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Insulin, Lente (Porcine)

Prescription

Intermediate-Acting Porcine Insulin

Last reviewed 22 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Porcine-origin insulin in a lente formulation (30% amorphous zinc insulin + 70% crystalline zinc insulin) providing intermediate duration. Porcine insulin differs from canine insulin by only 1 amino acid — minimal immunogenicity in dogs.

At a glance

Class

Intermediate-Acting Porcine Insulin

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; in-use stable at room temperature up to 6 weeks (Vetsulin) or 42 days; gently shake before use; do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

FDA-approved (Vetsulin) for canine and feline diabetes

Dose

0.25–0.5 U/kg

Route

Frequency

q12h

🐈

Cat

FDA-approved for cats

Dose

—

Route

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 — 1

Strength

—

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; in-use stable at room temperature up to 6 weeks (Vetsulin) or 42 days; gently shake before use; do not freeze

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucose curves at 7 and 14 days then monthly until stableFructosamine q2–4 weeksBody weightWater intake/urine output

Educational reference only

Interactions

Major — 1

Prednisolone

major

Corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance. Glucocorticoids increase hepatic gluconeogenesis and decrease peripheral glucose uptake, directly antagonizing insulin.

Management: Avoid steroids in diabetic patients. If essential, monitor glucose curves closely. Expect 50-100% insulin dose increase. Hypoglycemia risk when steroid tapered.

Educational reference only

Brands

United States

Vetsulin

Merck

International

Caninsulin

MSD

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Insulin, Lente (Porcine)?

Insulin, Lente (Porcine) is a intermediate-acting porcine insulin used in pets. Porcine-origin insulin in a lente formulation (30% amorphous zinc insulin + 70% crystalline zinc insulin) providing intermediate duration. Porcine insulin differs from canine insulin by only 1 amino acid — minimal immunogenicity in dogs.

›What is Insulin, Lente (Porcine) used for in pets?

Insulin, Lente (Porcine) is used in veterinary medicine for: FDA-approved (Vetsulin) for canine and feline diabetes; FDA-approved for cats.

›What is the Insulin, Lente (Porcine) dose for dogs?

For dogs, Insulin, Lente (Porcine) is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved (Vetsulin) for canine and feline diabetes: 0.25–0.5 U/kg SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Insulin, Lente (Porcine) dose for cats?

For cats, Insulin, Lente (Porcine) is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for cats: undefined undefined SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Insulin, Lente (Porcine) need a prescription?

Yes. Insulin, Lente (Porcine) is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

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