Active ingredient

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

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

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].

Drug class: Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid)
Sourced doses for: Dogs, Cats, Horses
Brands on this site: Genesis Topical Spray

Triamcinolone acetonide 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.

Triamcinolone acetonide 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

What triamcinolone acetonide is used for

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].

How triamcinolone acetonide 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 ^[3].

Safety, contraindications and precautions

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].

Brands that contain triamcinolone acetonide

Brand	Company	Contains	Market
Genesis Topical Spray	Virbac	Triamcinolone acetonide	USA (FDA label)

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].

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

GENESIS (triamcinolone acetonide) topical spray — package insertVirbac US — official package insert · 2026 · Official company page
Passage read from this source
Each mL of GENESIS Topical Spray contains 0.15 mg triamcinolone acetonide
GENESIS Topical Spray is indicated for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs.
Wear gloves when applying the product.
Avoid getting the spray in dog's eyes.
21 CFR § 522.2483 — Triamcinolone acetonide suspensionUS Code of Federal Regulations (via Cornell LII) · 2026 · Regulator database
Passage read from this source
Each milliliter of suspension contains 2 or 6 milligrams (mg) triamcinolone acetonide.
For inflammatory, arthritic, or allergic disorders, administer 0.05 to 0.1 mg per pound (/lb) of body weight
Administer 0.01 to 0.02 mg/lb of body weight as a single injection.
Usual dose is 12 to 20 mg.
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

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