Ketoprofen

Ketoprofen is a propionic-acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used for analgesia, inflammation and fever in several veterinary species. Major applications include equine musculoskeletal pain and short-term painful or inflammatory conditions in dogs, cats and livestock. Species-specific products differ in their indications, with additional use as supportive treatment during infectious disease.

Group

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug

Mechanism of Action

Ketoprofen inhibits cyclooxygenase-mediated synthesis of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. Reduced prostaglandin signaling decreases inflammatory vasodilation, tissue swelling and sensitization of nociceptive pathways, producing anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Reduced hypothalamic prostaglandin signaling contributes to antipyresis. Its activity is not limited to COX-2 and includes effects on constitutive prostanoid pathways.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Acute pain and inflammation	2 mg/kg	SC, IM, IV	Once
Acute pain and inflammation	1 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days
Extended anti-inflammatory treatment	0.25 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Reported lower-dose alternative if treatment beyond 5 days is required; prolonged treatment still carries ulcer risk.
Acute pain and inflammation	2 mg/kg	IV, IM, SC	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days; Distinct injectable course; if changing to 1 mg/kg oral maintenance, total treatment is up to 5 days.
Postoperative pain	1–2 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days

Cats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Acute pain and inflammation	2 mg/kg	SC, IM, IV	Once
Acute pain and inflammation	1 mg/kg	PO, SC	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days
Extended anti-inflammatory treatment	0.25 mg/kg	PO	Every 24 h	Reported lower-dose alternative if treatment beyond 5 days is required; prolonged treatment still carries ulcer risk.
Postoperative pain	1–2 mg/kg	IV, SC	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days
Acute pain and inflammation	2 mg/kg	SC	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days

Horses

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	2.2–3.3 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 24 h
Musculoskeletal pain with Ketoject	2.2222222222 mg/kg	IV	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days; Do not use in: Pregnancy; Product regimen: 1 mL/45 kg of 100 mg/mL, for 3-5 days; slow IV.
Colic with Ketoject	2.2222222222 mg/kg	IV	As needed	Do not use in: Pregnancy; Product regimen: one treatment; a second injection may be given if colic recurs.
Pain and inflammation	2.2 mg/kg	IV	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days
Laminitis adjunct	2.2 mg/kg	IV	Every 24 h

Pigs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	3 mg/kg	PO, IV	Every 24 h
Pain and inflammation	3 mg/kg	IM	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	3 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days
Pain and inflammation with Ketoject	3.0303030303 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 24 h	Up to 5 days; Product-specific alternative: 1 mL/33 kg of 100 mg/mL for 3-5 days. IV slowly or IM deeply.

Sheep

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	3 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days

Goats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	3 mg/kg	IV, IM	Every 24 h	Up to 3 days

Rabbits

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Chronic pain and inflammation	1 mg/kg	IM	Every 12–24 h
Pain and inflammation	3 mg/kg	IM		Reported duration 12-24 hours; repeat interval not explicitly prescribed.

Rats

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	5 mg/kg	SC

Birds

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Pain and inflammation	2 mg/kg	IM, SC	Every 8–24 h

Indications

Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with equine musculoskeletal disorders.
Short-term treatment of painful musculoskeletal disease or postoperative pain in dogs and cats with an appropriate product.
Relief of fever in selected veterinary patients.
Adjunctive reduction of pain, fever and inflammation in cattle with mastitis or respiratory disease.
Treatment of selected inflammatory or painful conditions in other livestock species where supported by the formulation and regimen.

Contraindications

Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
Dehydration or impaired renal perfusion

Interactions

Other NSAIDs and corticosteroids increase gastrointestinal injury.
Diuretics and ACE inhibitors may have reduced effect and greater renal risk.

Adverse effects

Vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding
Renal injury

Toxicity

Overdose may cause gastrointestinal haemorrhage and acute kidney injury. Stop exposure and assess hydration, renal function and gastrointestinal injury.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Ketoprofen 12.5 mg tablet	Tablet	12.5 mg / tablet	PO
Ketoprofen 25 mg tablet	Tablet	25 mg / tablet	PO
Ketoprofen 50 mg tablet	Tablet	50 mg / tablet	PO
Ketoprofen 75 mg tablet	Tablet	75 mg / tablet	PO
Ketoprofen 100 mg/mL injection Large-animal formulation.	Injection	100 mg / mL	IV, IM
Ketoprofen 10 mg/mL injection Small-animal formulation where available.	Injection	10 mg / mL	SC, IM, IV
Ketoject 100 mg/mL injection Selmore Pharmaceuticals Horses: slow IV. Cattle: slow IV or deep IM. Avoid use in pregnant mares; store at 15-25°C.	Injection	100 mg / mL	IV, IM
Ketoprofen 5 mg tablet	Tablet	5 mg / tablet	PO
Ketoprofen 10 mg tablet	Tablet	10 mg / tablet	PO
Ketoprofen 20 mg tablet	Tablet	20 mg / tablet	PO

Monitoring and Administration

Monitor appetite, vomiting, stool colour, hydration and renal function; stop treatment if gastrointestinal bleeding or renal injury develops.

Ferret postoperative dose is 1-2 mg/kg daily but its route is not supplied; SC or IM was suggested by extrapolation rather than established in that regimen. Hypoproteinaemia increases the unbound fraction and may increase toxicity.