Liver problems after Cefazolin in dogs

84 reports to the FDA describe liver problems in dogs given Cefazolin. That is 20% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 4.6% across reports for all dog medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

84Reports
81%Marked serious
9.5%Recovered
56%Died or euthanised
5 daysTypical onset
SponsoredWorried about your pet? Ask a veterinarian online, 24/7

How soon it started

Same day
9 13%
1–2 days
22 31%
3–7 days
15 21%
1–4 weeks
14 20%
Over a month
11 15%

How the animals did

Recovered
7 8.3%
Recovered with lasting effects
1 1.2%
Still unwell when reported
24 29%
Died
17 20%
Euthanised
30 36%
Not known
5 6.0%

Problems reported at the same time

Age of the animals

Under 1 year
8
1–3 years
16
4–7 years
22
8–11 years
31
12+ years
7

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Cefazolin cause liver problems in dogs?
84 reports link the two, but a report alone does not prove the medicine was the cause: other illnesses, other medicines or coincidence can be involved. Your vet can judge it for your animal.
How soon after a dose was it reported?
In half of the reports with dates, it started within 5 days of the first dose.
What should I do?
Don't give another dose until you've spoken to your vet, and keep the packaging so you can tell them the product and dose. Your vet can also report it to the FDA (or you can, through the manufacturer or FDA form 1932a).

Liver problems with similar medicines

All reported side effects of Cefazolin in dogs · Medicines most reported with liver problems