Home/Medicines/Octreotide
All medicines

Octreotide

Prescription
Somatostatin Analog
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
1 available
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Synthetic long-acting octapeptide analog of somatostatin that inhibits growth hormone, glucagon, insulin, gastrin, VIP, and other GI/pancreatic hormones. Reduces splanchnic blood flow. Used for insulinoma, gastrinoma, and GI hemorrhage.

At a glance

Class
Somatostatin Analog
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; stable at room temperature up to 14 days; protect from light

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for insulinoma-associated hypoglycemia (inhibits insulin secretion), gastri
Dose
10–40 mcg/dog
Route
SQ, IV CRI
Frequency
q8–12h (SQ); continuous (CRI)
🐈

Cat

Limited feline data
Dose
2–4 mcg/cat
Route
SQ
Frequency
q8–12h

Formulations

💊

Other — 2

Strength
Strength

Storage

Refrigerate 2–8°C; stable at room temperature up to 14 days; protect from light

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucoseGI toleranceAbdominal ultrasound (gallbladder) with chronic useTumor response

Interactions

No documented interactions.

Brands

Other markets

Sandostatin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Octreotide?
Octreotide is a somatostatin analog used in pets. Synthetic long-acting octapeptide analog of somatostatin that inhibits growth hormone, glucagon, insulin, gastrin, VIP, and other GI/pancreatic hormones. Reduces splanchnic blood flow. Used for insulinoma, gastrinoma, and GI hemorrhage.
What is Octreotide used for in pets?
Octreotide is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for insulinoma-associated hypoglycemia (inhibits insulin secretion), gastri; Limited feline data.
What is the Octreotide dose for dogs?
For dogs, Octreotide is typically dosed as follows — Used for insulinoma-associated hypoglycemia (inhibits insulin secretion), gastri: 10–40 mcg/dog SQ/IV CRI q8–12h (SQ); continuous (CRI). Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Octreotide dose for cats?
For cats, Octreotide is typically dosed as follows — Limited feline data: 2–4 mcg/cat SQ q8–12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
Does Octreotide need a prescription?
Yes. Octreotide 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. Find a vet near you →