Thymidine analog phosphorylated intracellularly to active triphosphate that competitively inhibits retroviral reverse transcriptase, terminating viral DNA chain elongation. Used for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
At a glance
Class
Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI)
Storage
Store at room temperature 15–25°C; protect from light and moisture
Dosing
Canine retroviral diseases are rare
Used for FIV and FeLV to reduce viral load, improve CD4 counts, and treat FeLV-a
Safety
CBC every 2 weeks for first 2 months then monthlyReticulocyte countHepatic enzymesFeLV/FIV viral load if availableClinical improvement
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Zidovudine (AZT)?
Zidovudine (AZT) is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (nrti) used in pets. Thymidine analog phosphorylated intracellularly to active triphosphate that competitively inhibits retroviral reverse transcriptase, terminating viral DNA chain elongation. Used for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV).
›What is Zidovudine (AZT) used for in pets?
Zidovudine (AZT) is used in veterinary medicine for: Canine retroviral diseases are rare; Used for FIV and FeLV to reduce viral load, improve CD4 counts, and treat FeLV-a.
›What is the Zidovudine (AZT) dose for dogs?
For dogs, Zidovudine (AZT) is typically dosed as follows — Canine retroviral diseases are rare: undefined undefined N/A N/A. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Zidovudine (AZT) dose for cats?
For cats, Zidovudine (AZT) is typically dosed as follows — Used for FIV and FeLV to reduce viral load, improve CD4 counts, and treat FeLV-a: 5–10 mg/kg PO/SQ q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Zidovudine (AZT) need a prescription?
Yes. Zidovudine (AZT) 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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