ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/insulin-nph-vetsulin
US brand names:Vetsulin, ProZinc, Humulin N
Insulin (NPH/Vetsulin) is dosed at 1–5 IU/kg IM, ICe q24-72h in ball pythons, per Stahl SJ. Diseases of the reptile pancreas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2003;6:191-212. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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.
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 18 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) | SC | 0.25–0.5 IU/kg | q12h | Strong | Behrend E, Holford A, Lathan P, Rucinsky R, Schulman R. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2018;54(1):1-21. doi:10.5326/jaaha-ms-6822 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.691 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.672, Insulin, NPH monograph spanning p.670-673; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, and carries this exact dose under the matching species heading. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 0.25–0.5 IU/kg | q12h | Strong |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Ball Python drugsAll Bearded Dragon drugsAll Blue-tongue Skink drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Chinchilla drugsAll Cockatiel drugsAll Corn Snake drugsAll Crested Gecko drugsAll Degu drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Eastern Box Turtle drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Leopard Gecko drugsAll Red-eared Slider drugsAll Russian Tortoise drugsAll Sulcata Tortoise drugsAll Syrian Hamster drugs
| Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (held), Insulin Lente / Porcine Zinc Insulin (Vetsulin) monograph, printed p.664 (corpus PDF p.691), CATS - "0.25 - 0.5 units/kg SC every 12 hours, starting dose should not exceed 3 units/cat (NOT units/kg)." [CORRECTED - the Insulin NPH monograph printed p.670-673 carries NO cats row and states "Not recommended for use in cats because of its short duration of action in that species."] |