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

Q: What is the Dexadreson milk withdrawal?

72 hours; meat 8 days in cattle.

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

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].

Contains: Dexamethasone
Company: MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US)
Forms: Dexadreson 2 mg/mL injection
Label species: Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Dogs, Cats
Data from: European Union
Type: Corticosteroid

Dexadreson dose calculator

Results are calculated in your browser from the doses and strengths on this page. Check the strength printed on your pack and the label in your country before giving any dose.

Dexadreson strengths and presentations

Presentation	Contains	Strength check
Dexadreson 2 mg/mL injection IM (all); IV or intra-articular (horses)	Dexamethasone 2 mg per mL^[1]	Confirmed

Dexadreson dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	Basis
Horses	Inflammation and allergy Works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).	0.06 mg/kg 1.5 mL per 50 kg^[1]	IV, IM or intra-articular	Label
Cattle	Inflammation and allergy Works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).	0.06 mg/kg 1.5 mL per 50 kg^[1]	IM	Label
Pigs	Inflammation and allergy Works out to 0.06 mg/kg (calculated).	0.06 mg/kg 1.5 mL per 50 kg^[1]	IM	Label
Dogs	Inflammation and allergy Works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated).	0.1 mg/kg 0.5 mL per 10 kg^[1]	IM	Label
Cats	Inflammation and allergy Works out to 0.1 mg/kg (calculated).	0.1 mg/kg 0.5 mL per 10 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

Species	Product	Withdrawal	Detail
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]

About dexamethasone (the active ingredient)

Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, long-acting).

How it works

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 ^[2].

Key safety points

Given in late pregnancy it may cause early parturition or abortion; in cattle glucocorticoids can induce parturition after 255 days of gestation ^[2]^[1].
In horses, high doses of glucocorticoids may induce or worsen laminitis ^[2].
Long-term use may cause iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome, and stopping suddenly may lead to an Addisonian-like crisis ^[2].
Except in emergencies, do not use in animals with diabetes mellitus, chronic nephritis, kidney disease, congestive heart failure or osteoporosis ^[1].

All about dexamethasone — doses by species and every brand →

Pack sizes

50 mL glass vials ^[1].

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].

Other brands of dexamethasone

DexamethasoneAzium

More from MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US)

All veterinary products →

Dexadreson is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent clinical reference and is not affiliated with MSD Animal Health (Merck Animal Health in the US). Strengths, species and withdrawal periods can differ between countries — always follow the pack insert in your country.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.

Veterinarian · Reviewed 2 Nov 2026

References

Dexadreson 2 mg/ml solution for injection — SPCHPRA Ireland — MSD Animal Health SPC · 2026 · Regulator database
Passage read from this source
Dexamethasone (as sodium phosphate) 2.0 mg
Horses, cattle, pigs, dogs and cats.
Horses, cattle, pigs: 1.5 ml/50 kg
Dogs, cats: 0.5 ml/10 kg
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
can induce parturition when administered after 255 days of gestation in cattle
In horses, high doses of glucocorticoids may induce or exacerbate laminitis.
AZIUM (dexamethasone) solution — labelDrugs.com Vet — US label text, Schering-Plough Animal Health · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
Bovine-AZIUM Solution-5 to 20 mg intravenously or intramuscularly.
Equine-AZIUM Solution-2.5 to 5 mg intravenously or intramuscularly.

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