medication labels

Understanding how to read medication labels is an essential part of livestock production and maintaining ethical disease treatment practices. Let’s dive deeper into reading medication labels.
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​A large section of the label will tell you the name of the medication and how much volume is in the bottle. For example, this medication’s name is Clostridium Perfringens Types C & D- Tetanus Toxoid, more commonly known as CD & T. The maker of the medication is also on this portion of label; the maker is BAR-VAC. The volume of this bottle is 50 mL. According to the label, 50 mL is enough to treat 10 head of cattle or 25 head of sheep.

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​This section of label talks about indications for administration, directions and dosage, and what method to use for injection. For CD & T, the label states to administer 2 mL of the vaccination sub-Q and to repeat in 21-28 days. Ensure that you are reading the dosage for sheep and not for cattle.

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​This section of label includes special indications for the medication. For CD & T, the label reads to store out of direct sunlight at 35-46*F, meaning it would have to be refrigerated. This medication should avoid being frozen, shaken before use, and use entire contents when first opened. This means you cannot reuse the bottle once it is opened and medication is given. In addition, this part of the label will tell you the withdrawal period. A withdrawal period occurs for a certain number of days after a medication is given. During a withdrawal period, the animal cannot be sent to slaughter. The withdrawal period for CD & T is 21 days. 

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​Disclaimer: I am NOT a licensed veterinarian. The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinarian advice. Please contact your veterinarian. Any purchases through the Amazon links generate commission for this website.