# Triamcinolone acetonide for Animals: Mechanism, Doses by Species & Brands

> Triamcinolone acetonide is a glucocorticoid. The US regulation for the injectable suspension allows 0.05–0.1 mg/lb IM or SC in dogs and cats and 0.01–0.02 mg/lb in horses; Genesis is a 0.015% topical…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/active-ingredients/triamcinolone-acetonide/
- 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

Triamcinolone acetonide is a glucocorticoid. The US regulation for the injectable suspension allows 0.05–0.1 mg/lb IM or SC in dogs and cats and 0.01–0.02 mg/lb in horses [2]; Genesis is a 0.015% topical spray for allergic itch in dogs [1].

- Class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid)
- Brands: Genesis Topical Spray

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Inflammatory, arthritic or allergic disorders (injection) (Regulation: 0.05–0.1 mg/lb — works out to 0.11–0.22 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.11–0.22 mg/kg [2] | IM or SC |  | Label |
| Cats | Inflammatory, arthritic or allergic disorders (injection) (Regulation: 0.05–0.1 mg/lb — works out to 0.11–0.22 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.11–0.22 mg/kg [2] | IM or SC |  | Label |
| Horses | Inflammation (injection) (Regulation: 0.01–0.02 mg/lb — works out to 0.022–0.044 mg/kg (calculated); usual dose 12–20 mg.) | 0.022–0.044 mg/kg [2] | IM or SC | Single injection | Label |

## Uses

- Dogs and cats: inflammation, acute arthritis, allergic and skin disorders — injection [2].
- Horses: inflammation — injection [2].
- Dogs: itch of allergic dermatitis — topical spray (Genesis) [1].

## 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 [3].

## Safety

- Injectable triamcinolone must not be used in horses intended for human consumption [2].
- Wear gloves when applying the spray and keep it out of the dog’s eyes [1].


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the triamcinolone injection dose for dogs?

The US regulation allows 0.05–0.1 mg per lb (about 0.11–0.22 mg/kg, calculated) IM or SC [2].

## References

[1] GENESIS (triamcinolone acetonide) topical spray — package insert — Virbac US — official package insert (2026). https://vet-us.virbac.com/files/live/sites/virbac-b2b-usa/files/client%20leaflet/Products/Genesis/Genesis%20PI.pdf
[2] 21 CFR § 522.2483 — Triamcinolone acetonide suspension — US Code of Federal Regulations (via Cornell LII) (2026). https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/21/522.2483
[3] Corticosteroids in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals

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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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