Active ingredient

Methylprednisolone for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.Updated 2 Nov 20263 sources

Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid given by mouth as tablets (Medrol) ^[3] or as a long-acting acetate injection (Depo-Medrol) for arthritis, allergic dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions in dogs, cats and horses ^[2].

Drug class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, intermediate-acting)
Sourced doses for: Dogs, Cats, Horses
Brands on this site: Depo-Medrol, Medrol

Methylprednisolone dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	How often	Basis
Dogs	Depo-Medrol IM Average 20 mg; up to 120 mg in extremely large breeds.	2–40 mg/animal^[2]	IM	Weekly or as the response requires	Depo-Medrol only
Cats	Depo-Medrol IM Average 10 mg.	10–20 mg/animal^[2]	IM	Weekly or as the response requires	Depo-Medrol only
Horses	Depo-Medrol IM	200 mg/animal^[2]	IM	Repeated as necessary	Depo-Medrol only

What methylprednisolone is used for

Dogs, cats and horses: pain and lameness of acute localized arthritis, and pruritus and inflammation of allergic dermatitis (Depo-Medrol) ^[2].
Dogs and cats: oral tablets for the same indications as other anti-inflammatory steroids (Medrol) ^[3].

How methylprednisolone 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

Contraindicated with arrested tuberculosis, peptic ulcer and Cushing’s syndrome ^[2].
Long-term use may cause iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome; stopping suddenly may lead to an Addisonian-like crisis ^[1].
May induce the first stage of parturition in the last trimester of pregnancy ^[2].

Brands that contain methylprednisolone

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Depo-Medrol	Zoetis	Methylprednisolone	USA (FDA label)
Medrol	Zoetis	Methylprednisolone	USA (FDA label)

Frequently asked questions

How is Depo-Medrol dosed in dogs?

The average IM dose is 20 mg per dog, from 2 mg in miniature breeds to 40 mg in medium breeds ^[2].

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

Corticosteroids in AnimalsMerck Veterinary Manual · 2024 · Veterinary reference
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
Longterm administration may lead to iatrogenic Cushing syndrome
abrupt discontinuation of glucocorticoid treatment may lead to an Addisonian-like crisis
DEPO-MEDROL (methylprednisolone acetate) — labelDrugs.com Vet — US label text, Zoetis · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
The average intramuscular dose for dogs is 20 mg.
the dose may range from 2 mg in miniature breeds to 40 mg in medium breeds
even as high as 120 mg in extremely large breeds or dogs with severe involvement
The average intramuscular dose for cats is 10 mg with a range up to 20 mg.
MEDROL (methylprednisolone) tablets — labelDrugs.com Vet — US label text, Zoetis · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
Each 4 mg tablet contains 4 mg methylprednisolone.
The indications for MEDROL Tablets are the same as those for other anti-inflammatory steroids

For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.