What is Cefazolin used for?

Cefazolin is indicated for: perioperative antibiotic, Surgical prophylaxis.

Which species have cited Cefazolin dosing data?

Cefazolin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 6 species: African Grey Parrot, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Mouse, Rabbit (Domestic).

Is Cefazolin a controlled substance?

Cefazolin is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

What are the side effects of Cefazolin?

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Cefazolin: Perioperative use common. Adjust dose in renal impairment. Pain at IM injection site.

Cefazolin

US brand names:Ancef, Kefzol

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Cefazolin is dosed at 20–25 mg/kg IM Pre-op in bearded dragons, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Antibiotic

Routes

IVIM

Indications

perioperative antibioticSurgical prophylaxis

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. First-generation cephalosporin with excellent gram-positive coverage. Commonly used for surgical prophylaxis.

Side effects & warnings

Perioperative use common. Adjust dose in renal impairment. Pain at IM injection site.

Species with Cefazolin dosing data (6 dose rules)

African Grey Parrot Bearded Dragon Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)Mouse Rabbit (Domestic)

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugs All Bearded Dragon drugs All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs All Mouse drugs All Rabbit (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 6 dose rules

Strong×2Weak×2Moderate×2

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 5 published sources

· Carpenter JW. Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th ed (2023), Table 10.1 'Antimicrobial Agents Used in Rabbits', p.841; superscript 71 = Fisher PG. Personal communication; 2020. Corroborated by Graham/Doss/Beaufrere, Exotic Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, 1st ed (2021), p.279 (rabbit GI obstruction): 'Cefazolin: 20 mg/kg IV'
· Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
· MarcellinLittle DJ, Papich MG, Richardson DC, DeYoung DJ. Pharmacokinetic model for cefazolin distribution during total hip arthroplasty in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 1996;57:720-723. doi:10.2460/ajvr.1996.57.05.720 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.228 (2026-08-01).
· Navarro KL, et al. Lipid bound extended release buprenorphine (high and low doses) and sustained release buprenorphine effectively attenuate post-operative hypersensitivity in an incisional pain model in mice (Mus musculus). Animal Models and Experimental Medicine. 2021. DOI 10.1002/ame2.12157; PMID 34179720; PMCID PMC8212827. URL:

Sample dosing (2 of 6 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 6 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	IV	22 mg/kg	q2h intraoperative	Strong	Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.229 (2026-08-01).
Dog (Domestic)	IV	22 mg/kg	q2h intraoperative	Strong	MarcellinLittle DJ, Papich MG, Richardson DC, DeYoung DJ. Pharmacokinetic model for cefazolin distribution during total hip arthroplasty in dogs. Am J Vet Res. 1996;57:720-723. doi:10.2460/ajvr.1996.57.05.720 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.228 (2026-08-01).

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Calculate Dosage for Cefazolin