U.S. FDA approves Pfizer injectable pet antibiotic

NEW YORK, June 30 (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) said on Monday that U.S. health regulators approved its long-acting pet antibiotic, Convenia, to treat most common skin infections in dogs and cats.

The antibiotic, known generically as cefovecin sodium, can provide up to 14 days of treatment in a single injection.

"By relieving pet owners of the often impractical responsibility of giving pills to their pets several times a day ... Convenia ensures the antibiotic course of treatment is completed on time," Pfizer said in a release.

The drug is only available through a veterinarian.

Skin diseases are common among cats and dogs. Although rarely fatal, most of these infections are chronic and require regular treatment.

This is the third Pfizer animal drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since early 2007. The FDA approved Cerenia, a motion sickness pill for dogs, last February and Slentrol, a canine obesity medication, in June. (Reporting by Deepa Seetharaman; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)