liminfoVeterinary Drug Dosage
Free reference guide: Veterinary Drug Dosage
About Veterinary Drug Dosage
The Veterinary Drug Dosage Reference provides species-specific dosing information for 27 entries across 5 categories: Canine (9 drugs), Feline (7 drugs), Bovine (4 drugs), Equine (4 drugs), and Dose Calculation formulas (3 entries). Each drug entry includes mg/kg dosage, route of administration (PO/IV/SC/IM), dosing interval (q8h/q12h/q24h), indications, contraindications, and monitoring parameters.
The canine section covers antibiotics (Amoxicillin 10-25 mg/kg PO q12h, Enrofloxacin 5-20 mg/kg q24h), NSAIDs (Carprofen 2.2 mg/kg q12h), neuropathic pain management (Gabapentin 5-10 mg/kg q8-12h), corticosteroids (Prednisone anti-inflammatory 0.5-1 mg/kg vs. immunosuppressive 2-4 mg/kg), cardiac drugs (Pimobendan 0.25-0.3 mg/kg q12h for DCM/MMVD, Furosemide 1-4 mg/kg for CHF), and anticonvulsants (Phenobarbital 2.5-5 mg/kg with 15-45 mcg/mL therapeutic range).
Species-specific notes are critical: cats require Prednisolone (not Prednisone due to poor hepatic conversion), Meloxicam is limited to short-term use in felines due to NSAID sensitivity, and withdrawal periods are specified for food-producing animals (Penicillin G: 10 days slaughter/48-96h milk, Ceftiofur Excede: 13 days slaughter). The dose calculation section includes CRI formulas, body surface area estimation (BSA = weight^0.75 x 0.1), and fluid therapy calculations for dehydration correction.
Key Features
- 27 drug/formula entries across Canine, Feline, Bovine, Equine, and Dose Calculation categories
- Precise mg/kg dosages with route (PO/IV/SC/IM) and interval (q8h/q12h/q24h) for each drug
- Species-specific dosing: Prednisolone for cats (not Prednisone), Meloxicam short-term feline use only
- Cardiac drugs: Pimobendan 0.25-0.3 mg/kg for DCM/MMVD, Furosemide 1-4 mg/kg for CHF with K+ monitoring
- Food animal withdrawal periods: Penicillin G 10-day slaughter, Ceftiofur Excede 13-day, Ivermectin 35-day
- CRI calculation formula: rate(mL/hr) = dose(mg/kg/hr) x weight(kg) / concentration(mg/mL)
- Fluid therapy: maintenance 40-60 mL/kg/day, dehydration correction = weight x dehydration% x 1000
- Body weight estimation ranges and BSA formula for allometric dose scaling
Frequently Asked Questions
What species are covered in this veterinary dosage reference?
The reference covers 4 species plus dose calculations: Canine (9 drugs including Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Carprofen, Gabapentin, Prednisone, Pimobendan, Furosemide, Enrofloxacin, Phenobarbital), Feline (7 drugs including Meloxicam, Prednisolone, Amlodipine, Methimazole), Bovine (4 drugs including Penicillin G, Ceftiofur, Flunixin, Ivermectin), and Equine (4 drugs including Gentamicin, Phenylbutazone, Omeprazole, Xylazine).
Why must cats receive Prednisolone instead of Prednisone?
Cats have poor hepatic conversion of Prednisone to its active form Prednisolone. Administering Prednisone to cats results in inadequate drug levels. The reference specifies Prednisolone at 0.5-1 mg/kg PO q12-24h for anti-inflammatory effects and 2-4 mg/kg for immunosuppression. Also note that cats have a higher risk of diabetes mellitus from glucocorticoid use compared to dogs.
How do I calculate a constant rate infusion (CRI)?
Use the formula: Infusion rate (mL/hr) = Dose (mg/kg/hr) x Body weight (kg) / Drug concentration (mg/mL). Example from the reference: Fentanyl at 5 mcg/kg/hr for a 20 kg dog with 50 mcg/mL concentration = 5 x 20 / 50 = 2 mL/hr. For Lidocaine CRI in dogs, the reference specifies 25-50 mcg/kg/min.
What are the withdrawal periods for food-producing animals?
The reference specifies: Penicillin G - 10-day slaughter withdrawal, 48-96 hour milk withdrawal. Ceftiofur Excede (long-acting) - 13-day slaughter withdrawal. Flunixin meglumine - 4 days (IV only, maximum 3 days use). Ivermectin - 35-day slaughter withdrawal, prohibited in lactating dairy cattle in some countries. Gentamicin (equine) - 12-month slaughter withdrawal.
What is the Pimobendan dosing protocol for heart disease in dogs?
Pimobendan is dosed at 0.25-0.3 mg/kg PO q12h for DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) and MMVD (myxomatous mitral valve disease) starting at Stage B2 or later. It must be given on an empty stomach, 1 hour before feeding. Contraindications include aortic and pulmonary stenosis. It is often combined with Furosemide (1-4 mg/kg) for congestive heart failure management.
How is fluid therapy calculated for dehydration?
Maintenance fluid rate is 40-60 mL/kg/day. Dehydration correction volume = Body weight (kg) x Dehydration percentage (as decimal) x 1000. Example: a 10 kg dog at 8% dehydration needs 10 x 0.08 x 1000 = 800 mL for correction. Common fluid types include Lactated Ringer's Solution (LRS), 0.9% NaCl, and Plasmalyte. Electrolyte monitoring (especially K+) is essential.
What monitoring is needed for Phenobarbital in epileptic dogs?
Phenobarbital is dosed at 2.5-5 mg/kg PO q12h with a therapeutic serum level of 15-45 mcg/mL. Serum levels should be measured 2-3 weeks after starting therapy. Hepatic function tests (bile acids, ALT) are recommended every 6 months due to potential hepatotoxicity. Never discontinue abruptly as this can trigger status epilepticus. Gradual dose tapering is required.
Why is Enrofloxacin contraindicated in young large-breed dogs?
Enrofloxacin (fluoroquinolone) can cause cartilage damage in growing animals. It is contraindicated in dogs under 1 year of age (especially large breeds whose growth plates close later) and during pregnancy. The dose range is 5-20 mg/kg PO/IV q24h for deep infections like pyoderma, prostatitis, and osteomyelitis. In cats, high doses can cause retinal toxicity.