POM-V
Prescription Required
Companion Animal
Torbugesic 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection
Active ingredient: Butorphanol
Form
Injection
Species
Cats
Dogs
Horses
Manufacturer
Zoetis UK Limited
VMD MA No.
42058/5176
What it's used for
the veterinary medicinal product alleviates abdominal pain, associated with torsion, impaction, intussusception, parturition, and spasmodic and tympanic co...
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Prescription required
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Clinical information
Torbugesic 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection — SPC Details
Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 27 Mar 2026.
the veterinary medicinal product alleviates abdominal pain, associated with torsion,
impaction, intussusception, parturition, and spasmodic and tympanic colic.
Revised November 2025
As a sedative
When given after the administration of detomidine hydrochloride:
Clinical studies have shown that this combination produces a profound sedation in the
horse. The degree of sedation achieved rendered horses unaffected by sound, tactile
stimuli, or any surrounding activity.
The sedative combination of the veterinary medicinal and detomidine hydrochloride has
been successfully used for the following procedures: radiography, clipping, wound suturing,
dentistry, standing castration, hoof care, rectal examination, and passing a stomach tube.
Profound sedation is also achieved using the veterinary medicinal product after the
administration of romifidine.
DOG
As an analgesic:
For the relief of moderate to severe pain in dogs. Clinical studies have shown that the
veterinary medicinal product can provide suitable analgesia after a variety of surgical
procedures such as orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.
As a sedative in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
For sedation in conjunction with medetomidine hydrochloride. Although sedation can occur
with the veterinary medicinal product alone, clinical studies have verified that deep to
profound sedation is achieved by the veterinary medicinal product in conjunction with a
dose range of medetomidine making it suitable for a range of procedures including ear
cleaning, wound management, anal gland flush, cast application, radiography, and (at the
higher dose rate) as a premedicant to ketamine anaesthesia (see below).
As a pre-anaesthetic:
It has also been shown that pre-anaesthetic use of the veterinary medicinal product has
resulted in a dose-related reduction in the dose of thiopentone sodium needed to induce
anaesthesia, which will also reduce the risk of anaesthetic respiratory depression.
Clinical studies have verified that the use of the veterinary medicinal product in conjunction
with acepromazine provides a suitable analgesic and sedative premedicant to general
anaesthesia. The dose of the veterinary medicinal product can be adjusted according to the
level of analgesia required. The use of the combination has resulted in a dose related
reduction in the dose of either thiopentone sodium or propofol needed to induce
anaesthesia.
As an anaesthetic in combination with medetomidine and ketamine:
The veterinary medicinal product may be used as a triple anaesthetic combination with
medetomidine and ketamine. This provides surgical anaesthesia suitable for a range of
procedures including castrations and spays.
CAT
As an analgesic:
The veterinary medicinal product may be used for the relief of pain in the cat. Pre-operative
use of the veterinary medicinal product can provide analgesia during surgery. Clinical
Revised November 2025
studies have demonstrated that the veterinary medicinal product can provide analgesia after
a variety of surgical procedures such as spays, orthopaedic, and soft tissue surgery.
As a sedative in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
Although no sedation occurs when using the veterinary medicinal product alone in the cat,
clinical studies have verified that profound sedation is achieved by using the veterinary
medicinal product in conjunction with medetomidine, making it suitable for radiography,
fracture examination/casting, dematting, ear cleaning, wound management, and other minor
procedures.
As an anaesthetic in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride and ketamine:
The veterinary medicinal product may be used as a triple anaesthetic combination with
medetomidine and ketamine. This provides surgical anaesthesia suitable for a range of
procedures including castrations and spays.
impaction, intussusception, parturition, and spasmodic and tympanic colic.
Revised November 2025
As a sedative
When given after the administration of detomidine hydrochloride:
Clinical studies have shown that this combination produces a profound sedation in the
horse. The degree of sedation achieved rendered horses unaffected by sound, tactile
stimuli, or any surrounding activity.
The sedative combination of the veterinary medicinal and detomidine hydrochloride has
been successfully used for the following procedures: radiography, clipping, wound suturing,
dentistry, standing castration, hoof care, rectal examination, and passing a stomach tube.
Profound sedation is also achieved using the veterinary medicinal product after the
administration of romifidine.
