Dogs: Vetsulin dosing and administration

Dosing overview

Vetsulin® (porcine insulin zinc suspension) should be mixed by gentle rolling of the vial prior to withdrawing the dose. Using a U-40 insulin syringe, administer the injection 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.

Starting dose
In dogs, the initial recommended Vetsulin dose is 0.5 IU insulin/kg of body weight. This dose should be given once daily concurrently with or right after a meal.

Veterinarians should reevaluate canine patients at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and glucose curve 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:*
    • Dogs: 100−250 mg/dL over the course of the day, with a nadir between
      100−150 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 100 mg/dL in dogs may warrant a decrease in the dose.

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

Avoiding hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a major concern. To help avoid it:

  • The dog's body weight should be rounded down to the nearest whole kilogram
  • The calculated dose of insulin should be rounded down to the nearest whole unit

This helps to avoid overdosing particularly during initial stabilization.

Twice-daily dosage

If the initial insulin duration of activity proves to be inadequate, begin twice-daily therapy. If twice-daily treatment is initiated, each of the two doses should be 25% less than the once-daily dose of Vetsulin required to attain an acceptable nadir.

For example, a 20-kg dog would receive 10 IU of Vetsulin once daily or 7 IU of Vetsulin administered twice daily. See product label for more information.

For long-term management dosage, click here.