Drug dosages listed are compiled and averaged from numerous sources. If any problems are encountered with the listed
doses, notify the Veterinarian so that the dose can be evaluated and
appropriate changes made to this manual. Drugs that are not commonly used may be referenced directly. Drugs and doses
listed are those that were encountered during the literature search. Omission of a species dose does not imply that the
drug can not be used in that species.
Please note that animal welfare regulations prohibit the use of expired drugs on research animals, except if the animal is anesthetized for a terminal study. The anesthesia drugs may not be expired under any circumstances.
www.aphis.usda.gov/ac/policy/policy3.pdf
Investigators are expected to use pharmaceutical-grade medications whenever they are available, even in acute procedures. Non-pharmaceutical-grade chemical compounds should only be used in regulated animals after specific review and approval by the IACUC for reasons such as scientific necessity or non-availability of an acceptable veterinary or human pharmaceutical-grade product. Cost savings alone are not an adequate justification for using non-pharmaceutical-grade compounds in regulated animals.
Don't forget to follow the University Controlled Substances Policy
Many drugs, especially anesthetics and sedatives are mixed in the syringe to achieve better effect than either drug alone. In general, for drugs of different therapeutic classes the dosages used are the same as either drug used individually. For drugs of the same therapeutic class, drugs may be synergistic, necessitating reduction of the dosages of individual drugs. Some frequently used combinations are listed here.
Many drugs with TID dosage rates are used BID (especially antibiotics.) To calculate a BID dose, multiply the TID dose by three to arrive at a daily dose. Divide by two for the BID dose. This method may be used to arrive at any dosage interval, including constant infusion rates. Bear in mind that the pharmacokinetics can vary greatly with dosing interval and the drug may be considerably less effective when this is changed. The pharmacokinetics of the drug should be investigated prior to making this assumption.
CNS |
Central Nervous System |
NSAID |
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug |
IV |
intravenous |
IM |
intramuscular |
SQ |
subcutaneous |
IP |
intraperitoneal |
PO |
orally |
SID |
once daily |
BID |
twice daily |
TID |
3 times daily |
QID |
4 times daily |
Qxh or Qxd |
once every x hours or days |
C-II to V |
DEA schedule classification |
* |
Drugs stocked by RAR |
t |
teaspoon |
gal |
gallon |
IACUC |
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee |
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
See also Anesthetic Drugs - Opiates
See Also Anesthetic Drugs
See Also: Antibiotic Doses
See also "Other Analgesics"
See also: Anesthetic Drugs
Phenothiazine tranquilizer. Can be hypotensive in high doses. Lowers CNS seizure threshold. Can be used to aid in ear bleeds in rabbits.
| Dog, cat, sheep, cow, goat, rabbit | Pig | Rodent | |
| IV | 0.05-0.2 mg/kg | 0.2-1.1 mg/kg | |
| IM | 0.05-0.2 mg/kg | 0.2-1.1 mg/kg | 1-2 mg/kg |
| SQ | 0.05-0.2 mg/kg | 0.2-1.1 mg/kg | 1-2 mg/kg |
| PO | 0.5-2 mg/kg |
NSAID with minimal anti-platelet activity. Toxic in cats. Drinking water route has not been demonstrated to be efficacious in rats and mice.
| Dog, nonhuman primate | Guinea Pig, rabbit | |
| PO | 5-15 mg/kg BID to TID | 100-300 mg/kg Q4hr, or 1-2 mg/ml drinking water (15-30 ml 32 mg/ml pediatric elixir/500 ml bottle.) |
Hypnotic/sedative with minimal analgesic effects. See review article (Silverman, J, and Muir, W., 1993, LAS 43(3): 210-216.) for dosages and use.
