Abbreviations
Units of Measure in Veterinary Medicine: mg, mcg, mL, mEq, mOsm, IU, U, ppm — and Which to Avoid
Unit abbreviations listed by the Merck Veterinary Manual [1], with the unit and dose designations that the Institute for Safe Medication Practices lists as error-prone and its recommended alternatives [2].
Units of measure (40)
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| g | Gram [1] | |
| kg | Kilogram [1] | |
| mg | Milligram [1] | |
| mcg | Microgram [1] | ISMP recommends "mcg" instead of µg, which is mistaken as mg [2]. |
| pg | Picogram [1] | |
| lb | Pound [1] | |
| oz | Ounce [1] | |
| L | Litre [1] | |
| dL | Decilitre [1] | |
| mL | Millilitre [1] | ISMP recommends "mL" instead of cc (cubic centimetres), which is mistaken as u (units) [2]. |
| fL | Femtolitre [1] | |
| gal | Gallon [1] | |
| tbsp | Tablespoon [1] | |
| tsp | Teaspoon [1] | |
| m | Metre [1] | |
| cm | Centimetre [1] | |
| mm | Millimetre [1] | |
| nm | Nanometre [1] | |
| in | Inch [1] | |
| ft | Foot [1] | |
| mol | Mole [1] | |
| M | Molar (moles per litre) [1] | |
| mEq | Milliequivalent [1] | |
| mOsm | Milliosmole [1] | |
| IU | International unit [1] | ISMP: IU is mistaken as IV or the number 10; write "unit(s)" [2]. |
| U | Unit [1] | ISMP: U or u is mistaken as zero or the number 4, or as cc; write "unit(s)" [2]. |
| ppm | Parts per million [1] | |
| ppb | Parts per billion [1] | |
| cal | calorie (small calorie; 1 kcal = 1000 cal) [1] | |
| kcal | Kilocalorie [1] | |
| Mcal | Megacalorie [1] | |
| J | Joule [1] | |
| s | Second [1] | |
| min | Minute [1] | |
| h | Hour [1] | ISMP recommends hr, h or hour instead of the symbol ° for hour [2]. |
| d | Day [1] | |
| wk | Week [1] | |
| mo | Month [1] | |
| yr | Year [1] | |
| bpm | Beats per minute [1] |
Writing doses safely
Frequently asked questions
Should I write mcg or µg?
ISMP recommends mcg, because µg is mistaken as mg [2].
Why should "cc" not be used?
ISMP reports that cc is mistaken as u (units) and recommends mL [2].
Related tools and references
More veterinary abbreviations
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For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.