PARSIPPANY, N.J. — October 20, 2026
Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS), a global animal health company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Convenia® RTU for Dogs (cefovecin injectable suspension) for treating susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs. The long-acting injectable antibiotic is designed to provide up to 14 days of treatment with a single subcutaneous injection administered by a veterinary professional. The product is intended to help address challenges associated with administering oral antibiotics at home, including missed doses and difficulties maintaining treatment schedules. Convenia RTU for Dogs uses a more concentrated formulation than the existing Convenia product, allowing the same treatment dose to be delivered in a smaller volume. Zoetis said the formulation is designed to make single-injection treatment more practical for dogs of different sizes, particularly medium and large breeds. The approval expands the company’s veterinary dermatology portfolio, with the product expected to become available to veterinarians in the first quarter of 2027.
Single-Injection Formulation Designed to Support Treatment Adherence
Convenia RTU for Dogs is indicated for susceptible bacterial skin infections, including secondary superficial pyoderma, abscesses and wounds caused by susceptible strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Streptococcus canis (Group G). Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection and, according to Zoetis, is among the five most common reasons for veterinary visits involving dogs. By providing an extended course of antibiotic treatment through a single injection, the product is designed to reduce the need for owners to administer medication repeatedly at home. Zoetis said the higher-concentration formulation delivers the same dose in a smaller injection volume, supporting administration across dogs of different sizes. The new product joins Convenia, which received FDA approval in 2008 for treating susceptible bacterial skin infections in dogs and cats. Zoetis described Convenia RTU for Dogs as bioequivalent to the established Convenia product, drawing on the existing medicine’s clinical and real-world experience. The company said a study found that 86% of dogs required only one cefovecin injection to resolve their bacterial skin infection..
Evidence Highlights the Importance of Antibiotic Compliance
Zoetis cited research indicating that following prescribed antibiotic schedules can be challenging for pet owners. In two canine studies, only 27% of dog owners administered prescribed medication at the correct time intervals during short-term antibiotic treatment. Missing or irregular doses can compromise treatment effectiveness and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Veterinarian Dr. Valerie A. Fadok, DVM, PhD, Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dermatology, noted that busy schedules and the demands of frequent dosing can affect adherence to treatment recommendations. She said that when an injectable antibiotic is medically appropriate, administration by a veterinary professional can help ensure the prescribed dose is delivered. Zoetis also reported that more than 125 studies, including safety and microbiological isolate studies, were conducted to support the global registration of Convenia. The company said the new formulation builds on the established Convenia portfolio while offering a smaller injection volume. Antibiotic selection and use remain dependent on veterinary assessment, the infection being treated and the susceptibility of the causative bacteria.
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Zoetis Expands Its Veterinary Dermatology Portfolio
Convenia RTU for Dogs adds to Zoetis’ portfolio of animal health medicines and is intended to broaden treatment options for dogs with susceptible bacterial skin infections. Abhay Nayak, Executive Vice President and President of U.S. Commercial Operations at Zoetis, said the formulation builds on veterinarians’ experience with Convenia and is designed to make single-injection treatment practical for dogs of different sizes. The product’s safety information includes warnings for people with known hypersensitivity to penicillins or cephalosporins, who should avoid exposure, and it should not be used in cats because of toxicity risk. It is also contraindicated in animals with a history of allergic reactions to penicillins or cephalosporins. Reported side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite or anorexia, and lethargy. Zoetis, which operates in more than 100 countries, develops medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals and digital solutions for animal health. The company expects Convenia RTU for Dogs to become available to veterinarians in Q1 2027, supporting its efforts to provide additional treatment options for canine patients.
Source:::Zoetis,press release
