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Exenatide

Prescription
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (Incretin Mimetic)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
2 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Synthetic exendin-4 (Gila monster venom peptide) that activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. Only stimulates insulin when glucose is elevated.

At a glance

Class
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (Incretin Mimetic)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; pen in use can be at room temperature up to 30 days

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Off-label investigational use for canine diabetes and insulinoma (paradoxically
Dose
0.2–1 mcg/kg
Route
SQ
Frequency
q12h
🐈

Cat

Investigational for feline diabetes — may promote beta cell regeneration and dia
Dose
0.2 mcg/kg
Route
SQ
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

Refrigerate 2–8°C; pen in use can be at room temperature up to 30 days

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose curvesFructosamineBody weightGI toleranceLipase (pancreatitis screening)
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

Byetta
Bydureon

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Exenatide?
Exenatide is a glp-1 receptor agonist (incretin mimetic) used in pets. Synthetic exendin-4 (Gila monster venom peptide) that activates GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety. Only stimulates insulin when glucose is elevated.
What is Exenatide used for in pets?
Exenatide is used in veterinary medicine for: Off-label investigational use for canine diabetes and insulinoma (paradoxically ; Investigational for feline diabetes — may promote beta cell regeneration and dia.
What is the Exenatide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Exenatide is typically dosed as follows — Off-label investigational use for canine diabetes and insulinoma (paradoxically : 0.2–1 mcg/kg SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Exenatide dose for cats?
For cats, Exenatide is typically dosed as follows — Investigational for feline diabetes — may promote beta cell regeneration and dia: 0.2 mcg/kg SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Exenatide need a prescription?
Yes. Exenatide 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
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