Dog · Canis lupus familiaris · typical adult weight 2.00–80.00 kg
Phenytoin is used in dog for Status epilepticus (alternative to diazepam), Epilepsy (historical use). Routes documented in dog: IV, PO. A typical adult dog weighs 2.00–80.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Phenytoin in dog, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Dilantin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Duration | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 10–15 mg/kg | Slow IV push over 5-10 min | Single dose for acute seizures | Status epilepticus (alternative to diazepam) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
| PO | 15–40 mg/kg | q8h | Rapid hepatic metabolism limits utility | Epilepsy (historical use) | Moderate | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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Stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels in their inactive state, preventing repetitive firing. Does not affect normal neuronal activity.
Hepatotoxicity in dogs with chronic use. Rapid hepatic metabolism in dogs limits usefulness. Zero-order kinetics make dosing unpredictable. Gingival hyperplasia. Generally not recommended in dogs — phenobarbital preferred.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dog may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Why a species-specific page? Phenytoin 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.