Ketoprofen for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands
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].
- Drug class
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, propionic acid derivative)
- Sourced doses for
- Dogs, Cats, Horses, Cattle
- Brands on this site
- Ketofen
Ketoprofen 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.
Ketoprofen 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 |
What ketoprofen is used for
How ketoprofen works (mechanism of action)
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes [1].
Safety, contraindications and precautions
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.
| Species | Product | Withdrawal | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Meat | 2 days | Ketofen (US): not slaughtered within 48 hours of the last treatment.[2] |
Brands that contain ketoprofen
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
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals
Passage read from this source
Ketoprofen is another propionic acid derivative
The recommended dosage is 1 mg/kg per day for up to 5 days, IV or PO in dogs and cats
2.2 mg/kg per day for up to 5 days, IV, in horses
3 mg/kg per day for 1–3 days, IV or IM, in cattle
- KETOFEN (ketoprofen) injection — label
Passage read from this source
The recommended dosage is 1 mg/lb (1 mL/100 lbs) of body weight
Treatment may be repeated for up to five days.
Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
The recommended dosage is 3 mg/kg (1 mL/33.3 kg) or 1.36 mg/lb (1 mL/74 lb) of body weight.
- Bans on two more veterinary drugs linked to vulture deaths in India
Passage read from this source
On the 31st of July, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), BirdLife in India,
received the good news that two more veterinary drugs- Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac,
could no longer be manufactured, sold and distributed throughout India.
to remove Diclofenac from veterinary practice in India in 2006.
For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.