DOG
As an analgesic:
For the relief of moderate to severe pain in dogs. Clinical studies have shown that the
veterinary medicinal product can provide suitable analgesia after a variety of surgical
procedures such as orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.
As a sedative in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
For sedation in conjunction with medetomidine hydrochloride. Although sedation can occur
with the veterinary medicinal product alone, clinical studies have verified that deep to
profound sedation is achieved by the veterinary medicinal product in conjunction with a
dose range of medetomidine making it suitable for a range of procedures including ear
cleaning, wound management, anal gland flush, cast application, radiography, and (at the
higher dose rate) as a premedicant to ketamine anaesthesia (see below).
As a pre-anaesthetic:
It has also been shown that pre-anaesthetic use of the veterinary medicinal product has
resulted in a dose-related reduction in the dose of thiopentone sodium needed to induce
anaesthesia, which will also reduce the risk of anaesthetic respiratory depression.
Clinical studies have verified that the use of the veterinary medicinal product in conjunction
with acepromazine provides a suitable analgesic and sedative premedicant to general
anaesthesia. The dose of the veterinary medicinal product can be adjusted according to the
level of analgesia required. The use of the combination has resulted in a dose related
reduction in the dose of either thiopentone sodium or propofol needed to induce
anaesthesia.
As an anaesthetic in combination with medetomidine and ketamine:
The veterinary medicinal product may be used as a triple anaesthetic combination with
medetomidine and ketamine. This provides surgical anaesthesia suitable for a range of
procedures including castrations and spays.
CAT
As an analgesic:
The veterinary medicinal product may be used for the relief of pain in the cat. Pre-operative
use of the veterinary medicinal product can provide analgesia during surgery. Clinical
Revised November 2025
studies have demonstrated that the veterinary medicinal product can provide analgesia after
a variety of surgical procedures such as spays, orthopaedic, and soft tissue surgery.
As a sedative in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
Although no sedation occurs when using the veterinary medicinal product alone in the cat,
clinical studies have verified that profound sedation is achieved by using the veterinary
medicinal product in conjunction with medetomidine, making it suitable for radiography,
fracture examination/casting, dematting, ear cleaning, wound management, and other minor
procedures.
As an anaesthetic in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride and ketamine:
The veterinary medicinal product may be used as a triple anaesthetic combination with
medetomidine and ketamine. This provides surgical anaesthesia suitable for a range of
procedures including castrations and spays.
by intravenous injection. The dose may be repeated as required. Analgesic effects are seen
within 15 minutes of injection.
Torbugesic for Equine Analgesia - (IV)
Weight of
Horse
– kg
50100150200250300350400450500550Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml)
– mls
0.501.001.502.002.503.003.504.004.505.005.50
Revised November 2025
For sedation in combination with detomidine hydrochloride:
A dose rate of 0.1 ml Domosedan/100 kg (equivalent to 0.012 mg/kg detomidine
hydrochloride) should be given intravenously followed within 5 minutes by a dose rate of
0.025 mg/kg butorphanol intravenously (equivalent to 0.25 ml Torbugesic Injection/100 kg).
Clinical experience has shown that a total dose rate of 0.5 ml Domosedan and 1.0 ml
Torbugesic Injection affords effective, safe sedation in horses above 200 kg bodyweight.
Torbugesic and detomidine Combination for Equine Sedation - (IV)
Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) -
mls
0.100.250.400.501.001.001.001.001.001.001.0
NB. Detomidine should be administered up to 5 minutes before the Torbugesic dose.
For sedation in combination with romifidine:
A dose of 0.4-1.2 ml Sedivet per 100 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 40-120 µg romifidine/kg)
followed by 0.2 ml Torbugesic per 100 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 20 µg butorphanol/kg)
should be administered intravenously.
Torbugesic and romifidine Combination for Equine Sedation - (IV)
Weight of
horse - kg
50100150200250300350400450500550*Dose of
romifidine
(10 mg/ml)
- mls
0.300.600.901.201.501.802.102.402.703.003.30Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml)
- mls
0.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.10
*Above example based on a dose rate of 60 µg romifidine/kg bodyweight.
NB. Romifidine should be administered up to 5 minutes before the Torbugesic dose.
