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 [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].
- Drug class
- Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, long-acting)
- Sourced doses for
- Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Dogs, Cats
- Brands on this site
- Azium, Dexadreson
Dexamethasone dose calculator
Type the strength printed on your own product. Results are calculated in your browser from the cited doses on this page — always check the label of the product you use.
Dexamethasone 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 |
What dexamethasone is used for
How dexamethasone works (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, contraindications and precautions
- 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
Withdrawal periods belong to a product and a country — the rows below name the product they come from. Always follow the label of the product you use.
Brands that contain dexamethasone
| Brand | Company | Contains | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azium | Schering-Plough Animal Health | Dexamethasone | USA (FDA label) |
| Dexadreson | MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US) | Dexamethasone | European Union |
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
- Corticosteroids in Animals
Passage read from this source
Glucocorticoid-specific receptors in the cell cytoplasm bind with steroid ligands to form hormone-receptor complexes
Such proteins include lipocortin, a protein known to inhibit PLA2alpha
can induce parturition when administered after 255 days of gestation in cattle
In horses, high doses of glucocorticoids may induce or exacerbate laminitis.
- Dexadreson 2 mg/ml solution for injection — SPC
Passage read from this source
Horses, cattle, pigs: 1.5 ml/50 kg
Dogs, cats: 0.5 ml/10 kg
It can be used as an anti-inflammatory and antiallergic agent in horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats
The veterinary medicinal product can also be used to induce parturition in cattle.
- AZIUM (dexamethasone) solution — label
Passage read from this source
Bovine-AZIUM Solution-5 to 20 mg intravenously or intramuscularly.
Equine-AZIUM Solution-2.5 to 5 mg intravenously or intramuscularly.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.