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
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.
Find a vet near you →Safety
Serum ionized calcium q6–12hClinical signs resolutionBUN/creatinine
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.
Find a vet near you →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.
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.
Find a vet near you →References
References
The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.
Textbooks & handbooks — 5
- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
- Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)
Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
- AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
- ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
- RECOVER CPR Guidelines
Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2
- EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
- JVIM FAT CAT Study
Regulatory & approvals — 1
- CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)
Databases — 1
- Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database