Supplements / Supportives (Vitamins & Minerals)

29.1.5 Supplements / Supportives (Vitamins & Minerals)

Nutritional insufficiency is common in developing countries due to short supplies of affordable high quality feeds, and parasite infections. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are especially common. The best treatment for these conditions is to provide a good diet – not to use expensive injections. However in some situations, injections are also given to help the animal recover its appetite and health quickly. See page 106 for more details on good diets.

IRON DEXTRAN

Indications: Iron dextran is most often needed for piglets. It may also be needed for animals that have lost a large amount of blood from an injury, or from severe parasite infestations.

Warning: Calculate the dose carefully and keep away from children.

Dosage and Route:

Horses- 500-1,000 mg IM (Split into 2-3 sites) every 7 days Swine- 100-200 mg IM, 1-4 day old pigs; or 50-100 mg IM, every 7 days Dogs- 10-20 mg IM once Cats- 50 mg IM once Withdrawal Period: None required VITAMIN A & D INJECTION Indications: Vitamins A & D may be deficient when feed quality is lacking. The concentration and directions for use may vary from country to country. The doses listed are a guide for the U.S. products which contain 500,000 IU vitamin A and 75,000 IU vitamin D3 per ml.

Precautions: The injection can be quite painful, make certain the animal is properly restrained.

Dosage and Route:

Cattle- Adult 2-4 ml IM Yearlings 1-2 ml IM Calves 0.5 - 1.0 ml IM Swine- Adult 1-2 ml IM Growing 0.5 - 1.0 ml IM Baby Pigs 0.25-0.5 ml IM Sheep Adult 1-2 ml IM Fattening Lambs 0.5-1.0 ml IM Lambs 0.25-0.5 ml IM Note: They can also be given orally. Follow the label directions, do not exceed label directions, these vitamins can be toxic if given too long.

Withdrawal Period: Meat 60 days VITAMIN B-COMPLEX INJECTION Indications: The B-complex vitamins are an assortment of closely related B and other vitamins. The concentration and directions may vary from country to country. The doses listed are a guide.

Precautions: Protect from light, sunlight and heat, which can destroy these vitamins. The products may stain if spilled on skin or clothing. The injection can be quite painful, make certain the animal is properly restrained.

Dosage and Route: Read label carefully.

Withdrawal Period: None required CALCIUM INJECTIONS (Calboral, Mifex, etc.)

Needed for high producing animals which collapse (e.g. Milk Fever, See page 270.) This is rarely needed except in high-producing dairy cows. Chronically malnourished animals should be treated orally. If needed for Milk Fever, be careful to follow labels on bottle carefully. Never give calcium too quickly IV. Instead give slowly, drop by drop.