Comprehensive Vet Guide 2025: Vetsulin® for Dogs & Cats 🐾💉

Written by Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc – trusted veterinarian & Ask A Vet founder 👨‍⚕️🐾

Vetsulin® is an FDA‑approved porcine lente insulin (U‑40) used since 1990 (Caninsulin® outside the U.S.) to manage diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. Its mix of amorphous and crystalline insulin provides an intermediate action ideal for twice‑daily dosing in pets :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

1. How Vetsulin® Works

As a lente insulin, Vetsulin® starts working in ~4–8 hours and lasts up to 14–24 hours in dogs, making it ideal for twice-daily dosing in both species :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. Indications

Used to treat high blood sugar in dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus, aiming to reduce clinical signs (urination, drinking, appetite changes) and prevent diabetic crises :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3. Administration

• Available as 10 mL vial or VetPen® cartridges; shake thoroughly until milky before use :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Use U‑40 syringes or VetPen® with 29 G/12 mm needles – never use U‑100 syringes :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Inject subcutaneously in the scruff, alternating sides each time :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Give doses with or just after meals.
• Typical starting dosage:
  • Dogs: 0.5 IU/kg once daily with food. If needed, switch to BID dosing at ~75 % of total daily dose split equally :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Cats: 1–2 IU per injection twice daily with meals :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

4. Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

• Use blood glucose curves, spot checks, fructosamine tests, urinalysis, weight, appetite and water intake to monitor; schedule regular vet follow‑ups :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Adjust dose slowly based on clinical signs and curves — hypoglycemia nadir target 100–150 mg/dL for dogs :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Hypoglycemia signs – weakness, tremors, seizures—treated with oral corn syrup or honey; severe cases require emergency care :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

5. Side Effects & Risks

• Hypoglycemia – primary risk; monitor actively :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Transient hyperglycemia may occur.
• Injection‑site reactions or insulin resistance are possible :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Allergy to porcine insulin—rare; avoid in animals with pork allergies; contact vet if swelling or hives appear :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

6. Contraindications & Precautions

• Do not use in hypoglycemic animals, ketoacidotic pets—needs stabilization first :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Avoid glucocorticoids or progestogens—which raise glucose—unless vital :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Cats require BID dosing due to faster insulin metabolism :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

7. Storage & Handling

• Store refrigerator 36–46 °F (2–8 °C), upright; discard after 42 days of opening :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Use VetPen® cartridges within 60 days; protect from light :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Dispose needles in sharps containers :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

8. Role of Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz

• Ask A Vet: Guidance on titration, hypoglycemia prevention, curve interpretation.
• Woopf: Dose reminders, feeding schedules, glucose logging.
• Purrz: Track drinking, urination, weight, side effects—shareable reports.

9. Pet Owner Stories

Owners describe regained vitality in weeks: “Spike’s thirst and accidents stopped after two weeks on Vetsulin with regular glucose monitoring.” :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

10. FAQs

🐾 Missed dose—what now?

If pet eats and is normal, skip missed dose and resume next scheduled time. Do NOT double up :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

🐾 Vomiting after injection?

Offer food/small meal; consult your vet—may need to adjust dose timing.

🐾 Can I give with other meds?

Yes—vet approval needed. Avoid steroids or progesterones as they oppose insulin function.

11. Summary Table

12. Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan

In 2025, Vetsulin® remains a reliable, well-researched insulin for dogs and cats with diabetes. With careful dosing, monitoring, and support from Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz, many diabetic pets live healthy, active lives. Stay vigilant, keep curves, and work closely with your vet for best outcomes. 💗🐾

For insulin support, glucose monitoring help, or titration advice, visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app. Your pet’s health is in safe hands—every day. 🐶🐱📱