Peptide hormone that inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and promotes renal calcium excretion, rapidly lowering serum calcium. Used for emergency management of hypercalcemia.
At a glance
Class
Calcium-Regulating Hormone
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; stable at room temperature up to 14 days
Dosing
Emergency treatment for hypercalcemia
Used for acute hypercalcemia of malignancy or vitamin D toxicity
Safety
Serum ionized calcium q6–12hClinical signs resolutionBUN/creatinine
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Calcitonin?
Calcitonin is a calcium-regulating hormone used in pets. Peptide hormone that inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and promotes renal calcium excretion, rapidly lowering serum calcium. Used for emergency management of hypercalcemia.
›What is Calcitonin used for in pets?
Calcitonin is used in veterinary medicine for: Emergency treatment for hypercalcemia; Used for acute hypercalcemia of malignancy or vitamin D toxicity.
›What is the Calcitonin dose for dogs?
For dogs, Calcitonin is typically dosed as follows — Emergency treatment for hypercalcemia: 4–8 IU/kg SQ/IM q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Calcitonin dose for cats?
For cats, Calcitonin is typically dosed as follows — Used for acute hypercalcemia of malignancy or vitamin D toxicity: 4–8 IU/kg SQ q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Calcitonin need a prescription?
Yes. Calcitonin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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