Aminoglycoside antibiotic. Wide gram - spectrum of activity. Nephrotoxic. Concurrent IP fluid administration recommended in reptiles, esp. snakes.
| Dog, cat | Rodents | Reptiles | Birds | |
| IV | 5-8 mg/kg BID-TID | 10 mg/kg BID | ||
| IM | 5-8 mg/kg BID-TID | 10 mg/kg BID | 25 mg/kg Q3d | 20 mg/kg BID |
Bronchodilator, spasmolytic, may be useful with pulmonary edema.
| Dog | Cat | NHP | Rat | Reptile | |
| IV | 9-11 mg/kg TID-QID | 3-100 mg/kg BID-TID | |||
| IM | 9-11 mg/kg TID-QID | 2-4 mg/kg SID | |||
| PO | 9-11 mg/kg TID-QID | 4 mg/kg BID | 25-100 mg/animal BID | 3-100 mg/kg BID-TID |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor used for demodectic or sarcoptic mange in canids. Label directions are to mix one 10.6 ml bottle per 2 gallons of water. Apply as dip every two weeks. Recent recommendations by Dermatology service at University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine are to mix one 10.6 ml bottle per 1 gallon of water and dip weekly for generalized demodecosis in adult dogs. Success rates for treatment are reported to be in 90% compared to 20% for label treatment.
Beta lactam (penicillin related) antibiotic with increased gram + and limited gram - spectrum.
| Most mammals | Birds (passserines and doves) | Reptiles | |
| IV | 11-22 mg/kg BID-TID | ||
| IM | 11-22 mg/kg BID-TID | 150-200 mg/kg BID | 6 mg/kg SID-BID |
| SQ | 11-22 mg/kg BID-TID | 150-200 mg/kg BID | 6 mg/kg SID-BID |
| PO | 11-22 mg/kg BID-TID | 150-200 mg/kg BID |
Potentiated beta lactam antibiotic with broad spectrum of activity, including anaerobes. Excellent tissue penetration. Probably safe in most species. Human equivalent is Augmentin.
Antifungal agent for treatment of systemic fungal infections. Nephrotoxic. Recommend renal monitoring and consider concurrent IV fluid therapy.
Coccidiostat used in numerous species including dogs. Usually added to water or food for herd or flock treatment.
NSAID with anti-platelet activity and potential for causing gastrointestinal ulceration.
Reversal agent for alpha 2 agonist sedatives (xylazine and medetomidine). Highly recommended after combination anesthesia to reduce recovery time.
Parasympatholytic often used as pre-anesthetic to decrease respiratory secretions and prevent bradycardia. Rabbits may have high atropinase activity and high doses are required for efficacy. Cecal atony reported in hamsters.
Butyrophenone neuroleptic. Provides sedation up to 1 hour. No analgesic properties. Used in combination with ketamine in rodents. (LAS 38:3, p. 297.)
Quaternary ammonium disinfectant used for surfaces and instruments.
Anesthetic agent used in fish and amphibians. General procedure is to place fish in solution until it loses equilibrium (floats belly up.) Recover in fresh water.
Cholinergic agent used to stimulate bladder contraction in cases of bladder atonia.
C-III. Euthanasia agent featuring pentobarbital as the active drug.
Agent administered for hepatic function test. A pre-test blood sample is taken, the BSP is given and in small animals a 30 minute post sample is taken. In cows a 5-10 minute post sample is taken and another 4 minutes after the first. Currently, in small animals, post-prandial serum bile acids are the preferred liver function test.
C-V Narcotic agonist/antagonist providing long acting analgesia. Wide dose range listed in the literature. Doses up to 0.1 mg/kg parenterally have been published for swine. Unpublished data indicates that the lower doses are equally effective. There is increasing evidence that this drug may cause enough respiratory depresssion, that when combined with anesthesia may be fatal. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to either give the drug at the time of anesthetic induction and decrease the anesthetic dose (decrease by 10-25% initially until a new effective dose can be established), or to wait until the animal is completely recovered from anesthesia to administer the drug.
| Species | Drug | Drug amount | Volume water | Cube Volume |
| Mouse | Buprenorphine (Buprenex) | 1 ml vial (0.3 mg) | 15 ml | 1 ml |
| Rat | Buprenorphine (Buprenex) | 1 ml vial (0.3 mg) | 3 ml | 4 ml |
Narcotic agonist/antagonist for shorter acting analgesia, mild sedation in anesthetic combinations. Can be given orally to canines as antitussive at 10x dose listed above.
Administer slowly and monitor for bradycardia.
Mixed vasodilator useful in congestive heart failure. Can cause severe hypotension.