Weight of
horse – kg
50100150200250300350400450500550Dose of
detomidine
(10 mg/ml)
– mls
0.050.100.200.250.500.500.500.500.500.500.50
Revised November 2025
DOG
For analgesia:
Administer by intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection using aseptic
technique.
Rapid IV injection should be avoided.
Dose rate: 0.2-0.3 ml/10 kg (equivalent to 0.2-0.3 mg butorphanol per kg) bodyweight.
Torbugesic Injection should be administered before terminating anaesthesia to provide
analgesia in the recovery phase. Analgesic effects are seen within 15 minutes. For
continuous analgesia the dose may be repeated as required.
Torbugesic for Canine Analgesia - (IV, IM, or SC)
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040*Dose of Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) - mls
0.030.070.100.300.400.500.600.801.00
*Based on a mean dose rate of 0.25 mg butorphanol/kg
For sedation in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
Torbugesic Injection should be administered at 0.1 ml/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.1
mg butorphanol/kg) together with 0.1-0.25 ml Domitor/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 10-
25 µg medetomidine/kg), depending on degree of sedation required, both by intramuscular
or intravenous injection. Allow 20 minutes for profound sedation to develop before
commencing the procedure.
Domitor and Torbugesic may be combined and administered in the same syringe. However,
the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the risk of cross
contamination.
Reversal with 0.1-0.25 ml Antisedan/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 50-125 µg
atipamezole/kg) results in sternal recumbency approximately 5 minutes later and standing
approximately a further 2 minutes later.
Torbugesic and medetomidine Combination for Canine Sedation - (IM or IV)
For sedation and as a premedicant to barbiturate anaesthesia
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040*Dose of Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40*Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
*Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg and 10 µg medetomidine/kg
Torbugesic and medetomidine Combination for Canine Sedation - (IM or IV)
For profound sedation and as a premedicant to ketamine anaesthesia
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040*Dose of Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
Revised November 2025
*Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.030.080.130.250.380.500.630.751.00
*Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg and 25 µg medetomidine/kg
For use as a pre-anaesthetic:
Used as a pre-anaesthetic, the Torbugesic Injection dose should be reduced to 0.1-0.2
ml/10 kg (0.1-0.2 mg butorphanol/kg), given 15 minutes prior to induction.
Torbugesic for Canine analgesia Pre-Anaesthetic - (IV, IM, or SC)
Weight of
dog - kg
135101520253040*Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) -
mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
*Pre-anaesthetic doses: Based on a dose rate of 0.10 mg butorphanol/kg
For use as a pre-anaesthetic in combination with acepromazine:
Torbugesic Injection should be administered at 0.1 ml/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.1
mg butorphanol/kg) together with 0.1 ml of 2 mg/ml acepromazine/10 kg bodyweight
(equivalent to 0.02 mg acepromazine/kg) by intramuscular or intravenous injection.
Torbugesic and acepromazine may be combined and administered in the same syringe.
However, the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the
risk of cross contamination.
Allow at least 20 minutes for onset of action but the time between premedication and
induction is flexible from 20-120 minutes.
The dose of butorphanol may be increased to 0.2 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.2 ml Torbugesic
/10 kg bodyweight) if the animal is already experiencing pain before the procedure
commences, or if a higher plane of analgesia is required during surgery.
Torbugesic and acepromazine Combination for Canine Analgesia and Sedation Pre-
Anaesthetic – (IM or IV)
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040Dose of *Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) – mls: -
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40Dose of **acepromazine (2
mg/ml) – mls: -
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
* Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg bodyweight
** Based on a dose rate of 0.02 mg acepromazine/kg bodyweight
For anaesthesia in combination with medetomidine and ketamine:
Administer Torbugesic Injection at 0.1 ml/10 kg (equivalent to 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg) and
Domitor at 0.25 ml/10 kg (equivalent to 25 µg medetomidine/kg) by intramuscular injection.
Revised November 2025
Domitor and Torbugesic may be combined and administered in the same syringe. However,
the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the risk of cross
contamination.
Dogs become recumbent in approximately 6 minutes and lose their pedal reflex in
approximately 14 minutes.
Ketamine (100 mg/ml) should be administered 15 minutes following the first injection at 0.5
ml/10 kg (equivalent to 5 mg ketamine/kg) by intramuscular injection.
The pedal reflex returns approximately 53 minutes following administration of the ketamine
injection. Sternal recumbency is attained approximately 35 minutes later followed by
standing a further 36 minutes later.
