What is the price of SPECTRAMAST DC?

Contact the vendor for pricing details.

How much does SPECTRAMAST DC cost?

Contact the vendor for pricing details.

What are the main features of SPECTRAMAST DC?

Key features of SPECTRAMAST DC include: Third-Generation Cephalosporin, Extended Persistence, Single-Tube Administration, Convenient Packaging, Proven Cure Rates.

What are the advantages of SPECTRAMAST DC?

SPECTRAMAST DC strengths include: Broad-spectrum coverage including gram-negatives, Single-treatment convenience at dry-off, Well-proven cure rates in clinical trials, Compatible with teat sealant protocols.

What are the limitations of SPECTRAMAST DC?

SPECTRAMAST DC considerations include: Prescription product requiring VCPR, Not for use in lactating cows (different product: SPECTRAMAST LC), Antibiotic use—not compatible with organic certification.

1. What is our current dry cow therapy protocol (blanket vs. selective)? 2. What percentage of fresh cows develop mastitis in first 30 DIM? 3. What are our SCC trends from dry-off to fresh? 4. What pathogens are causing mastitis in our herd (culture data)? 5. Are we using teat sealant in combination with antibiotics? 6. What is our dry period length (adequate for milk withdrawal)? 7. Do we have staff properly trained on intramammary infusion technique? 8. How are dry cow treatments documented in our records?

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Zoetis SPECTRAMAST DC

By Zoetis

Last reviewed: January 2024

SPECTRAMAST DC (ceftiofur hydrochloride) is Zoetis's dry cow intramammary antibiotic for treating existing subclinical mastitis infections at dry-off and preven

What is SPECTRAMAST DC?

SPECTRAMAST DC is an intramammary infusion containing ceftiofur hydrochloride, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, formulated specifically for dry cow therapy. Unlike lactating cow treatments, SPECTRAMAST DC is designed to persist in the udder throughout the dry period, treating existing infections while preventing new ones from establishing.

Why Dry Cow Therapy Matters

The dry period is paradoxically both a healing opportunity and a high-risk time:

Healing Opportunity:

No milk removal means antibiotics aren't diluted daily

Extended drug contact time improves cure rates

Teat end damage from milking can heal

Immune system can focus on clearing infections

High-Risk Period:

Teat sphincter remains open for 1-2 weeks after last milking

Natural keratin plug may not form completely in all cows

Coliform infection risk is 4× higher than during lactation

New infections during dry period often persist into next lactation

Broad-Spectrum Coverage

SPECTRAMAST DC is effective against the major mastitis pathogens:

Gram-Positive:

Staphylococcus aureus (including some penicillin-resistant strains)

Streptococcus dysgalactiae

Streptococcus uberis

Streptococcus agalactiae

Coagulase-negative staphylococci

Gram-Negative:

Escherichia coli

Klebsiella species

Administration Protocol

At dry-off (after final milking of lactation):

Clean and disinfect each teat thoroughly

Infuse contents of one SPECTRAMAST DC tube per quarter

Massage upward to distribute product in gland

Apply teat sealant (ORBESEAL) if using blanket dry cow therapy

Move cow to dry cow housing—do not milk again

Key Features

Third-Generation Cephalosporin: Ceftiofur provides excellent gram-positive and gram-negative coverage
Extended Persistence: Formulated for sustained activity throughout dry period
Single-Tube Administration: One tube per quarter at dry-off—no repeat treatments needed
Convenient Packaging: Individual tubes with attached cannula for hygienic infusion
Proven Cure Rates: Clinical trials demonstrate high bacteriological cure rates for major pathogens

Advanced Features

Synergy with Teat Sealant: Often used in combination with ORBESEAL for complete dry cow protocol
Beta-Lactamase Stability: Ceftiofur resists degradation by penicillin-resistant bacteria
Low Residue Risk: When used according to label, milk withdrawal is managed by dry period length
Treatment Documentation: Clear labeling supports treatment record compliance

Ideal For

Competitive Advantages

What sets SPECTRAMAST DC apart from alternatives:

SPECTRAMAST DC advantages over other dry cow products: 1. **Broad Spectrum**: Single product covers gram-positive AND gram-negative pathogens 2. **Cephalosporin Class**: Different mechanism than penicillins for resistant organisms 3. **Zoetis Quality**: Consistent manufacturing and potency 4. **Program Integration**: Part of complete dry cow protocol with ORBESEAL and ENVIRACOR J-5 5. **Established Track Record**: Years of proven field performance

Pricing Information

Here is the pricing information for SPECTRAMAST DC:

Pros & Considerations

Advantages:

Broad-spectrum coverage including gram-negatives
Single-treatment convenience at dry-off
Well-proven cure rates in clinical trials
Compatible with teat sealant protocols
Established Zoetis quality and support

Considerations:

Prescription product requiring VCPR
Not for use in lactating cows (different product: SPECTRAMAST LC)
Antibiotic use—not compatible with organic certification
Requires proper dry period length for withdrawal compliance
Must ensure cows are not milked after treatment

Implementation & Setup

How to implement SPECTRAMAST DC on your dairy operation:

Training & Support

Training and support options available for SPECTRAMAST DC:

Evaluation Questions

Key questions to consider when evaluating SPECTRAMAST DC:

1. What is our current dry cow therapy protocol (blanket vs. selective)? 2. What percentage of fresh cows develop mastitis in first 30 DIM? 3. What are our SCC trends from dry-off to fresh? 4. What pathogens are causing mastitis in our herd (culture data)? 5. Are we using teat sealant in combination with antibiotics? 6. What is our dry period length (adequate for milk withdrawal)? 7. Do we have staff properly trained on intramammary infusion technique? 8. How are dry cow treatments documented in our records?