Skip to main content

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole for Cattle

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole is used in cattle for Bacterial infections, chronic skin, coccidia, coccidiosis. Routes documented in cattle: PO, SC. ExoticRx tracks Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole dosing for cattle from primary veterinary literature; sign in to view the full rule set. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Bactrim, TMS

Dose rules — sign in to view

Cited dose rules for Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole in cattle are available with a free ExoticRx account. Each row carries the route, dose range, frequency, indication, evidence level, and primary-source citation.

Sources include: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed; ExoticRx 2026 (chinchilla dosing guide); Carpenter 6e; ExoticRx 2026 (ferret dosing guide); …

Mechanism of action

Sequential blockade of folate synthesis: sulfamethoxazole inhibits dihydropteroate synthase; trimethoprim inhibits dihydrofolate reductase.

Side effects & warnings

May cause keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs with prolonged use. Can cause bone marrow suppression. Avoid in animals with hepatic disease. Adequate hydration required.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for cattle may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Why a species-specific page? Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in cattle — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from primary literature; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.