Iboprofen class NSAID with a wide safety margin in dogs. Limited potential for GI ulceration, hepato or nephrotoxicity compared to other NSAIDs. A single dose after surgery, or dosing every 3 hours for 4 treatments have been shown to have comparable beneficial effects on post-surgical recovery.
| Species | Drug | Drug amount | Volume water | Cube volume |
| Mouse | Carprofen (Rimadyl) | 25 mg tablet | 100 ml | 1 ml |
| Rat | Carprofen (Rimadyl) | 25 mg tablet | 12 ml | 4 ml |
Synthetic beta lactam antimicrobials with good gram + and limited gram - spectrum. 3rd generation drugs have expanded gram - spectrum. May be contraindicated in renal disease due to renal excretion.
Broad spectrum antibiotic with high lipid solubility, effective against anaerobes. Can cause reversible suppression of bone marrow activity in humans. Recommend avoiding skin contact.
Antiseptic/disinfectant with wide spectrum of activity. Numerous uses include: surgical scrub and prep solutions, 0.5% solution used as 2x weekly dip for treatment of dermatophytosis, 0.05%-0.5% solution used as wound cleaner, 1-2 mg/l water as a 1 hour dip solution for surface infections in fish. Solutions should be made with deionized or distilled water as it will form complexes with other ions. Do not use in or near eye as it can damage the cornea.
Antihistamine.
Phenothiazine antiemetic and mild tranquilizer.
Histamine (H2) antagonist used to prevent or treat gastrointestinal ulceration.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic. May cause cartilage developmental defects in dogs less than 8 months. Broad spectrum of activity.
Lincosamide antibiotic with gram + and anaerobic spectrum. Also used to treat toxoplasmosis.
Corticosteroid. Fairly slow onset of action (up to 6 hours) with 24 hour duration of action.
Mild cough suppressant.
C-IV. Benzodiazapene anti-seizure, anti-anxiety drug, mild sedative used IV in status epilepticus or as a pre-anesthetic, especially with ketamine. (1:1 volumetric mixture with ketamine given at 1cc/10 kg is excellent induction mixture or for short procedures.) Intramusculature absorption is described as variable, but may work well clinically.
Organophosphate anthelminthic with good activity against nematodes. Hookworm infections require 3 consecutive days of treatment. High potential for toxicity in puppies and cats.
Antiarrythmia drug used in atrial fibrillation, + inotrope, - chronotrope. Traditionally used in congestive heart failure, though + inotropic effects may accelerate myocardial degeneration. Diuretics are an alternative for CHF. For emergency situations consult cardiac references (Merck Manual has excellent section) for IV digitalization or use oubain.
Prostaglandin F2 alpha analog. Can have vomiting, trembling as side-effects in small animals. Well absorbed after cutaneous contact and should be used with caution by pregnant women.
Antihistamine.
NSAID. Can be hepatotoxic/nephrotoxic. May cause hypothermia in combination with phenothiazines.
Universal solvent. Can be used as a topical antiinflammatory, as an intramammary infusion with antibiotics for coliform mastitis. Will increase systemic absorption of topical drugs. Wear gloves while using.
CNS respiratory stimulant useful for anesthetic emergencies, neonatal resuscitation.
Lipid soluble tetracycline antibiotic with superior tissue penetration.
C-II. Neuroleptanalgesia combination or butyrophenone sedative and narcotic. May cause excitement, especially in cats. Reported to cause tissue necrosis and self-mutilation when given IM in guinea pigs.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic. May cause cartilage abnormalities in dogs less than 8 months old. Broad spectrum of activity. Recent publications have suggested that 5 mg/kg PO SID in dogs for sensitive E. coli infections, and 25 mg/kg PO SID in dogs and mice for sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infections are effective.
Alpha and beta adrenergic agent.
Macrolide antibiotic with relatively narrow gram + spectrum.
Newer anthelminthic with good activity against common cestodes.
Estrogen analog. Used to treat post-partum metritis in cattle, and to prevent embryo implantation in dogs and cats if given within 72 hours of mating. The latter use is associated with a high incidence of subsequent pyometra.
