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 glycemic control
Glycemic control is considered adequate if an acceptable blood glucose curve is achieved and clinical signs improve. Blood glucose values will range between 120−350 mg/dL in well-regulated diabetic cats. Keep in mind that cats often present with stress-induced hyperglycemia, which can lead to a falsely elevated blood glucose curve.

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.