Torbugesic, medetomidine, and ketamine for Canine Anaesthesia - (IM)
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040* Dose of Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40* Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.030.080.130.250.380.500.630.751.00ADMINISTER TORBUGESIC AND MEDETOMIDINE BY INTRAMUSCULAR
INJECTION AT THE ABOVE DOSE RATES
WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE ADMINISTERING THE KETAMINE BY IM
INJECTION AT THE DOSE RATES BELOW
*** Dose of ketamine
(100 mg/ml) - mls
0.050.150.250.500.751.001.251.502.00
* Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg.
** Based on a dose rate of 25 µg medetomidine/kg.
*** Based on a dose rate of 5 mg ketamine/kg
NB: It is NOT advisable to reverse this combination in the dog with atipamezole.
CAT
For pre-operative analgesia:
0.2 ml/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg) should be administered either
by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Clinical studies have shown that administering
the butorphanol dose 5 minutes prior to induction with either acepromazine/ketamine or
xylazine/ketamine given intramuscularly will provide analgesia when surgery commences.
The arousal time will not be significantly altered. With intravenous induction agents,
butorphanol should be administered 15-30 minutes prior to administration of the
anaesthetic.
For post-operative analgesia:
0.2 ml/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg) should be administered by
either subcutaneous or intramuscular injection 15 minutes prior to recovery. Alternatively,
Revised November 2025
0.05 ml per 5 kg (equivalent to 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg), by intravenous injection can be
used.
Torbugesic for Feline Analgesia
Weight of cat - kg11.522.533.544.55IM or SCDose (ml)*Torbugesic Injection
(10 mg/ml)
0.040.060.080.100.120.140.160.180.20IVDose (ml)**Torbugesic Injection
(10 mg/ml)
0.010.020.020.030.030.040.040.050.05
*Based on a mean dose rate of 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg.
**Based on a mean dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg.
For sedation in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
Torbugesic Injection should be administered at 0.2 ml/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.4
mg butorphanol/kg) together with 0.25 ml Domitor/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 50 µg
medetomidine/kg) both by either intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Domitor and Torbugesic may be combined and administered in the same syringe. However,
the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the risk of cross
contamination.
Local anaesthetic infiltration should be used for wound suturing.
Reversal with 0.125 ml Antisedan/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 125 µg atipamezole/kg)
results in sternal recumbency approximately 4 minutes later and standing 1 minute later.
Torbugesic and medetomidine combination for Feline Sedation - (IM or SC)
Weight of cat - kg11.522.533.544.55*Dose of Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) - mls
0.040.060.080.100.120.140.160.180.20**Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.050.080.100.130.150.180.200.230.25
* Based on a dose rate of 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg.
** Based on a dose rate of 50 µg medetomidine/kg
For anaesthesia in
[Text truncated]
within 15 minutes of injection.
Torbugesic for Equine Analgesia - (IV)
Weight of
Horse
– kg
50100150200250300350400450500550Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml)
– mls
0.501.001.502.002.503.003.504.004.505.005.50
Revised November 2025
For sedation in combination with detomidine hydrochloride:
A dose rate of 0.1 ml Domosedan/100 kg (equivalent to 0.012 mg/kg detomidine
hydrochloride) should be given intravenously followed within 5 minutes by a dose rate of
0.025 mg/kg butorphanol intravenously (equivalent to 0.25 ml Torbugesic Injection/100 kg).
Clinical experience has shown that a total dose rate of 0.5 ml Domosedan and 1.0 ml
Torbugesic Injection affords effective, safe sedation in horses above 200 kg bodyweight.
Torbugesic and detomidine Combination for Equine Sedation - (IV)
Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) -
mls
0.100.250.400.501.001.001.001.001.001.001.0
NB. Detomidine should be administered up to 5 minutes before the Torbugesic dose.
For sedation in combination with romifidine:
A dose of 0.4-1.2 ml Sedivet per 100 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 40-120 µg romifidine/kg)
followed by 0.2 ml Torbugesic per 100 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 20 µg butorphanol/kg)
should be administered intravenously.
Torbugesic and romifidine Combination for Equine Sedation - (IV)
Weight of
horse - kg
50100150200250300350400450500550*Dose of
romifidine
(10 mg/ml)
- mls
0.300.600.901.201.501.802.102.402.703.003.30Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml)
- mls
0.100.200.300.400.500.600.700.800.901.001.10
*Above example based on a dose rate of 60 µg romifidine/kg bodyweight.
