Vetsulin should be mixed by gentle rolling of the vial prior to withdrawing the dose from the vial. Using a U-40 insulin syringe, the injection should be administered subcutaneously, 2 to 5 cm (3/4 to 2 in) from the dorsal midline, varying from behind the scapulae to the mid-lumbar region and alternating sides.
Vetsulin for Dogs
The initial recommended dose of Vetsulin® for dogs is 0.5 IU insulin/kg body weight. This dose should be given once daily concurrently with, or right after a meal. Your veterinarian should re-evaluate your dog at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and glucose curve values until adequate glycemic control has been attained.
In the US clinical study, glycemic control was considered adequate if an acceptable blood glucose curve was achieved (reduction in hyperglycemia and a nadir of 60 - 160 mg/dL), clinical signs of hyperglycemia (polyuria, polydipsia, and ketonuria) were improved, and hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 50 mg/dL) was avoided. Twice daily therapy should be initiated if the duration of insulin action is determined to be inadequate.
If twice daily treatment is initiated, the two doses should be 25% less than the once daily dose required to attain an acceptable nadir. For example, if a dog receiving 20 units of Vetsulin® once daily has an acceptable nadir but inadequate duration of activity, the Vetsulin® dose should be changed to 15 units twice daily.
Further adjustments in dosage may be necessary with changes in the dog's diet, body weight, or concomitant medication, or if the dog develops concurrent infection, inflammation, neoplasia, or an additional endocrine or other medical disorder.
Vetsulin for Cats
The initial recommended dose of Vetsulin for cats is 1 to 2 IU per injection. The injections should be given twice daily at approximately 12 hour intervals. For cats fed twice daily, the injections should be given concurrently with, or right after each meal. For cats fed ad libitum, no change in feeding schedule is needed.
Your veterinarian should re-evaluate your cat at appropriate intervals and adjust the dose based on clinical signs, urinalysis results, and blood glucose curve values until adequate glycemic control has been attained.
Further adjustments in dosage may be necessary with changes in the cat's diet, body weight, or concomitant medication, or if the cat develops concurrent infection, inflammation, neoplasia, or an additional endocrine or other medical disorder.