A second lot of Longisil, a veterinary injectable penicillin used mainly in larger livestock, is being recalled after an “unusually high” number of allergic reactions reported in treated dogs and cats.
Its manufacturer, Vetoquinol North America at Lavaltrie, Que., has voluntarily recalled lot number 0083, which was distributed in three vial sizes: 100 (0083-01), 250 (0083-02) and 500 millilitres (0083-03).
The recall, announced Monday by Health Canada, follows a similar recall of lot number 9224 in the same three vial sizes on Dec. 30 last year after reports of reactions in house pets.
Read Also
U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues
Cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were stronger on Friday, hitting fresh highs to end the week.
Since then, a new set of reports includes 12 dogs and a cat, all of which developed swelling and hives within minutes or hours of receiving an injection, Health Canada said.
Longisil is mainly used to treat various infections such as foot rot, erysipelas, strangles and clostridial infections in large animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, but is also sometimes used in cats and dogs, Health Canada said. The product is available only by prescription from a veterinarian.
Health Canada advised livestock producers and pet owners whose animals are being treated with Longisil to contact their veterinarians “immediately” if they notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction following use of the drug.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction range from mild to serious and can include skin rashes, swelling, and difficulty breathing and/or swallowing, the department said.
Veterinarians using Longisil to treat animals are asked to report any such “adverse events” to Vetoquinol and directly to Health Canada.
Health Canada said the drugmaker continues to investigate the cause of the allergic reactions with the recalled lots.
