Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Isotretinoin is dosed at 1–2 mg/kg PO q12h-q24h in dogs, per White SD, Rosychuk RA, Scott KV, et al: Sebaceous adenitis in dogs and results of treatment with isotretinoin and etretinate: 30 cases (1990-1994). J Am Vet Med Assoc 207(2):197-200, 1995. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.591 (2026-08-01).. Isotretinoin is used in dogs for Sebaceous adenitis / idiopathic seborrhea, Intracutaneous cornifying epithelioma. Routes documented in dogs: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Isotretinoin in dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Accutane, Claravis
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q12h-q24h | 3-4 month trial; chronic in some cases | Sebaceous adenitis / idiopathic seborrhea | Moderate | White SD, Rosychuk RA, Scott KV, et al: Sebaceous adenitis in dogs and results of treatment with isotretinoin and etretinate: 30 cases (1990-1994). J Am Vet Med Assoc 207(2):197-200, 1995. — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.591 (2026-08-01). |
| PO | 1–2 mg/kg | q24h | Chronic use; monitor lipids and liver quarterly | Intracutaneous cornifying epithelioma | Moderate | Werner AH, Power HT: Retinoids in veterinary dermatology. Clin Dermatol 12(4):579-586, 1994. doi:10.1016/0738-081x(94)90226-7 — Verified against Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, 7th Ed, p.152 (2026-08-01). |
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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.
13-cis-retinoic acid that decreases sebaceous gland size and sebum production. Normalizes follicular keratinization and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Highly teratogenic — do not use in pregnant or breeding animals. Causes keratoconjunctivitis sicca, hepatotoxicity, and hyperostosis. Monitor tear production, liver enzymes, and triglycerides.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Isotretinoin dose ranges in dogs, with cited source references: PO 1–2 mg/kg q12h-q24h; PO 1–2 mg/kg q24h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Isotretinoin in dogs: PO.
Cited course lengths for Isotretinoin in dogs include: 3-4 month trial; chronic in some cases; Chronic use; monitor lipids and liver quarterly. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.
Isotretinoin is indicated in dogs for: Sebaceous adenitis / idiopathic seborrhea, Intracutaneous cornifying epithelioma.
These are general warnings for Isotretinoin across species; consult the dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Highly teratogenic — do not use in pregnant or breeding animals. Causes keratoconjunctivitis sicca, hepatotoxicity, and hyperostosis. Monitor tear production, liver enzymes, and triglycerides.
Why a species-specific page? Isotretinoin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dogs — 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.