Comprehensive Vet Guide 2025: Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment for Dogs & Cats 🐾👁️

Written by Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc—trusted veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet 👨‍⚕️🐾

In this detailed guide, we dive into Terramycin® Ophthalmic Ointment (oxytetracycline + polymyxin B), a broad‑spectrum antibiotic ointment used to treat and prevent common eye infections in dogs and cats in 2025. You'll learn how it works, proper dosing, potential side effects, storage considerations, and how tools like Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz support your pet’s healing process. 🕊️📘

1. What It Is & How It Works

Terramycin combines two antibiotics:

• Oxytetracycline: inhibits protein synthesis in both gram‑positive and gram‑negative bacteria.
• Polymyxin B: damages bacterial cell walls, highly effective against Pseudomonas‑type infections; also mildly antifungal :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Available as a yellow, petrolatum‑based ointment, it's FDA‑approved for prophylaxis and treatment of superficial ocular infections—such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, corneal ulcers, blepharitis—in dogs, cats, cattle, horses, sheep, and more :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. When Veterinarians Use It

• Treatment of mild‑to‑moderate bacterial conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) in dogs and cats :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Management of keratitis or corneal ulcers alongside veterinary oversight.
• Prevention following minor eye trauma or surgery to reduce infection risk :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Off‑label use in exotic patients: birds, rabbits, hedgehogs—under veterinary direction :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3. Proper Dosing & Administration

💊 Dosing: Apply a thin ribbon of ointment (~0.25 cm) to the conjunctival sac 2–4 times daily—or as directed by your veterinarian :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🐾 How to apply:

1. Wash hands thoroughly. Avoid touching the tip to eyes or surfaces.
2. Gently pull down the lower eyelid and squeeze in ointment.
3. Allow pet to blink to spread it.
4. If using multiple eye meds, wait 5–10 minutes before applying another :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
5. Use for the full duration prescribed—even if symptoms improve early.

4. Onset & Duration of Effect

Antibacterial action starts within 1–2 hours. Clinical improvement (less discharge/irritation) often seen within 2–3 days, but complete healing may take 7–14 days depending on infection severity :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Continue use until fully healed, as stopping early may allow relapse or resistant bacteria.

5. Potential Side Effects & Risks

• Mild stinging, redness, swelling, or itching at application site are common :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Sunburn-like redness around the eyes/nose from oxytetracycline photosensitivity :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Rare, serious allergic reactions in cats—facial swelling, difficulty breathing, collapse—require emergency vet attention :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Long-term use can lead to resistant bacteria or fungal overgrowth—monitor closely.

When to call your vet: Persistent irritation beyond 48 hrs, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, or evolving eye injury symptoms.

6. Contraindications & Precautions

• Allergic pets: avoid if history of hypersensitivity to oxytetracycline or polymyxin B :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Young animals: avoid tetracyclines in puppies/kittens <6 months—can stain developing teeth :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Pregnant/nursing pets: use with caution—consult your vet.
• Co-medication: no major drug interactions noted, but always mention other topical eye medications you're using :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

7. Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Re-evaluate within 5–7 days to confirm resolution, or earlier if symptoms worsen.
• Check for adverse effects: ocular inflammation, facial swelling, or unusual signs.
• Ensure no antibiotic resistance or secondary infections have developed.

8. Storage & Safe Handling

• Store between 68–77 °F (20–25 °C), away from light and moisture. Do not refrigerate or freeze :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Keep tube cap tightly closed and stored out of reach of children and pets.

9. Support via Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

• ✅ Ask A Vet: Guidance on application technique, frequency, and when to escalate care.
• ✅ Woopf: Dose reminders, application logs, and side‑effect tracking.
• ✅ Purrz: Track eye appearance, irritation, and treatment progress—share images with your vet.

10. Pet Owner Insights

Many guardians report noticeable reduction in redness and discharge within a day. One adopter wrote:

“Applied twice daily, her pink eye cleared in three days—Terramycin really worked faster than others we’ve tried.”

11. FAQs

🐾 Can I stop when the eye looks better?

No—finish the full course as prescribed to prevent relapse or antibiotic resistance.

🐾 What if my pet blinks violently after application?

Some irritation may occur. Wait and apply with gentler spread. If blinking persists, consult your vet.

🐾 Can I use it with drops? Which first?

Yes—drops first, then ointment after 5–10 minutes to avoid washing the ointment away :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🐾 Can cats swallow it?

A small amount is safe; serious side effects are rare. Monitor for vomiting or lethargy. If concerning signs appear, contact your vet.

12. Summary Table

13. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan

Terramycin is a trusted, effective antibiotic option for many common pet eye infections. When used correctly with veterinary guidance, full treatment adherence, and close monitoring, it often clears pink eyes and mild keratitis in under a week. Tools like Ask A Vet for expert advice—along with Woopf & Purrz for tracking—help ensure you’re supporting your pet’s eye health with confidence and care. 🐾💗

For expert guidance, dosing help, and tracking support, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. Your pet’s comfort matters—every day. 🐶📱🐱