ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/dobutamine
US brand names:Dobutrex
Dobutamine is dosed at 2–10 mcg/kg/min IV CRI in rabbits, per Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Table 37.5, printed p.550: 'Dobutamine 0.12-0.6 mg/kg/h IV CRI'; same page body text: 'positive inotropes such as dobutamine or dopamine. These are administered as CRIs starting at 2 to 5 μg/kg per minute.'. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Selective beta-1 adrenergic agonist increasing cardiac contractility (positive inotrope) with less effect on heart rate than dopamine.
IV CRI only — short half-life. Tachyarrhythmias at high doses. Cats are very sensitive — use lower doses. Monitor ECG and blood pressure continuously.
Species references:All Amazon Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Dobutamine CRI dose rules from the ExoticRx formulary. Verify against current literature before clinical use; CRI rates differ from bolus dosing and route, dilution, and monitoring matter. Sign in for the complete per-species CRI protocol set.
| Species | Route | Rate | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 2–15 mcg/kg/minCRI | Acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock | Strong | Butler AL. Goal-Directed Therapy in Small Animal Critical Illness. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2011;41(4):817-838. / 5. Pachtinger GE, Drobatz K. Assessment and Treatment of Hypovolemic States. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2008;38(3):629-643. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.05.002 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.416, Dobutamine monograph spanning p.416-417. |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 1–5 mcg/kg/minCRI | Acute heart failure | Moderate |
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 4 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | IV | 2–15 mcg/kg/min | CRI | Strong | Butler AL. Goal-Directed Therapy in Small Animal Critical Illness. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2011;41(4):817-838. / 5. Pachtinger GE, Drobatz K. Assessment and Treatment of Hypovolemic States. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. 2008;38(3):629-643. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.05.002 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.416, Dobutamine monograph spanning p.416-417. |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 1–5 mcg/kg/min | CRI | Moderate | Peterson N, Barr JW. Cardiogenic Shock. In: Clinical Small Animal Internal Medicine.2020:413-420. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.416, Dobutamine monograph spanning p.416-417.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock
Acute heart failure