Ganciclovir for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Ganciclovir is used in dog for CMV-like herpesvirus infections. Routes documented in dog: IV. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ganciclovir in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Cytovene, Vitrasert
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 2.5–5 mg/kg | q12h | 14-21 days induction, then maintenance | CMV-like herpesvirus infections | Weak | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Phosphorylated by viral kinase to triphosphate form which inhibits CMV DNA polymerase and incorporates into viral DNA causing chain termination.
Side effects & warnings
Myelosuppressive — monitor CBC. Teratogenic and carcinogenic. Handle with gloves. Renal dose adjustment required.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Other Antiviral drugs with dog dosing
Ganciclovir dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Ganciclovir pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dog — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.