Non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that is metabolized to a toxic ATP analog within osteoclasts, causing osteoclast apoptosis and reducing bone resorption. Also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties on bone.
At a glance
Class
First-Generation Bisphosphonate
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C
Dosing
Off-label for bone pain from neoplasia, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and osteoly
Off-label for hypercalcemia and bone pain
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
Renal function before and after infusionSerum ionized calciumPhosphorusClinical pain response
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 Clodronate?
Clodronate is a first-generation bisphosphonate used in pets. Non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate that is metabolized to a toxic ATP analog within osteoclasts, causing osteoclast apoptosis and reducing bone resorption. Also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties on bone.
›What is Clodronate used for in pets?
Clodronate is used in veterinary medicine for: Off-label for bone pain from neoplasia, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and osteoly; Off-label for hypercalcemia and bone pain.
›What is the Clodronate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Clodronate is typically dosed as follows — Off-label for bone pain from neoplasia, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and osteoly: 20–25 mg/kg IV q28 days. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Clodronate dose for cats?
For cats, Clodronate is typically dosed as follows — Off-label for hypercalcemia and bone pain: 25 mg/kg IV q28 days. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Clodronate need a prescription?
Yes. Clodronate 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