Butaphosphan

Butaphosphan is an organic phosphorus compound commonly combined with cyanocobalamin in veterinary metabolic-support products. Clinical investigation has focused particularly on dairy cattle during the transition period and ketosis management. Effects reported for the combination reflect both ingredients and vary with the metabolic condition and patient group studied.

Group

Organic phosphorus compound; metabolic adjunct

Mechanism of Action

Butaphosphan’s specific molecular targets and contribution to energy metabolism remain incompletely defined. Combination treatment has been associated with changes in glucose availability, fat mobilization or ketone metabolism in some studies. Cyanocobalamin supplies vitamin B12 for coenzyme-dependent pathways, including methylmalonyl-CoA metabolism, linking that ingredient to propionate utilization and normal intermediary metabolism in ruminants.

Dose Rates

Horses

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Metabolic support	2.20462262–4.40924524 mg/kg	SC, IM, IV	Every 24 h	Converted from Catosal 1-2 mL/100 lb at 100 mg/mL. Reassess need daily; retain accompanying cyanocobalamin.

Cattle

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Metabolic support	2.20462262–4.40924524 mg/kg	SC, IM, IV	Every 24 h	Converted from Catosal 1-2 mL/100 lb at 100 mg/mL. Reassess need daily; retain accompanying cyanocobalamin.
Calf metabolic support	4.40924524–8.81849049 mg/kg	SC, IM, IV	Every 24 h	Calves: Catosal 2-4 mL/100 lb; formulation contains cyanocobalamin 50 mcg/mL.

Pigs

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Metabolic support	4.40924524–11.02311311 mg/kg	SC, IM, IV	Every 24 h	Catosal 2-5 mL/100 lb; formulation contains cyanocobalamin 50 mcg/mL.
Piglet metabolic support	100–250 mg/animal	SC, IM, IV	Every 24 h	Piglets: Catosal 1-2.5 mL per animal; not an adult weight-based regimen.

Turkeys

Use / stage	Dose	Route	Schedule	Instructions
Metabolic support - drinking water	Reference only	PO		Catosal 1-3 mL per litre of drinking water; repeat daily as needed. No individual-animal mg/kg exposure can be inferred.

Indications

Adjunctive treatment of selected dairy-cow ketosis or hyperketonemia with a butaphosphan–cyanocobalamin product, with variable benefit across clinical studies.
Selected periparturient metabolic-support protocols in dairy cattle, with effects dependent on the treated population and protocol.
Treatment or prevention of a supported vitamin B12 deficiency with the corresponding combination product, attributable to its cyanocobalamin component.

Contraindications

Avoid hyperphosphataemia; use cautiously in significant renal dysfunction.

Adverse effects

Injection-site reactions or hypersensitivity are possible.

Toxicity

Specific overdose data are limited; monitor electrolytes and treat adverse reactions supportively.

Preparations

Preparation	Form	Strength	Route
Catosal 100 mg/50 mcg per mL Calculation is on butaphosphan content; all Catosal regimens require the accompanying B12 ratio.	Injection	butaphosphan 100 mg / mL + cyanocobalamin 50 mcg / mL	SC, IM, IV

Monitoring and Administration

Treatment of clinical ketosis or hypophosphataemia still requires correction of the underlying energy or inorganic phosphate deficit.

For Catosal 100 mg/mL, split IM/SC volumes above 10 mL among sites; store below 30°C and avoid freezing.

Regimens below are specific to a 100 mg/mL butaphosphan plus 50 mcg/mL cyanocobalamin formulation; differing B12 ratios are not equivalent.