# Dexadreson (Dexamethasone) Dose for Horses & Cattle: Strengths & Dose Calculator

> Dexadreson is dexamethasone 2 mg/mL injection (as sodium phosphate) from MSD Animal Health for horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats. The anti-inflammatory dose is 1.5 mL per 50 kg for horses, cattle…

- Source page: https://wevet.in/vet-products/dexadreson-dexamethasone/
- Type: Vet product
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-02
- Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc. (2026-11-02)
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

Dexadreson is dexamethasone 2 mg/mL injection (as sodium phosphate) from MSD Animal Health for horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats [1]. The anti-inflammatory dose is 1.5 mL per 50 kg for horses, cattle and pigs and 0.5 mL per 10 kg for dogs and cats; it is also used for ketosis and to induce calving [1].

- Brand: Dexadreson
- Contains: Dexamethasone
- Company: MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US)
- Label species: Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Dogs, Cats
- Data from: European Union

## Strengths

- Dexadreson 2 mg/mL injection: Dexamethasone 2 mg per mL (verified, [1])

## Dose by species

| Species | Use | Dose | Route | How often | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horses | Inflammation and allergy (Works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.06 mg/kg [1] | IV, IM or intra-articular |  | Label |
| Cattle | Inflammation and allergy (Works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.06 mg/kg [1] | IM |  | Label |
| Pigs | Inflammation and allergy (Works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.06 mg/kg [1] | IM |  | Label |
| Dogs | Inflammation and allergy (Works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.1 mg/kg [1] | IM |  | Label |
| Cats | Inflammation and allergy (Works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated).) | 0.1 mg/kg [1] | IM |  | Label |

## Label directions

- Horses, cattle, pigs: 1.5 mL per 50 kg [1].
- Dogs, cats: 0.5 mL per 10 kg [1].
- Cattle ketosis: 5–10 mL depending on cow size and how long signs have lasted [1].
- Induction of calving: a single IM injection of 10 mL after day 260 of pregnancy [1].
- Horses, intra-articular: 1–5 mL [1].

## Warnings and precautions

- In late pregnancy it may cause early parturition or abortion; when used to induce calving, retained placenta is common [1].
- May predispose horses to laminitis [1].
- Except in emergencies, do not use with diabetes, chronic nephritis, kidney disease, congestive heart failure or osteoporosis [1].

## Withdrawal periods

- Cattle, meat: 8 days — Meat and offal 8 days. [1]
- Cattle, milk: 3 days — Milk 72 hours. [1]
- Pigs, meat: 2 days — Meat and offal 2 days. [1]
- Horses, meat: 8 days — Meat and offal 8 days; not for horses producing milk for human consumption. [1]

Interactive dose calculator (strength prefilled only when confirmed): use the page link above.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Dexadreson dose for dogs?

0.5 mL per 10 kg IM — about 0.1 mg/kg of dexamethasone (calculated) [1].

### Is Dexadreson used to induce calving?

Yes — a single 10 mL IM injection after day 260 of pregnancy [1].

### What is the Dexadreson milk withdrawal?

72 hours; meat 8 days in cattle [1].

## References

[1] Dexadreson 2 mg/ml solution for injection — SPC — HPRA Ireland — MSD Animal Health SPC (2026). https://assets.hpra.ie/products/Animal/2223/ie-spc-600000064438-np-vpa10996-027-001-en_27082025115832.pdf
[2] Corticosteroids in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual (2024). https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/corticosteroids-in-animals
[3] AZIUM (dexamethasone) solution — label — Drugs.com Vet — US label text, Schering-Plough Animal Health (2026). https://drugs.com/vet/azium-solution.html

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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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