Used as an inhalant anesthetic in other species, especially in jar type set-ups. Extremely flammable. Must be used under fume hood.
Anthelminthic with activity against all nematodes. Available in combination with praziquantel.
Anthelminthic with activity against all nematodes and Taenia cestodes.
Antifungal agent often used in combination with others for treatment of cryptococcosis or candidiasis.
Mineralocorticoid/glucocorticoid used for treatment of adrenal insufficiency.
Highly effective NSAID. Potential for hepatotoxicity, gastrointestinal ulceration. May dilute with Vit. B12 inj. to reduce pain on IM or SQ injection.
Normally used as a tissue preservative, this makes an excellent treatment for surface bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in fish.
Diuretic frequently used for pulmonary edema, ascites, congestive heart failure. Dose is probably safe in most species.
Muscle relaxant. Use requires mechanical ventilation.
Aminoglycoside with broad spectrum of activity, especially gram -. Nephrotoxic. ototoxic. Concurrent IP fluid administration recommended in reptiles.
Anticholinergic frequently used as a pre-anesthetic. Longer duration of activity than atropine (up to 2-3 hours.)
Synthetic GNRH potentially useful in other species.
Antifungal agent used primarily for dermatophytosis. Extended treatment times required. May cause leukopenias in cats.
Used as a muscle relaxant during anesthetic induction.
Inhalant anesthetic in all mammals. High vapor pressure precludes direct use in ether jar. Procedure in fish is to place fish in solution until it turns belly-up. Recover in fresh water. Use in a vaporizer for terrestrial animals. Should only be handled in fume hood. If used in bell jar, use as small of diameter jar as possible and ensure a tight fitting lid. Keep exposure times extremely brief, as death can occur rapidly.
Anticoagulant. Mix 1:100 with saline for catheter flush (2.5 ml of 10,000 IU/ml heparin/250 ml bottle saline.)
C-II. Opiate antitussive. Comes in combination with acetominophen (C-III.)
Disinfectant supplied as 5% hypochlorite solution (bleach,) as 0.05 % solution can be excellent wound cleaner. Often used at 1.5 ml bleach/2 gal water in rodents for control of enteric infections.
Ibuprofen class of NSAIDS. Potent antiinflammatory/antipyretic activity. Reports of hepatotoxicity and GI ulceration in dogs. Not recommended in cats.
For treatment of hyperglycemia or diabetes.
Potential for hemosiderosis if given too frequently. Due to mechanics of iron metabolism, oral supplementation is preferable.
Inhalant anesthetic. High vapor pressure precludes use in an ether jar. Can be used for box induction if system has calibrated vaporizer. Has been used in bell jars following brief exposure. Of all inhalants, this is the least metabolized and is preferable for birds and high risk patients. Extremely rapid induction and recovery times. Should only be handled in fume hood. If used in bell jar, use as small of diameter jar as possible and ensure a tight fitting lid. Keep exposure times extremely brief, as death can occur rapidly.
Used for mycobacterial infections, long term therapy. Supplement 3-5 mg/kg pyridoxine.
Anthelminthic effective against nematodes; miticide (except Demodex.) Will kill heartworm larvae up to 45-60 days old. Possibly toxic in turtles.
CIII. Cyclohexamine dissociative anesthetic. Respiratory depression can become significant at higher doses. Frequently used in combination with other drugs such as acepromazine, xylazine, diazepam.
Antifungal agent. Usually used for systemic mycoses, especially in combination with amphotericin B.
Ibuprofen class NSAID.
Potent analgesic, antiinflammatory, antipyretic. Has potential for hepato- and nephrotoxicity, less potential for GI ulceration than other NSAIDs, affects platelet function/bleeding time.
Anthelminthic effective against nematodes.
Thyroxine (T4) supplement.
Most frequently used as local anesthetic.
Lincosamide antibiotic with gram + spectrum and activity against Mycoplasma.
Anhelminthic with activity against nematodes and cestodes including Hymenolepis, Taenia. and Echinococcus.
Alpha 2 adrenergic agonist that provides moderate analgesia and sedation. Useful in combination with dissociative or other anesthetics. Purported to have less cardiopulmonary depression than xylazine.
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
C-II. Narcotic analgesic.