NB. Romifidine should be administered up to 5 minutes before the Torbugesic dose.
Weight of
horse – kg
50100150200250300350400450500550Dose of
detomidine
(10 mg/ml)
– mls
0.050.100.200.250.500.500.500.500.500.500.50
Revised November 2025
DOG
For analgesia:
Administer by intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injection using aseptic
technique.
Rapid IV injection should be avoided.
Dose rate: 0.2-0.3 ml/10 kg (equivalent to 0.2-0.3 mg butorphanol per kg) bodyweight.
Torbugesic Injection should be administered before terminating anaesthesia to provide
analgesia in the recovery phase. Analgesic effects are seen within 15 minutes. For
continuous analgesia the dose may be repeated as required.
Torbugesic for Canine Analgesia - (IV, IM, or SC)
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040*Dose of Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) - mls
0.030.070.100.300.400.500.600.801.00
*Based on a mean dose rate of 0.25 mg butorphanol/kg
For sedation in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
Torbugesic Injection should be administered at 0.1 ml/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.1
mg butorphanol/kg) together with 0.1-0.25 ml Domitor/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 10-
25 µg medetomidine/kg), depending on degree of sedation required, both by intramuscular
or intravenous injection. Allow 20 minutes for profound sedation to develop before
commencing the procedure.
Domitor and Torbugesic may be combined and administered in the same syringe. However,
the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the risk of cross
contamination.
Reversal with 0.1-0.25 ml Antisedan/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 50-125 µg
atipamezole/kg) results in sternal recumbency approximately 5 minutes later and standing
approximately a further 2 minutes later.
Torbugesic and medetomidine Combination for Canine Sedation - (IM or IV)
For sedation and as a premedicant to barbiturate anaesthesia
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040*Dose of Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40*Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
*Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg and 10 µg medetomidine/kg
Torbugesic and medetomidine Combination for Canine Sedation - (IM or IV)
For profound sedation and as a premedicant to ketamine anaesthesia
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040*Dose of Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
Revised November 2025
*Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.030.080.130.250.380.500.630.751.00
*Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg and 25 µg medetomidine/kg
For use as a pre-anaesthetic:
Used as a pre-anaesthetic, the Torbugesic Injection dose should be reduced to 0.1-0.2
ml/10 kg (0.1-0.2 mg butorphanol/kg), given 15 minutes prior to induction.
Torbugesic for Canine analgesia Pre-Anaesthetic - (IV, IM, or SC)
Weight of
dog - kg
135101520253040*Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) -
mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
*Pre-anaesthetic doses: Based on a dose rate of 0.10 mg butorphanol/kg
For use as a pre-anaesthetic in combination with acepromazine:
Torbugesic Injection should be administered at 0.1 ml/10 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.1
mg butorphanol/kg) together with 0.1 ml of 2 mg/ml acepromazine/10 kg bodyweight
(equivalent to 0.02 mg acepromazine/kg) by intramuscular or intravenous injection.
Torbugesic and acepromazine may be combined and administered in the same syringe.
However, the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the
risk of cross contamination.
Allow at least 20 minutes for onset of action but the time between premedication and
induction is flexible from 20-120 minutes.
The dose of butorphanol may be increased to 0.2 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.2 ml Torbugesic
/10 kg bodyweight) if the animal is already experiencing pain before the procedure
commences, or if a higher plane of analgesia is required during surgery.
Torbugesic and acepromazine Combination for Canine Analgesia and Sedation Pre-
Anaesthetic – (IM or IV)
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040Dose of *Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) – mls: -
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40Dose of **acepromazine (2
mg/ml) – mls: -
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40
* Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg bodyweight
** Based on a dose rate of 0.02 mg acepromazine/kg bodyweight
For anaesthesia in combination with medetomidine and ketamine:
Administer Torbugesic Injection at 0.1 ml/10 kg (equivalent to 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg) and
Domitor at 0.25 ml/10 kg (equivalent to 25 µg medetomidine/kg) by intramuscular injection.
Revised November 2025
Domitor and Torbugesic may be combined and administered in the same syringe. However,
the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the risk of cross
contamination.
