Oxytocin for Animals

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Oxytocin

Oxytocin is an uterotonic hormone.

Group

Uterotonic hormone

Mechanism of Action

Activates oxytocin receptors to contract uterine and mammary smooth muscle; milk ejection increases without increasing milk synthesis.

Dose Rates

Dogs

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Primary uterine inertia5–20 IU/animalIM, SCEvery 0.5 hRepeat according to labor response; label alternative is 5-30 IU/dog.
Primary uterine inertia5–30 IU/animalIM, SCSeparate manufacturer-label alternative; monitor closely.
Milk letdown2–5 IU/animalIMOnceGive 15-30 minutes before nursing.
Uterine contraction augmentation0.5–3 IU/animalSC, IMEvery 0.5–1 hUse uterine and fetal monitoring; rule out obstruction.
Low-dose uterine inertia protocol0.25 IU/animalSC, IMAs neededMaximum 4 IU/dose; Start at this total amount, titrated to contractions, generally no more often than hourly; described maximum 4 IU per bitch/queen. High doses or IV bolus may cause tetany and fetal compromise.
Secondary agalactia0.25–1 IU/animalSCEvery 2 hRemove neonates for 30 minutes then encourage suckling. Combined lactation plan may include metoclopramide 0.1-0.2 mg/kg SC every 12 hours.
Acute postpartum metritis adjunct0.5–5 IU/animalIMWithin 24 hours of birth; antimicrobial and supportive care are also required.
Uterine involution after prolapse reduction0.5–5 IU/animalIM
Uterine involution after prolapse reduction5–10 IU/animalIM

Cats

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterine inertia2.5–3 IU/animalIM, IVEvery 0.5–1 hMaximum 3 IU/dose; Repeat at 30-60 minute intervals, up to three times.
Low-dose uterine inertia protocol0.25 IU/animalSC, IMAs neededMaximum 4 IU/dose; Start at this total amount, titrated to contractions, generally no more often than hourly; described maximum 4 IU per bitch/queen. High doses or IV bolus may cause tetany and fetal compromise.
Secondary agalactia0.25–1 IU/animalSCEvery 2 hRemove neonates for 30 minutes then encourage suckling. Combined lactation plan may include metoclopramide 0.1-0.2 mg/kg SC every 12 hours.
Acute postpartum metritis adjunct0.5–5 IU/animalIMWithin 24 hours of birth; antimicrobial and supportive care are also required.
Uterine involution after prolapse reduction0.5–5 IU/animalIM
Uterine involution after prolapse reduction5–10 IU/animalIM

Cattle

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterine contraction30 IU/animalIMEvery 0.5 hRepeat if needed; manufacturer alternative is 100 IU/cow.
Uterine contraction100 IU/animalIMManufacturer-label alternative.
Retained placenta20 IU/animalIMEvery 2–4 hFirst dose immediately after calving.
Milk letdown10–20 IU/animalIV, IM

Horses

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterine contraction20 IU/animalIMMares; manufacturer-label alternative is 100 IU.
Uterine contraction100 IU/animalIMManufacturer-label alternative for mares.
Retained placenta30–40 IU/animalIMEvery 1–1.5 h
Retained placenta infusionReference onlyIVMares: add 80-100 IU to 500 mL saline and give IV; no infusion time or rate is specified.
Estrous behavior suppression60 IU/animalIMEvery 12–24 hMares on days 7-14 after ovulation.

Sheep

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterine contraction5–10 IU/animalIMSows and small ruminants; manufacturer-label alternative is 30-50 IU/animal.
Uterine contraction30–50 IU/animalIMSeparate manufacturer-label alternative.
Postpartum metritis adjunct5–10 IU/animalIMEvery 6–8 hUp to 3 days

Goat

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterine contraction5–10 IU/animalIMSows and small ruminants; manufacturer-label alternative is 30-50 IU/animal.
Uterine contraction30–50 IU/animalIMSeparate manufacturer-label alternative.
Postpartum metritis adjunct5–10 IU/animalIMEvery 6–8 hUp to 3 days
Post-manipulation uterine bleeding10–20 IU/animalIVMay repeat SC after 2 hours.

Pigs

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterine contraction5–10 IU/animalIMSows and small ruminants; manufacturer-label alternative is 30-50 IU/animal.
Uterine contraction30–50 IU/animalIMSeparate manufacturer-label alternative.
Uterine contraction augmentation10 IU/animalIMEvery 0.5 hDo not repeat sooner than 30 minutes.
Obstetrical use30–50 IU/animalIV, IM, SC
Postpartum metritis adjunct5–10 IU/animalIMEvery 6–8 hUp to 3 days
Milk letdown5–20 IU/animalIV

Llamas

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Retained placenta5–10 IU/animalIMEvery 0.1666666667 hOnly gentle traction; forceful traction can cause prolapse.

Alpacas

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Retained placenta5–10 IU/animalIMEvery 0.1666666667 hOnly gentle traction; forceful traction can cause prolapse.

Birds

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Uterotonic treatment0.5 IU/kgIMEvery 1 hRepeat after 60 minutes if required.

Reptiles

Use / stageDoseRouteScheduleInstructions
Egg binding1–10 IU/kgIMIn a calcium-correction protocol. Exclude obstructed passage to avoid oviduct rupture; less reliable in lizards.

Indications

  • Uterine inertia and postpartum uterine contraction
  • Milk letdown
  • Retained placenta
  • Suppression of estrous behavior in mares
  • Uterine contraction augmentation
  • Low-dose uterine inertia protocol
  • Secondary agalactia
  • Acute postpartum metritis adjunct
  • Uterine involution after prolapse reduction
  • Postpartum metritis adjunct
  • Post-manipulation uterine bleeding
  • Obstetrical use
  • Uterotonic treatment
  • Egg binding

Contraindications

  • Do not induce contractions with an unrelaxed cervix, obstructed delivery or abnormal fetal presentation.
  • Pregnancy except when parturition is intentionally induced.

Interactions

  • Beta-adrenergic agonists oppose uterine contraction.

Adverse effects

  • Excessive or poorly timed uterine contractions may compromise delivery and fetal wellbeing.

Toxicity

Excessive uterine stimulation can cause tetany, rupture, placental compromise or fetal death. Prolonged high-dose infusion with electrolyte-free fluid may cause water intoxication and neurologic signs.

Preparations

PreparationFormStrengthRoute
Oxytocin injection 10 IU/mLInjection10 IU / mLIM, IV, SC
Oxytocin injection 20 IU/mLInjection20 IU / mLIM, IV, SC

Monitoring and Administration

Check fetal position and cervical relaxation before administration; monitor labor progression and fetal stress. Pregnant handlers should avoid accidental exposure.

Retained-placenta efficacy varies; use the species-specific regimen rather than extrapolating a per-kg amount.

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