ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/somatotropin-growth-hormone
US brand names:Genotropin, Humatrope
Somatotropin (Growth Hormone) is dosed at 0.1 IU/kg SC 3x/week for 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).. 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
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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 | 3x/week for 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). |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 0.1 IU/kg | Research protocol | Extrapolated | Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed |
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