Convenia was non-inferior to the active control. Twenty-eight days after the initiation of the final course of therapy, 92.4% (n=109) of the Convenia-treated dogs were successfully treated, compared to 92.3% (n=108) of the active control group.

Pfizer Animal Health consistently strives to communicate clearly about the appropriate use of our products, and, ultimately, we are governed by the approved FDA-CVM label. With that in mind, we appreciate the opportunity to clarify appropriate, and effective, use of Convenia in canine patients. Full prescribing information for Convenia may be found at http://animalhealth.pfizer.com/sites/pahweb/US/EN/Products/pdf/Convenia%20PI.pdf.

Tara Bidgood, DVM, PhD, DACVCP

Director, Veterinary Operations

Pfizer Animal Health