Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is an oral glucogenic compound used principally in dairy cattle with hyperketonemia. It supplies substrates that support hepatic glucose production during negative energy balance, especially in early lactation. Its major clinical application is treatment of clinical or subclinical ketosis within a broader nutritional and metabolic management plan.

Group

Glucogenic precursor

Mechanism of Action

Propylene glycol is absorbed directly or metabolized in the rumen to glucogenic compounds, including propionate and lactate. Hepatic metabolism supplies intermediates for gluconeogenesis and can increase glucose and insulin availability. Improved glucogenic supply reduces the drive for adipose fat mobilization and hepatic ketone formation, helping lower circulating ketone concentrations in responsive cows.

Dose Rates

Cattle

Indications

• Treatment of clinical ketosis in dairy cattle.
• Treatment of subclinical ketosis or hyperketonemia in early-lactation dairy cows.
• Selected prevention protocols for hyperketonemia in high-risk transition cows, with protocol-specific evidence.

Contraindications

• Avoid dosing animals unable to swallow safely; excessive dosing can depress rumen function.
• Do not extrapolate cattle drench doses to cats, which are sensitive to propylene-glycol-associated erythrocyte injury.

Adverse effects

• Reduced intake, salivation, incoordination or CNS depression with excess.

Toxicity

Stop excessive dosing and provide supportive care; assess rumen function and neurologic status.

Monitoring and Administration

Drench accurately rather than relying on uncertain voluntary intake. Monitor blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, appetite and concurrent fresh-cow disease.

Do not confuse grams with millilitres; use the verified density or concentration of the actual product before converting a mass dose to volume.