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Category Pets
Patient Parameters
Drug Parameters
mcg/m²
Range: 125 - 375 mcg/m²
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About

Veterinary sedation demands absolute precision. Dexmedetomidine is a potent alpha-2 agonist where the margin for error is narrow, and cardiovascular effects are dose-dependent. This tool calculates induction volumes based on species-specific protocols. Dogs often require Body Surface Area (BSA) calculations for accurate sedation depth, while cats typically follow weight-based dosing. The calculator also determines the precise volume of Atipamezole (Antisedan) required for reversal, adhering to the standard mass ratios to ensure rapid and safe recovery.

veterinary anesthesia dog cat dosage

Formulas

For dogs, Body Surface Area (BSA) is estimated using the constant k (approx 10.1 for canines):

BSA k × Wg2310000

The volume to draw is calculated by:

VolmL = TargetDose × MetricConcmg/mL × 1000

Reference Data

ParameterDog ProtocolCat Protocol
Basis of CalculationBody Surface Area (m2)Body Weight (kg)
Standard Dose Range125 - 375 mcg/m240 mcg/kg
Concentration0.5 mg/mL or 0.1 mg/mL0.5 mg/mL
Reversal (Atipamezole)5x Dex mass (usually equal volume at 5mg/mL)5x Dex mass (usually equal volume at 5mg/mL)
Onset15 - 30 min15 - 30 min
Duration1 - 3 hours1 - 2 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Metabolic rate correlates more closely with body surface area than mass in canines. Linear weight-based dosing often leads to overdosing in giant breeds and underdosing in toy breeds.
Atipamezole is typically dosed at 5 to 10 times the micrograms of dexmedetomidine given. Since Atipamezole concentration (5 mg/mL) is 10x that of standard Dexdomitor (0.5 mg/mL), the injection volumes are often identical (1:1).
Yes. The tool automatically converts pounds to kilograms before applying the BSA or weight-based formulas.