Abnormal ultrasound finding after Ceftiofur in horses

The FDA has received 59 reports of abnormal ultrasound finding in horses after Ceftiofur. That is 4.9% of all reports for this medicine, compared with 0.8% across reports for all horse medicines, so it is reported unusually often with this medicine.

59Reports

36%Marked serious

37%Recovered

3.4%Died or euthanised

5 daysTypical onset

How soon it started

Same day

2 4.7%

1–2 days

9 21%

3–7 days

19 44%

1–4 weeks

9 21%

Over a month

4 9.3%

How the animals did

Recovered

18 31%

Recovered with lasting effects

4 6.8%

Still unwell when reported

17 29%

Died

1 1.7%

Euthanised

1 1.7%

Not known

18 31%

Problems reported at the same time

Swelling

53 90%

Injection site reaction

50 85%

24 41%

10 17%

10 17%

6 10%

5 8.5%

5 8.5%

Age of the animals

Under 1 year

1–3 years

4–7 years

8–11 years

12+ years

About this medicine

Type: medicine.

Questions owners ask

Can Ceftiofur cause abnormal ultrasound finding in horses?: 59 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).

All reported side effects of Ceftiofur in horses · Medicines most reported with abnormal ultrasound finding