Dogs become recumbent in approximately 6 minutes and lose their pedal reflex in
approximately 14 minutes.
Ketamine (100 mg/ml) should be administered 15 minutes following the first injection at 0.5
ml/10 kg (equivalent to 5 mg ketamine/kg) by intramuscular injection.
The pedal reflex returns approximately 53 minutes following administration of the ketamine
injection. Sternal recumbency is attained approximately 35 minutes later followed by
standing a further 36 minutes later.
Torbugesic, medetomidine, and ketamine for Canine Anaesthesia - (IM)
Weight of dog - kg135101520253040* Dose of Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml) - mls
0.010.030.050.100.150.200.250.300.40* Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.030.080.130.250.380.500.630.751.00ADMINISTER TORBUGESIC AND MEDETOMIDINE BY INTRAMUSCULAR
INJECTION AT THE ABOVE DOSE RATES
WAIT 15 MINUTES BEFORE ADMINISTERING THE KETAMINE BY IM
INJECTION AT THE DOSE RATES BELOW
*** Dose of ketamine
(100 mg/ml) - mls
0.050.150.250.500.751.001.251.502.00
* Based on a dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg.
** Based on a dose rate of 25 µg medetomidine/kg.
*** Based on a dose rate of 5 mg ketamine/kg
NB: It is NOT advisable to reverse this combination in the dog with atipamezole.
CAT
For pre-operative analgesia:
0.2 ml/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg) should be administered either
by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Clinical studies have shown that administering
the butorphanol dose 5 minutes prior to induction with either acepromazine/ketamine or
xylazine/ketamine given intramuscularly will provide analgesia when surgery commences.
The arousal time will not be significantly altered. With intravenous induction agents,
butorphanol should be administered 15-30 minutes prior to administration of the
anaesthetic.
For post-operative analgesia:
0.2 ml/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg) should be administered by
either subcutaneous or intramuscular injection 15 minutes prior to recovery. Alternatively,
Revised November 2025
0.05 ml per 5 kg (equivalent to 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg), by intravenous injection can be
used.
Torbugesic for Feline Analgesia
Weight of cat - kg11.522.533.544.55IM or SCDose (ml)*Torbugesic Injection
(10 mg/ml)
0.040.060.080.100.120.140.160.180.20IVDose (ml)**Torbugesic Injection
(10 mg/ml)
0.010.020.020.030.030.040.040.050.05
*Based on a mean dose rate of 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg.
**Based on a mean dose rate of 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg.
For sedation in combination with medetomidine hydrochloride:
Torbugesic Injection should be administered at 0.2 ml/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 0.4
mg butorphanol/kg) together with 0.25 ml Domitor/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 50 µg
medetomidine/kg) both by either intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Domitor and Torbugesic may be combined and administered in the same syringe. However,
the vials should have separate needles inserted for withdrawal to minimise the risk of cross
contamination.
Local anaesthetic infiltration should be used for wound suturing.
Reversal with 0.125 ml Antisedan/5 kg bodyweight (equivalent to 125 µg atipamezole/kg)
results in sternal recumbency approximately 4 minutes later and standing 1 minute later.
Torbugesic and medetomidine combination for Feline Sedation - (IM or SC)
Weight of cat - kg11.522.533.544.55*Dose of Torbugesic (10
mg/ml) - mls
0.040.060.080.100.120.140.160.180.20**Dose of medetomidine
(1 mg/ml) - mls
0.050.080.100.130.150.180.200.230.25
* Based on a dose rate of 0.4 mg butorphanol/kg.
** Based on a dose rate of 50 µg medetomidine/kg
For anaesthesia in
[Text truncated]
HORSE
As a sole agent and in any combination:
Do not use in horses with a history of liver disease.
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Do not use in horses suffering from colic.
Do not use in horses with a pre-existing cardiac dysrhythmia or bradycardia.
DOG & CAT
Do not use in dogs and cats with a history of liver disease.
As a sole agent and in any combination:
Do not use in horses with a history of liver disease.
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Do not use in horses suffering from colic.
Do not use in horses with a pre-existing cardiac dysrhythmia or bradycardia.
DOG & CAT
Do not use in dogs and cats with a history of liver disease.
Horses, dogs, cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Injection site pain
1
On intramuscular injection.
