# Dexamethasone for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drug in horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats, and for primary ketosis in cattle. The Dexadreson label gives 1.5 mL per 50…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/dexamethasone/
- Type: Active ingredient
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drug in horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats, and for primary ketosis in cattle [2]. The Dexadreson label gives 1.5 mL per 50 kg for horses, cattle and pigs and 0.5 mL per 10 kg for dogs and cats (2 mg/mL) [2].

- Class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, long-acting)
- Brands: Azium, Dexadreson

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | Inflammation and allergy (Dexadreson: 1.5 mL of 2 mg/mL per 50 kg — works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.06 mg/kg [2] | IV, IM or intra-articular |  | Label |
| Cattle | Inflammation and allergy (Dexadreson: 1.5 mL of 2 mg/mL per 50 kg — works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.06 mg/kg [2] | IM |  | Label |
| Pigs | Inflammation and allergy (Dexadreson: 1.5 mL of 2 mg/mL per 50 kg — works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.06 mg/kg [2] | IM |  | Label |
| Dogs | Inflammation and allergy (Dexadreson: 0.5 mL of 2 mg/mL per 10 kg — works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.1 mg/kg [2] | IM |  | Label |
| Cats | Inflammation and allergy (Dexadreson: 0.5 mL of 2 mg/mL per 10 kg — works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.1 mg/kg [2] | IM |  | Label |
| Cattle | Ketosis / anti-inflammatory (Azium label: total dose per animal.) | 5–20 mg/animal [3] | IV or IM |  | Label |
| Horses | Anti-inflammatory (Azium label: total dose per animal.) | 2.5–5 mg/animal [3] | IV or IM |  | Label |

## Uses

- Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent in horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats; primary ketosis in cattle [2].
- Induction of parturition in cattle [2].

## Mechanism of action

Glucocorticoids bind receptors in the cell cytoplasm and the hormone–receptor complex changes which proteins the cell makes; one of these, lipocortin, inhibits phospholipase A2, the first step of prostaglandin and leukotriene production [1].

## Safety

- Given in late pregnancy it may cause early parturition or abortion; in cattle glucocorticoids can induce parturition after 255 days of gestation [1][2].
- In horses, high doses of glucocorticoids may induce or worsen laminitis [1].
- Long-term use may cause iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome, and stopping suddenly may lead to an Addisonian-like crisis [1].
- Except in emergencies, do not use in animals with diabetes mellitus, chronic nephritis, kidney disease, congestive heart failure or osteoporosis [2].

## Withdrawal periods

- Cattle, meat: 8 days — Dexadreson (Ireland): meat and offal 8 days. [2]
- Cattle, milk: 3 days — Dexadreson (Ireland): milk 72 hours. [2]
- Pigs, meat: 2 days — Dexadreson (Ireland): meat and offal 2 days. [2]
- Horses, meat: 8 days — Dexadreson (Ireland): meat and offal 8 days. [2]

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dexamethasone dose for dogs?

Dexadreson (2 mg/mL) is given IM at 0.5 mL per 10 kg, which works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated) [2].

### Can dexamethasone cause abortion in cows?

Yes — given in late pregnancy it may cause early parturition or abortion, and it is used on purpose to induce parturition [2].

## References

[1] Corticosteroids in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals
[2] Dexadreson 2 mg/ml solution for injection — SPC — HPRA Ireland — MSD Animal Health SPC (2026). https://assets.hpra.ie/products/Animal/2223/ie-spc-600000064438-np-vpa10996-027-001-en_27082025115832.pdf
[3] AZIUM (dexamethasone) solution — label — Drugs.com Vet — US label text, Schering-Plough Animal Health (2026). https://drugs.com/vet/azium-solution.html

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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