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Cortisone Acetate

Prescription
Short-Acting Glucocorticoid
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Inactive prodrug converted to cortisol (hydrocortisone) by hepatic 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Natural glucocorticoid with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity. Weakest oral corticosteroid — requires hepatic activation.

At a glance

Class
Short-Acting Glucocorticoid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Rarely used — prednisone/prednisolone are more potent and predictable
Dose
0.5–1 mg/kg
Route
PO, IM
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

Rarely used in cats
Dose
1–2.5 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
q12h
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 →

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucoseBody weightSigns of infectionAdrenal function with prolonged use
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.

Brands

Other markets

Cortone Acetate

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Cortisone Acetate?
Cortisone Acetate is a short-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Inactive prodrug converted to cortisol (hydrocortisone) by hepatic 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Natural glucocorticoid with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity. Weakest oral corticosteroid — requires hepatic activation.
What is Cortisone Acetate used for in pets?
Cortisone Acetate is used in veterinary medicine for: Rarely used — prednisone/prednisolone are more potent and predictable; Rarely used in cats.
What is the Cortisone Acetate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Cortisone Acetate is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used — prednisone/prednisolone are more potent and predictable: 0.5–1 mg/kg PO/IM q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Cortisone Acetate dose for cats?
For cats, Cortisone Acetate is typically dosed as follows — Rarely used in cats: 1–2.5 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Cortisone Acetate need a prescription?
Yes. Cortisone Acetate 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

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Short-Acting Glucocorticoid).

Hydrocortisone
Rx
Identical to endogenous cortisol; binds glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, providing both anti-inflammatory and mineralocorticoid effects; used for physiologic replacement and shock
dogcat
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