Antithyroid drug used in feline hyperthyroidism.
Urinary acidifier for treatment of urolithiasis.
CNS depressant and muscle relaxant.
C-IV. Ultra-short acting barbiturate used for anesthetic induction.
Inhalant anesthetic used in all species. Low vapor pressure makes this appropriate for use in an ether jar as well as a conventional vaporizer. Significant metabolism occurs making this less desireable for animals with compromised renal or hepatic function. Slow induction and recovery times compared to halothane or isoflurane.
Corticosteroid.
Antiemetic and upper GI motility stimulant. Especially useful for functional pyloric outflow problems in rabbits and dogs.
Anti-protozoan drug used for Giardia, Trichomonas, amebiasis, and anaerobic bacterial infections.
C-IV. Benzodiazapene antiseizure drug, sedative. Water soluble version of diazepam with good absorption after intramuscular injection.
Macrolide anthelminthic used as monthly heartworm preventative and for treatment of nematodes. Will kill heartworm larvae up to 90 days old.
Lipid soluble tetracycline with greater activity against Staph. aureus. Used for pododermatitis in birds and mycobacterial infections in fish.
C-II. Narcotic analgesic. May cause hyperexcitability in cats.
Narcotic agonist/antagonist for analgesia or reversal of oxymorphone. Though frequently used with no problems, severe respiratory and CNS depression has been reported in NHPs.
Narcotic antagonist used as reversal agent. Drug may drop below therapeutic levels before the narcotic does, necessitating re-dosing.
Broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic best used as topical preparation only. Has been used to treat hepatic encephalopathy or to depopulate GI flora pre-operatively. Also used for enteritis. Use with caution because of potential problems with opportunistic overgrowth.
Central venodilator and cardiac pre-load reducer which can be used in congestive heart failure and in cardiac emergencies. Wear gloves while applying.
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic. May cause cartilage abnormalities in dogs less than 8 months old. Broad spectrum of activity.
Long acting potentiated sulfonamide antimicrobial with broad spectrum of activity.
C-II. Narcotic agonist used as analgesic and anesthetic pre-medication.
Commonly available form of tetracycline antibiotic. Broad spectrum antibiotic with resistance being very common. Effective against mycoplasmas, chlamydiae and rickettsiae. Some argue that tetracyclines are poorly absorbed and distributed in the concentrations found in food or water mixes.
Pancreatic enzyme supplement. Apply to moistened food 15-20 min prior to feeding.
Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocker requiring mechanical ventilation.
Prototype penicillin antibiotic with narrow gram + and anaerobic spectrum of activity. Resistance is common. Benzathine preparation slows absorption from injection site, thus extending duration of activity. Some argue that absorption is so slow that therapeutic levels are never reached. Aqueous solutions for IV use and oral penicillin V are available.
C-IV. Narcotic agonist/antagonist for use as analgesic.
C-II. Short acting barbiturate anesthetic (up to 1 hour after single dose in mammals). Intubation is advisable due to respiratory depression.
Synthetic pyrethroid with increased resistance to photodegredation. Effective against fleas, mites (Myobia, Cheyletiella, not Scabies, Demodex.) Available as dip, spray, powder, cotton bedding additive. Used here in mice at 1 impregnated cottonball per mouse, plus one extra in each cage treated.
C-IV. Long acting barbiturate used to control seizures or as a tranquilizer.
NSAID with potent activity.
Anthelminthic primarily used for ascarid infections.
Anthelminthic primarily indicated for cestodiasis, though also effective against trematodes and schistosomes in humans (doses up to 75 mg/kg divided TID.)
Corticosteroid with significant mineralocorticoid activity. Rapid onset of action with about 12 hours duration of effect.
Antiarrhythmic drug useful for ventricular tachycardia or ventricular premature complexes.
Beta adrenergic blocker, - inotrope, - chronotrope used for supraventricular arrythmias.
Short acting hypnotic used alone or in combination for sedation or anesthesia. Respiratory depression with apnea is reported to be common with use. (JAVMA, 1993, 202:7, 1111, LAS, 42:5, 503. LAS 43:4, 324-7.)
