Leflunomide for Dog
Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Leflunomide is used in dog for Immune-mediated polyarthritis. Routes documented in dog: PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Leflunomide in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Arava
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 2–4 mg/kg | q24h | Weeks to months | Immune-mediated polyarthritis | Moderate | 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
Inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase blocking de novo pyrimidine synthesis in rapidly dividing lymphocytes. Immunomodulatory.
Side effects & warnings
Used for immune-mediated polyarthritis and other immune-mediated diseases. Hepatotoxic — monitor liver enzymes. Teratogenic. Diarrhea, anorexia. Slow onset (weeks).
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 Immunosuppressant drugs with dog dosing
Leflunomide dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Leflunomide 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.