ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/pentosan-polysulfate
US brand names:Cartrophen Vet, Elmiron
Pentosan Polysulfate is dosed at 3 mg/kg SC weekly x 4 in dogs, per Budsberg SC, Bergh MS, Reynolds LR et al. (2007) Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the postoperative recovery from cranial cruciate injury in dogs: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Veterinary Surgery 36, 234-244 doi:10.1111/j.1532-950x.2007.00256.x — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.327 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Semi-synthetic polysulfated xylanopyranose. Stimulates proteoglycan synthesis, inhibits catabolic enzymes, improves blood flow to subchondral bone.
SC injection series for OA (weekly x 4). May affect coagulation. Also used for feline interstitial cystitis (oral). Not available in USA (available in Australia, EU).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (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 2 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 | 3 mg/kg | weekly x 4 | Moderate | Budsberg SC, Bergh MS, Reynolds LR et al. (2007) Evaluation of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the postoperative recovery from cranial cruciate injury in dogs: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Veterinary Surgery 36, 234-244 doi:10.1111/j.1532-950x.2007.00256.x — Verified against BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th Ed, Part A, p.327 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 3 mg/kg | once weekly for 4 weeks | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed (HELD), Pentosan Polysulfate (PPS), Dosages/CATS, printed p.1000 (corpus p.1028); dose corroborated by BSAVA 10th printed p.311 (corpus p.327) |
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