“Oxytocin” is a veterinary drug for the treatment of animals, which is used according to the instructions for use (exclusively for cows). The drug treats gynecological diseases. The medicine is used to stimulate labor, for mastitis, to increase the amount and improve milk flow. Cows are given injections in a strictly prescribed dosage.
Description of the veterinary drug
"Oxytocin" is a veterinary drug that is used in veterinary medicine.Used for preventive purposes and treatment of gynecological problems in cows. This is a clear, colorless or yellowish solution. Packaged in ampoules or glass bottles, closed with rubber stoppers and aluminum screws. Common packaging: 1, 5, 10-100 milliliters.
The active ingredient is oxytocin. 1 milliliter of veterinary preparation contains 5 units (IU) or 10 units (IU) of the active component. Excipients: nipagin, water for injection. The veterinary product is completely ready for use. The medicine is used, as a rule, once, at the time of weak labor activity. After the injection, animal meat or milk can be consumed without restrictions.
Properties and pharmacodynamics
“Oxytocin” is classified as a hormonal veterinary drug. Its active component is a synthetic analogue of a hormone called oxytocin. This substance promotes increased contraction of the uterine muscles and affects the tone of the myometrium.
The medicine is used at the end of pregnancy of cows, usually during childbirth.
The veterinary drug is also used to enhance milk production. After all, oxytocin causes contraction of the secretory cells that surround the alveoli of the mammary glands. The drug stimulates the flow of milk into the large ducts and milk sinuses.
The drug begins to act 1-3 minutes after administration. The therapeutic effect lasts 22-33 minutes. The veterinary drug is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. The drug has very weak antidiuretic and vasoconstrictor properties. "Oxytocin" does not affect the muscles of the intestines and bladder, does not increase urination or fecal excretion. The drug relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessels, which causes short-term arterial hypotension and reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate).The medicine is classified as a low-hazard substance of the fourth class. Oxytocin is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Purpose, indications for use
Oxytocin injections are prescribed:
- to stimulate labor;
- in case of unexpected uterine bleeding;
- in case of delayed release of the placenta;
- with atony and hypotension;
- with inflammatory processes in the uterus;
- for diseases of the udder (mastitis);
- with reflex agalactia.e
Instructions for use for cattle
Oxytocin injections are given to cows only for medicinal purposes. The drug is administered to animals once at a prescribed dose. The drug can be injected before the onset of labor, during the birth process and after calving. Methods of administration: subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous or epidural (in combination with novocaine).
Dosages:
- subcutaneously or intramuscularly - 30-60 units or 3-6 ml;
- intravenously - 20-40 units or 2-4 ml;
- epidural - 15-30 units or 1.5-3 ml.
The dosage of the veterinary drug depends on the weight of the cow. If the animal’s weight is 350 kg, then the minimum dose is administered, for example, intramuscularly - 3 ml of the drug. If the cow weighs 400-500 kg, then the dosage is increased to 6 ml. The injection is given once.
When administered intravenously, Oxytocin is pre-diluted with saline solution. Most often intramuscular injections are given. In combination with glucose, the effect is achieved faster, however, the dose must be reduced by 30 percent.
Contraindications and side effects
Oxytocin is used only at the time of labor. The drug is contraindicated in pregnant cows, as it can lead to stimulation of the uterine walls and abortion.It is forbidden to give Oxytocin injections if the fetus is too large, has deformities or is positioned incorrectly (not feet first).
If you use the veterinary drug strictly according to the instructions, then no side effects or unforeseen complications are observed.
In rare cases, cows experience tachycardia and arterial hypotension. An overdose of this medicine can lead to very strong labor. If the dose of the drug is increased several times, severe bleeding and problems with a cow's heart and fruit. In very rare cases, an overdose can cause the death of an unborn calf.
Terms of sale and storage
Oxytocin is sold in almost all veterinary pharmacies. Veterinary medicine for animals can be purchased without a prescription. The medicine is used if the cow's contractions stop during childbirth. The veterinary product is recommended for use within 2 years from the date of manufacture. It is advisable to store the medicine in a cool, dry place at a temperature of 1-10 degrees Celsius (in the refrigerator). After opening the ampoule or bottle, the unused remains of Oxytocin should be discarded.
Analogs
A drug such as Hypophysin has a similar effect. This medicine stimulates labor contractions in cases of uterine hypotension. The drug is used to improve the discharge of the placenta. This is a clear solution for injection, completely ready for use. The active substance in Hypophysin is carbetocin.It is a synthetic derivative of the hormone oxytocin.
To stimulate labor and in case of retained placenta, you can use Uteroton. This is a non-hormonal remedy. "Uteroton" activates the action of natural oxytocin. The veterinary drug is used once at the time of weak labor activity. This is a clear injection solution based on propranolol hydrochloride. Administered intramuscularly or intravenously (at the time of birth).
To enhance efforts during difficult births in cows, you can use "Broestrophan". This is a hormonal veterinary drug based on cloprostenol. The drug is prescribed for retention of the placenta, to accelerate the involution of the uterus. Sold in ampoules of 2 milliliters. This medicine is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. A dosage of 2 milliliters is calculated for a cow weighing 405 kilograms. The veterinary drug should not be administered in the early months of pregnancy (miscarriage is possible).
Personal prevention measures
When working with Oxytocin, it is recommended to follow sanitary rules. Animal injections should be given with clean hands. It is advisable to disinfect the injection site with alcohol. After the injection, hands should be washed with water. The use of the drug for animals by humans is prohibited. Oxytocin should not be taken orally.
If a person is poisoned with this drug, induce vomiting and consult a doctor. If Oxytocin gets on your skin or eyes, rinse the area with plenty of water. People with allergies to the components of the drug are prohibited from working with this drug.
