Oxytocin Dosing for Dogs, Cats, Cattle, Mares, Small Ruminants and Sows
Important Information
Note: The following doses are all on a per-animal basis rather than a per-kilogram basis and some doses from experts may vary from the approved label dose.
Do not exceed 3 units per cat. Use with caution and under veterinary supervision.
Reference Source
Saunders Handbook of VETERINARY DRUGS, Page 625-626
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Standard Dosage Guidelines
Small Animal Dosage
| Species | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | IM, SQ | 5-20 units per dog | Repeat every 30 min for primary inertia | Manufacturer's label lists higher doses of 5-30 units per dog |
| Cats | IM, IV | 2.5-3 units per cat | Repeat up to three times every 30-60 minutes | Maximum dose is 3 units/cat |
Large Animal Dosage
| Species | Indication | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Uterine contractions | IM | 30 units per cow | Repeat in 30 minutes if necessary | Manufacturer lists 100 units per cow |
| Retained placenta | IM | 20 units per cow | Given immediately after calving and repeated in 2-4 hours | ||
| Milk letdown | IV, IM | 10-20 units per cow | Single dose | ||
| Mares | Uterine contractions | IM | 20 units per mare | Single dose | Manufacturer lists 100 units per mare |
| Retained placenta | IM | 30-40 units per mare | At 60- to 90-minute intervals | Alternative: Add 80-100 units to 500 mL saline solution and give IV | |
| Suppress estrus | IM | 60 units per mare | Once or twice daily on days 7-14 postovulation | ||
| Small Ruminants / Sows | General use | IM | 5-10 units per animal | Single dose | Manufacturer lists 30-50 units per animal |