Horses:
Common
(1 to 10 animals / 100 animals treated):
Ataxia
1,2
Lasting for 3 – 10 minutes. Take precautions to prevent patient self-injury.
Mild to severe ataxia may be encountered in combination with detomidine, but clinical
studies have shown that horses are unlikely to collapse. Normal precautions should be
observed to prevent patient self-injury.
Dogs:
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000 animals
treated):
Ataxia
Anorexia
Diarrhoea
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Respiratory depression
Revised November 2025
Transient.
Cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Mydriasis
Respiratory depression
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary
medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the
marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting
system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Injection site pain
1
On intramuscular injection.
Horses:
Common
(1 to 10 animals / 100 animals treated):
Ataxia
1,2
Lasting for 3 – 10 minutes. Take precautions to prevent patient self-injury.
Mild to severe ataxia may be encountered in combination with detomidine, but clinical
studies have shown that horses are unlikely to collapse. Normal precautions should be
observed to prevent patient self-injury.
Dogs:
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000 animals
treated):
Ataxia
Anorexia
Diarrhoea
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Respiratory depression
Revised November 2025
Transient.
Cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Mydriasis
Respiratory depression
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary
medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the
marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting
system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
Mild sedation may occur in approximately 15% of horses following the administration of the
veterinary medicinal product as a sole agent.
Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
Before using any combinations consult the contraindications, withdrawal periods and
warnings that appear on the other products’ SPCs.
HORSE
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Routine cardiac auscultation should be performed prior to use in combination with
detomidine.
DOG
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote.
When using the veterinary medicinal product as a pre-anaesthetic, the use of an
anticholinergic, such as atropine, will protect the heart against possible narcotic-induced
bradycardia.
When administering as an intravenous injection, do not inject as a bolus.
Revised November 2025
CAT
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote. Cats should be
weighed to ensure that the correct dose is calculated. Use of either insulin syringes or 1 ml
graduated syringes is recommended. Marked sedation does not occur when the veterinary
medicinal product is used as a sole agent in cats.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
Butorphanol has opioid-like activity. Precautions should be taken to avoid accidental
injection or self-injection with this potent drug. In case of accidental self-injection, seek
medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Do not drive. The effects of butorphanol included sedation, dizziness, and confusion. Effects
can be reversed with an opioid antagonist.
Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
veterinary medicinal product as a sole agent.
Special precautions for safe use in the target species:
Before using any combinations consult the contraindications, withdrawal periods and
warnings that appear on the other products’ SPCs.
HORSE
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Routine cardiac auscultation should be performed prior to use in combination with
detomidine.
DOG
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote.
When using the veterinary medicinal product as a pre-anaesthetic, the use of an
anticholinergic, such as atropine, will protect the heart against possible narcotic-induced
bradycardia.
When administering as an intravenous injection, do not inject as a bolus.
Revised November 2025
CAT
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote. Cats should be
weighed to ensure that the correct dose is calculated. Use of either insulin syringes or 1 ml
graduated syringes is recommended. Marked sedation does not occur when the veterinary
medicinal product is used as a sole agent in cats.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
Butorphanol has opioid-like activity. Precautions should be taken to avoid accidental
injection or self-injection with this potent drug. In case of accidental self-injection, seek
medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Do not drive. The effects of butorphanol included sedation, dizziness, and confusion. Effects
can be reversed with an opioid antagonist.
Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
See sections 3.2, 3.3, and 3.7.
Do not store above 25 ºC.
Protect from light.
Keep the container in the outer carton.
Protect from light.
Keep the container in the outer carton.
warnings that appear on the other products’ SPCs.
HORSE
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Routine cardiac auscultation should be performed prior to use in combination with
detomidine.
DOG
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote.
When using the veterinary medicinal product as a pre-anaesthetic, the use of an
anticholinergic, such as atropine, will protect the heart against possible narcotic-induced
bradycardia.
When administering as an intravenous injection, do not inject as a bolus.
Revised November 2025
CAT
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote. Cats should be
weighed to ensure that the correct dose is calculated. Use of either insulin syringes or 1 ml
graduated syringes is recommended. Marked sedation does not occur when the veterinary
medicinal product is used as a sole agent in cats.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
Butorphanol has opioid-like activity. Precautions should be taken to avoid accidental
injection or self-injection with this potent drug. In case of accidental self-injection, seek
medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Do not drive. The effects of butorphanol included sedation, dizziness, and confusion. Effects
can be reversed with an opioid antagonist.
Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
3.6 Adverse events
Horses, dogs, cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Injection site pain
1
On intramuscular injection.
Horses:
Common
(1 to 10 animals / 100 animals treated):
Ataxia
1,2
Lasting for 3 – 10 minutes. Take precautions to prevent patient self-injury.
Mild to severe ataxia may be encountered in combination with detomidine, but clinical
studies have shown that horses are unlikely to collapse. Normal precautions should be
observed to prevent patient self-injury.
Dogs:
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000 animals
treated):
Ataxia
Anorexia
Diarrhoea
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Respiratory depression
Revised November 2025
Transient.
Cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Mydriasis
Respiratory depression
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary
medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the
marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting
system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
3.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy:
Horses:
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Do not use during pregnancy.
Torbugesic/romifidine combination:
Do not use during the last month of pregnancy.
3.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
See sections 3.2, 3.3, and 3.7.
3.9 Administration routes and dosage
HORSE
For analgesia:
For use at a dose rate of 5 ml per 500 kg, equivalent to 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg bodyweight
by intravenous injection. The dose may be repeated as required. Analgesic effects are seen
within 15 minutes of injection.
Torbugesic for Equine Analgesia - (IV)
Weight of
Horse
– kg
50100150200250300350400450500550Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml)
– mls
0.501.001.502.002.503.003.50
HORSE
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Routine cardiac auscultation should be performed prior to use in combination with
detomidine.
DOG
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote.
When using the veterinary medicinal product as a pre-anaesthetic, the use of an
anticholinergic, such as atropine, will protect the heart against possible narcotic-induced
bradycardia.
When administering as an intravenous injection, do not inject as a bolus.
Revised November 2025
CAT
If respiratory depression occurs, naloxone may be used as an antidote. Cats should be
weighed to ensure that the correct dose is calculated. Use of either insulin syringes or 1 ml
graduated syringes is recommended. Marked sedation does not occur when the veterinary
medicinal product is used as a sole agent in cats.
Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary medicinal
product to animals:
Butorphanol has opioid-like activity. Precautions should be taken to avoid accidental
injection or self-injection with this potent drug. In case of accidental self-injection, seek
medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the physician.
Do not drive. The effects of butorphanol included sedation, dizziness, and confusion. Effects
can be reversed with an opioid antagonist.
Wash splashes from skin and eyes immediately.
Special precautions for the protection of the environment:
Not applicable.
3.6 Adverse events
Horses, dogs, cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Injection site pain
1
On intramuscular injection.
Horses:
Common
(1 to 10 animals / 100 animals treated):
Ataxia
1,2
Lasting for 3 – 10 minutes. Take precautions to prevent patient self-injury.
Mild to severe ataxia may be encountered in combination with detomidine, but clinical
studies have shown that horses are unlikely to collapse. Normal precautions should be
observed to prevent patient self-injury.
Dogs:
Rare
(1 to 10 animals / 10,000 animals
treated):
Ataxia
Anorexia
Diarrhoea
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Respiratory depression
Revised November 2025
Transient.
Cats:
Very rare
(<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated,
including isolated reports):
Mydriasis
Respiratory depression
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary
medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the
marketing authorisation holder or the national competent authority via the national reporting
system. See the package leaflet for respective contact details.
3.7 Use during pregnancy, lactation or lay
Pregnancy:
Horses:
Torbugesic/detomidine hydrochloride combination:
Do not use during pregnancy.
Torbugesic/romifidine combination:
Do not use during the last month of pregnancy.
3.8 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
See sections 3.2, 3.3, and 3.7.
3.9 Administration routes and dosage
HORSE
For analgesia:
For use at a dose rate of 5 ml per 500 kg, equivalent to 0.1 mg butorphanol/kg bodyweight
by intravenous injection. The dose may be repeated as required. Analgesic effects are seen
within 15 minutes of injection.
Torbugesic for Equine Analgesia - (IV)
Weight of
Horse
– kg
50100150200250300350400450500550Dose of
Torbugesic
(10 mg/ml)
– mls
0.501.001.502.002.503.003.50
This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.
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injection
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ButorVet 10 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses, Dogs and Cats
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injection
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