ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/somatotropin-growth-hormone
US brand names:Genotropin, Humatrope
Somatotropin (Growth Hormone) is dosed at 0.1 IU/kg SC 3 times weekly for 4 to 6 weeks in dogs, per Reusch CE. Chapter 2: Disorders of Growth Hormone. In: Feldman EC, Nelson RW, Reusch CE, Scott-Moncrief JCR, eds. Canine and Feline Endocrinology. Elsevier Saunders; 2015:37-76.; Koch S, Torres S, Plumb D. Small Animal Dermatology Drug Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell; 2012. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1194 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1166, Somatotropin monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Recombinant growth hormone stimulates IGF-1 production, promoting growth, protein synthesis, and lipolysis. Species-specific forms preferred.
Diabetes mellitus may develop. Monitor blood glucose closely. Very expensive. Species cross-reactivity varies. Antibody formation possible.
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 | 0.1 IU/kg | 3 times weekly for 4 to 6 weeks | Weak | Reusch CE. Chapter 2: Disorders of Growth Hormone. In: Feldman EC, Nelson RW, Reusch CE, Scott-Moncrief JCR, eds. Canine and Feline Endocrinology. Elsevier Saunders; 2015:37-76.; Koch S, Torres S, Plumb D. Small Animal Dermatology Drug Handbook. Wiley-Blackwell; 2012. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1194 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1166, Somatotropin monograph; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Muller & Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology — ISBN 9781416000280, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781416000280 |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 0.1 IU/kg | Research protocol |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Papich MG. Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs: Small and Large Animal, 4th ed. (2016), Growth Hormone, p.369 [corpus page 397]; corroborated by BSAVA Small Animal Formulary 10th ed. Part A (2020), p.383 [corpus page 399]. — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part A — Canine and Feline — ISBN 9781910443705, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781910443705; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — ISBN 9780323244855, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323244855 |