ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/insulin-lente-porcine-zinc
US brand names:Vetsulin, Caninsulin
Also known as: Porcine lente insulin, Porcine insulin zinc suspension
Insulin, Lente (Porcine Zinc) is dosed at 0.25–0.5 IU/kg SC q12h in cats, per Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, Insulin Lente / Porcine Zinc Insulin (Vetsulin) monograph, printed p.664, CATS - "0.25 - 0.5 units/kg SC every 12 hours, starting dose should not exceed 3 units/cat (NOT units/kg).". Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Facilitates cellular glucose uptake by binding insulin receptors, activating glucose transporters. Regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.
Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous adverse effect. Dose individually based on blood glucose curves. Vetsulin (porcine lente) for dogs, ProZinc (PZI) often preferred in cats. U-40 vs U-100 syringes — use correct syringe.
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 0.25–0.5 IU/kg | q12h | Strong | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed, Insulin Lente / Porcine Zinc Insulin (Vetsulin) monograph, printed p.664, CATS - "0.25 - 0.5 units/kg SC every 12 hours, starting dose should not exceed 3 units/cat (NOT units/kg)."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.