Medetomidine Hydrochloride Dosing for Dogs, Cats, Horses, Lambs By Weight
Important Safety Information
Lower doses (5-15 mcg/kg) are often used for short-term sedation and analgesia. Higher doses (up to 60-80 mcg/kg) may be used when severe pain is involved.
Constant-rate infusion may produce adverse cardiovascular effects and should be monitored closely.
Reference Source
Saunders Handbook of VETERINARY DRUGS, Page 508-510
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Standard Dosage Guidelines
Small Animal Dosage
| Species | Route | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | IV | 0.005-0.071 mg/kg | Single dose |
| IM, SQ | 0.005-0.06 mg/kg | Single dose | |
| CRI | 0.0015 mg/kg/hr | After loading dose | |
| Cats | IV, IM | 0.01-0.08 mg/kg | Single dose |
Large Animal Dosage
| Species | Route | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | IM | 0.01 mg/kg | Prior to induction |
| IV | 0.004 mg/kg | Additional dose if needed | |
| Lambs | IV | 0.03 mg/kg | Single dose |
Combination Therapy
Dogs: 20 mcg/kg has been used in combination with butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg), hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg), or ketamine for short-term procedures.
Cats: 5 mg/kg ketamine + 5 mcg/kg medetomidine mixed in one syringe and administered IM.
Horses: Guaifenesin (5% solution) and ketamine (2.2 mg/kg) have been used in combination.