Question 1

What is Chlortetracycline used for?

Accepted Answer

Chlortetracycline is indicated for: Bacterial conjunctivitis, Bacterial infections, bluecomb, Chlamydophila psittaci (psittacosis), Cholera, CRD, foot rot prevention, fowl cholera, hexamitiasis, Infectious synovitis, Superficial bacterial infections (ophthalmic), synovitis.

Question 2

What routes can Chlortetracycline be administered by?

Accepted Answer

Available routes: PO, TOPICAL.

Question 3

Which species have cited Chlortetracycline dosing data?

Accepted Answer

Chlortetracycline dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 7 species: African Grey Parrot, Cat (Domestic), Chicken (Poultry), Dog (Domestic), Goat (Caprine), Sheep (Ovine), Turkey.

Question 4

Is Chlortetracycline a controlled substance?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

What are the warnings or contraindications for Chlortetracycline?

Accepted Answer

Primarily used in livestock and avian species. Photosensitization. Chelated by calcium, iron, and antacids. VFD required for feed use. Withdrawal times apply.

Question 6

What are the side effects of Chlortetracycline?

Accepted Answer

Reported side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications for Chlortetracycline: Primarily used in livestock and avian species. Photosensitization. Chelated by calcium, iron, and antacids. VFD required for feed use. Withdrawal times apply.

Question 7

How does Chlortetracycline work?

Accepted Answer

Bacteriostatic tetracycline that binds 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis. Broad-spectrum activity.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Dog (Domestic)	TOPICAL	1% ophthalmic ointment	q6-8h	Moderate	Chandler HL, Gemensky-Metzler AJ, Bras ID et al. (2010) In vivo effects of adjunctive tetracycline treatment on refractory corneal ulcers in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 237, 378-386 doi:10.2460/javma.237.4.378 — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.96 (2026-08-01).
Cat (Domestic)	TOPICAL	1% ophthalmic ointment	q6-8h	Moderate	Kimmitt BA, Moore GE and Stiles (2018) Comparison of the efficacy of various concentrations and combinations of serum, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.96 (2026-08-01).

Chlortetracycline

Drug Class

Routes

Indications

Mechanism of Action

Side effects & warnings

Species with Chlortetracycline dosing data (8 dose rules)

Evidence levels across 8 dose rules

Backed by 6 published sources

Sample dosing (2 of 8 cited rules)

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