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

> Ketoprofen is a propionic acid NSAID. Reference doses are 1 mg/kg a day for up to 5 days in dogs and cats, 2.2 mg/kg a day in horses and 3 mg/kg a…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/ketoprofen/
- 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

Ketoprofen is a propionic acid NSAID [1]. Reference doses are 1 mg/kg a day for up to 5 days in dogs and cats, 2.2 mg/kg a day in horses and 3 mg/kg a day for 1–3 days in cattle [1]. India banned it for animal use in 2023 to protect vultures [3].

- Class: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, propionic acid derivative)
- Brands: Ketofen

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Pain and inflammation | 1 mg/kg [1] | IV or PO | Once daily · Up to 5 days | Reference |
| Cats | Pain and inflammation | 1 mg/kg [1] | IV or PO | Once daily · Up to 5 days | Reference |
| Horses | Musculoskeletal pain and inflammation (Label: 1 mg/lb (1 mL/100 lb) — works out to 2.2 mg/kg (calculated).) | 2.2 mg/kg [2] | IV | Once daily · Up to 5 days | Label |
| Cattle | Fever of bovine respiratory disease | 3 mg/kg [2] | SC | Once daily · Up to 3 days if fever persists | Label |

## Uses

- Horses: inflammation and pain of musculoskeletal disorders (Ketofen US label) [2].
- Cattle: fever of bovine respiratory disease in certain classes of cattle (Ketofen US label) [2].
- Dogs and cats: reference dose in the Merck Veterinary Manual [1].

## Mechanism of action

NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1].

## Safety

- India: in July 2023 veterinary ketoprofen (and aceclofenac) could no longer be manufactured, sold or distributed, to protect vultures [3].
- Ketofen (US) must not be used in horses intended for human consumption, or in female dairy cattle 1 year of age or older [2].

## Withdrawal periods

- Cattle, meat: 2 days — Ketofen (US): not slaughtered within 48 hours of the last treatment. [2]

## Frequently asked questions

### Is ketoprofen banned in India?

Yes as a veterinary drug — in July 2023 India stopped its manufacture, sale and distribution, to protect vultures [3].

### What is the ketoprofen dose for horses?

Under the US Ketofen label, 1 mg/lb (about 2.2 mg/kg) IV once a day for up to 5 days [2].

## References

[1] Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual — S. H. Edwards (updated Sep 2024) (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals
[2] KETOFEN (ketoprofen) injection — label — Drugs.com Vet — US label text, Zoetis (2026). https://www.drugs.com/vet/ketofen.html
[3] Bans on two more veterinary drugs linked to vulture deaths in India — BirdLife International (news, Sep 2023) (2023). https://www.birdlife.org/news/2023/09/01/bans-on-two-more-veterinary-drugs-linked-to-vulture-deaths-in-india/

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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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