Peptide hormone that activates hepatic glucagon receptors, stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to rapidly raise blood glucose. Also has positive inotropic and chronotropic cardiac effects.
At a glance
Class
Pancreatic Hormone / Hyperglycemic Agent
Storage
Powder at room temperature; reconstituted use immediately
Dosing
Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia
Frequency
Once (hypoglycemia); CRI (beta-blocker OD)
Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have depleted glycogen — glucagon less effective
Frequency
Once; repeat if needed
Safety
Blood glucose q15 min post-administrationHeart rateSerum potassium
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Glucagon?
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone / hyperglycemic agent used in pets. Peptide hormone that activates hepatic glucagon receptors, stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to rapidly raise blood glucose. Also has positive inotropic and chronotropic cardiac effects.
›What is Glucagon used for in pets?
Glucagon is used in veterinary medicine for: Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia; Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have depleted glycogen — glucagon less effective.
›What is the Glucagon dose for dogs?
For dogs, Glucagon is typically dosed as follows — Emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia: 0.5–1 mg/dog IV/IM/SQ Once (hypoglycemia); CRI (beta-blocker OD). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Glucagon dose for cats?
For cats, Glucagon is typically dosed as follows — Cats with hepatic lipidosis may have depleted glycogen — glucagon less effective: undefined undefined IV/IM/SQ Once; repeat if needed. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Glucagon need a prescription?
Yes. Glucagon 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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