Morphine Sulfate Dosing for Dogs, Cats, Horses By Weight
Important Safety Information
Regular tablets should not be used in dogs - sustained-release tablets have shown inconsistent absorption.
Morphine may cause excitement in horses - it is advised to first sedate with an alpha2-agonist or another sedative.
Use with caution and monitor for respiratory depression.
Reference Source
Saunders Handbook of VETERINARY DRUGS, Page 570-572
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Standard Dosage Guidelines
Small Animal Dosage
| Species | Indication/Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Analgesia - IM or IV | 0.1-1 mg/kg | q4h | Dose escalated as needed |
| Analgesia - SQ | 0.1-1 mg/kg | q4h | Dose escalated as needed | |
| CRI - Loading | 0.2-0.6 mg/kg | Single dose | Follow with maintenance | |
| CRI - Maintenance | 0.1-0.34 mg/kg | Per hour | Continuous infusion | |
| Epidural | 0.1 mg/kg | Single dose | Epidural administration | |
| Cats | Analgesia - IM, IV, SQ | 0.1-0.2 mg/kg | q3-6h | As needed |
| CRI - Loading | 0.2 mg/kg | Single dose | Follow with maintenance | |
| CRI - Maintenance | 0.05-0.1 mg/kg | Per hour | Continuous infusion | |
| Epidural | 0.1 mg/kg | Single dose | Diluted in saline |
Large Animal Dosage
| Species | Indication/Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | Light Chemical Restraint - IV | 0.3-0.5 mg/kg | Single dose | For light restraint |
| Severe Pain - IV or IM | 0.5-1 mg/kg | As needed | Give IV doses slowly | |
| Intraarticular | 0.05 mg/kg | Per joint | Preservative-free solutions |
MLK Combination for Dogs
Formula: 100 mg/mL ketamine (1.6 mL per 500 mL fluids) + 20 mg/mL lidocaine (30 mL per 500 mL fluids) + 15 mg/mL morphine (1.6 mL per 500 mL fluids)
Infusion Rate: Morphine: 0.24 mg/kg/hr; Lidocaine: 3 mg/kg/hr; Ketamine: 0.6 mg/kg/hr
Use: CRI for perioperative analgesia