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Solu-Delta-Cortef (Prednisolone) Dose for Dogs & Cats: Strengths & Dose Calculator

Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Baraiya, B.V.Sc.Updated 2 Nov 20264 sources

Solu-Delta-Cortef is prednisolone sodium succinate powder for injection (100 mg or 500 mg per vial) from Zoetis, for shock, adrenal failure, acute arthritis, laminitis and acute hypersensitivity reactions ^[1]. Dogs in shock get 2.5–5 mg/lb IV as a first dose; horses 50–100 mg ^[1].

Contains: Prednisolone
Company: Zoetis
Forms: Solu-Delta-Cortef 100 mg vial (10 mg/mL mixed)
Solu-Delta-Cortef 500 mg vial (50 mg/mL mixed)
Label species: Dogs, Cats, Horses
Data from: USA (FDA label)
Type: Corticosteroid

Solu-Delta-Cortef 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.

Solu-Delta-Cortef strengths and presentations

Presentation	Contains	Strength check
Solu-Delta-Cortef 100 mg vial (10 mg/mL mixed) IV / IM	Prednisolone 10 mg per mL^[1] 10 mg prednisolone per mL after mixing (label composition table).	Confirmed
Solu-Delta-Cortef 500 mg vial (50 mg/mL mixed) IV	Prednisolone 50 mg per mL^[1] 50 mg prednisolone per mL after mixing (label composition table).	Confirmed

Solu-Delta-Cortef dose by species

Species	Use	Dose	Route	How often	Basis
Dogs	Shock — first dose Label: 2.5–5 mg/lb — works out to 5.5–11 mg/kg (calculated).	5.5–11 mg/kg^[1]	IV	Then equal doses at 1-, 3-, 6- or 10-hour intervals	Label
Horses	First dose	50–100 mg/animal^[1]	IV or IM	Repeat at 12, 24 or 48 hours	Label
Cats	Anti-inflammatory / anti-allergic	0.1–2 mg/kg^[3]	PO	Once daily (evening) · Often 1–3 weeks, then alternate days	Reference — prednisolone
Cats	Allergic itch (anti-inflammatory dose)	0.5–1 mg/kg^[2]	PO	Daily	Reference — prednisolone

Label directions

Dogs, shock: 2.5–5 mg/lb IV, then equal doses at 1-, 3-, 6- or 10-hour intervals ^[1].
Dogs and cats IM: usually 1–5 mg, up to 30–50 mg in large dogs; may repeat in 12–24 hours for 3–5 days ^[1].
Horses: 50–100 mg as a first dose ^[1].

Warnings and precautions

Contraindicated with tuberculosis, Cushing’s syndrome and peptic ulcer; do not use in viral infections ^[1].
Do not give the 50 mg/mL solution IM to dogs and cats ^[1].
May induce parturition in the last trimester of pregnancy ^[1].

About prednisolone (the active ingredient)

Corticosteroid (glucocorticoid, intermediate-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

Contraindicated with uncontrolled infections, diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, heart failure, severe kidney insufficiency, corneal or gastro-intestinal ulceration, and in pregnancy ^[3].
Do not use with live vaccines ^[3].
Give in the morning to dogs and in the evening to cats, to match their natural cortisol peak ^[3].
Long-term use may cause iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome; stopping suddenly may lead to an Addisonian-like crisis; alternate-day dosing reduces adrenal suppression ^[2].
Glucocorticoids may trigger or worsen diabetes mellitus ^[2].

All about prednisolone — doses by species and every brand →

Pack sizes

10 mL Act-O-Vial systems with 100 mg or 500 mg ^[1].

Frequently asked questions

What is the Solu-Delta-Cortef dose for a dog in shock?

2.5–5 mg per lb IV as the first dose, then equal maintenance doses ^[1].

Other brands of prednisolone

More from Zoetis

All veterinary products →

Solu-Delta-Cortef is a trademark of its owner. This page is an independent clinical reference and is not affiliated with Zoetis. 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

SOLU-DELTA-CORTEF (prednisolone sodium succinate) — labelDrugs.com Vet — US label text, Zoetis · 2026 · Product label
Passage read from this source
Prednisolone sodium succinate equivalent to prednisolone
All intravenous injections should be administered slowly.
indicated in the prevention and treatment of adrenal failure and shock-like states
acute laminitis (founder) in horses
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
anti-inflammatory dosages (prednisolone, 0.5–1 mg/kg per day) alleviate pruritus
Longterm administration may lead to iatrogenic Cushing syndrome
Prednicare 5 mg tablets — SPCUK Veterinary Medicines Directorate — Ecuphar SPC · 2026 · Regulator database
Passage read from this source
DOGS: 0.1-2.0 mg/kg/day
CATS: 0.1-2.0 mg/kg/day
The lowest effective dose must be used.
treatment may be given for one to three weeks at doses between:
Prednidale 25 mg tablets for dogs — SPCUK Veterinary Medicines Directorate — Dechra SPC · 2026 · Regulator database
Passage read from this source
Dose: 0.1 - 2.0 mg per kg bodyweight per day.
administration for one to three weeks at the above dosage levels may be required.
For the treatment of inflammatory and allergic diseases, including some autoimmune diseases
Do not use in animals with renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus or corneal ulceration.

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