Cats: Vetsulin dosing and administration

Dosing overview

For cats, the initial recommended dose of Vetsulin^® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) is 1 to 2 IU per injection. Cats should be started on twice-daily (BID) injections of Vetsulin at 12-hour intervals. Note that in cats, Vetsulin dosing is calculated on a per animal basis; in contrast, initial dosing for dogs is based on body weight.

Vetsulin should be mixed by gently rolling the vial between your palms prior to withdrawing the dose. Using a U-40 insulin syringe, administer injections subcutaneously, 2 to 5 cm (3/4 to 2 in) from the dorsal midline, varying from behind the scapulae to the mid-lumbar region and alternating sides.

In cats, initially administer twice-daily doses 12 hours apart concurrently with or right after meals fed twice daily. (No change in feeding schedule is required for cats fed ad libitum.) Reevaluate the cat at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and glucose curve/spot check values until adequate glycemic control has been attained.

Achieving effective glycemic control
The goals of managing diabetes mellitus include:

• Controlling the clinical signs of hyperglycemia (polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria) 
• Avoiding hypoglycemia (blood glucose <50 mg/dL)
• Obtaining blood glucose curve values in the desired range:*
  • Cats: 120−350 mg/dL over the course of the day, with a nadir between
    120−180 mg/dL

*In the US clinical study, glycemic control was considered adequate if an acceptable blood glucose curve was achieved (ie, reduction in hyperglycemia and a nadir of 60−160 mg/dL), however, the Technical Services department believes that a nadir below 120 mg/dL in cats may warrant a decrease in the dose.

Further adjustments in dosage may be necessary with changes in the cat's diet, body weight, medications, or if the cat develops concurrent infection, inflammation, or other medical disorders.

For long-term management dosage information, click here.