Used for treatment of ketosis in ruminants. Can also be used as a diluent for oral administration of non-water soluble drugs, i.e. ivermectin.
Binds to heparin, can be used in cases of heparin overdose.
Anthelminthic with activity against nematodes except whipworms.
Fish anesthetic. Use buffered solution. Place fish in solution until they lose equilibrium. Recover in fresh water.
Histamine (H2) antagonist used to treat or prevent GI ulceration.
Highly lipid soluble antibiotic used for long term therapy of abscesses, corynebacteria and mycobacteria.
see Vit. E/selenium.
sed for treatment of surface parasites and long term to reduce stress in freshwater fish.
C-III. Anabolic steroid used for treatment of debilitation, anorexia and anemia.
Depolarizing neuromuscular blocker. Requires mechanical ventilation with use.
GI mucosa protectant for treating ulceration.
Sulfonamides are synthetic antimicrobials. Though they have a broad spectrum of activity, resistance is very common. Currently, common uses are as coccidostatic agents, and for specific susceptible infections in large animals. Sulfasalazine seems to help in some cases of chronic diarrhea of unknown etiology. This may be due to a local antiinflammatory effect of one of the metabolites or because of undiagnosed coccidial infections. Sulfonamides potentiated with trimethoprim or ormetoprim are very effective broad spectrum antimicrobials. Immune reactions resulting in pyrexia and depression or bone marrow suppression are occasionally reported and are thought to be more common in cats, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Rottweilers.
Essential amino acid in cats. Deficiency may cause retinopathies and cardiomyopathy.
Broad spectrum antibiotic with resistance being very common. Effective against mycoplasmas, chlamydiae and rickettsiae. Some argue that tetracyclines are poorly absorbed and distributed in the concentrations found in food or water mixes.
Antibiotic used for gram + bacteria, mycoplasmas and swine dysentery. Also reported effective in certain pig pneumonias.
Betalactamase resistant penicillin antibiotic with broad spectrum.
Anthelminthic primarily effective against nematodes.
C-III. Ultra-short acting barbiturate used for anesthetic inductions and short procedures.
C-III. Combination of cyclohexamine dissociative anesthetic with benzodiazapene tranquilizer. Compared to ketamine/xylazine combinations generally shows less cardiovascular depression. Is a drug of choice in wildlife and zoo medicine. May see rough recoveries in dogs. Most reports indicate inadequate analgesia in rodents. Reports of nephrotoxicity in rabbits.
Reconstitute powdered Telazol with 5 ml of 20 mg/ml xylazine instead of saline. Administer at 0.05-0.1 ml/kg IV or IM in large animals and up to 0.4 ml/kg IM in rodents. Do not use Telazol in rabbits or mice. More cardiac and respiratory depression will be seen with this mixture than with Telazol alone. Reversal with yohimbine 0.1-0.15 mg/kg (IM or IV) or atapimazole at 0.25 (IM) or 0.2 (IV) mg/kg is recommended to shorten recovery times.
Macrolide antibiotic specifically developed for bovine respiratory disease.
Corticosteroid with 24-72 hour duration of action.
Anesthetic used in rodents. IP administration is thought to cause fibrous adhesions and mortality. This is questioned (Papaioannou, V., Fox, J. 1993. LAS, 43:2, 189-192.) and dark refrigerated conditions are recommended for storage to prevent degradation.
Anesthetic used in reptiles, amphibians, fish.
Potentiated sulfonamide antibiotic with broad spectrum of activity. Used for prevention of Pneumocystis carinii infections in immunodeficient rodents.
Neuromuscular blocker. Requires mechanical ventilation.
Macrolide antibiotic with activity against gram + organisms and mycoplasmas.
Soil selenium deficiencies occur in numerous areas of the country creating deficiencies in animals fed forage diets. Caution should be taken with oral or injectable supplementation as there is a very narrow therapeutic range for selenium.
Alpha 2 adrenergic agonist causing sedation, analgesia and significant hypotension. May cause 2nd degree heart block and bradycardia in dogs and other species. Frequently causes emesis in dogs. It can be administered to frogs for very effective analgesia of up to 24 hours duration.
Alpha 2 adrenergic reversal agent.
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