# Bupivacaine: veterinary dose and monograph

> Bupivacaine is a veterinary analgesic. Long-acting amide local anaesthetic (onset 10–20 min, duration 4–8 h) for epidurals, nerve blocks and incisional infiltration; liposomal formulations extend infiltration analgesia to about 72 h. Indications include epidural analgesia; regional/peripheral nerve blocks; incisional/local infiltration (including liposomal formulation). This monograph lists 18 reference doses for dogs, cats, cattle, horses, goats and sheep and 2 more species, each with route, frequency and source, plus meat and milk withdrawal periods for food animals.

Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/bupivacaine · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

## At a glance

- **Drug class:** Analgesic
- **Also known as:** Bupivacaine HCl, Marcaine, Sensorcaine
- **Species with doses:** Dogs, Cats, Cattle, Horses, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits and Reptiles
- **General dose range:** 1–1.5 mg/kg Epidural single dose — check the species tables for the indication
- **Routes:** Epidural, SC, IP
- **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026

## Indications

- Epidural analgesia
- Regional/peripheral nerve blocks
- Incisional/local infiltration (including liposomal formulation)

## Bupivacaine dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

### Dogs

*Bupivacaine doses for dogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Epidural analgesia | 1–1.5 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — |
| Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration (Plumb’s 10e) | 1–2 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — |
| Intraperitoneal — ovariohysterectomy | 3 mg/kg | IP | once, before closure | — |
| Nerve block / local infiltration | 1 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — |
| Surgical-site infiltration (liposomal 13.3 mg/mL) | 5.3 mg/kg | SC | single dose at incisional closure | — |

- Epidural analgesia: Papich 5e (dogs and cats): 1–1.5 mg/kg epidurally. Often combined with morphine. Plumb’s 10e p.145 (extra-label): 0.5% solution 1.25 mg/kg, or 1–2 mg/kg with greater efficacy at the higher dose; 1 mg/kg combined with preservative-free morphine 0.1 mg/kg, buprenorphine 4 µg/kg or dexmedetomidine 4 µg/kg (combinations may increase cranial spread and impair respiration). With 0.25% solution, 0.6 mL/kg appears to be the optimal epidural volume.
- Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration (Plumb’s 10e): Plumb’s 10e p.145 (extra-label): 0.25% or 0.5% solution, 1–2 mg/kg; alternatively 0.5 mg/kg of 0.5% with dexmedetomidine 0.1 µg/kg, or 0.5% mixed with an equal volume of 2% lidocaine to speed onset. Aspirate before injecting; never IV.
- Intraperitoneal — ovariohysterectomy: Plumb’s 10e p.145 (extra-label): 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally along the linea alba before closure; 4.4 mg/kg of the 0.25% solution also appears effective.
- Nerve block / local infiltration: Papich 5e: nerve blocks usually 0.2 mL/kg of 0.5% solution (≈1 mg/kg). Aspirate before injecting; never IV.
- Surgical-site infiltration (liposomal 13.3 mg/mL): Papich 5e and Plumb’s 10e p.148 (label dose; FDA-approved for cranial cruciate surgery): liposomal suspension 5.3 mg/kg (0.4 mL/kg) infiltrated into the surgical tissues at closure — up to 72 h analgesia. Liposomal product only; do not use this dose with conventional bupivacaine.

### Cats

*Bupivacaine doses for cats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Epidural analgesia | 1–1.5 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — |
| Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration (Plumb’s 10e) | 1–1.1 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — |
| Intraperitoneal — ovariohysterectomy | 2 mg/kg | IP | once, immediately before OVH | — |
| Nerve block / local infiltration | 1 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — |
| Onychectomy four-point block (liposomal 13.3 mg/mL) | 5.3 mg/kg | SC | single dose per forelimb (max 10.6 mg/kg per cat) | — |

- Epidural analgesia: Papich 5e (dogs and cats): 1–1.5 mg/kg epidurally. Plumb’s 10e p.146 (extra-label): 0.5% solution 1.5–2.5 mg/kg lumbosacral epidural; or 0.22 mg/kg caudal epidural (adding preservative-free morphine 0.1 mg/kg modestly reduced propofol needs).
- Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration (Plumb’s 10e): Plumb’s 10e p.145 (extra-label): 1.1 mg/kg of 0.5% solution; most experts consider 1 mg/kg appropriate for cats, though one study safely infiltrated a wound with 2 mg/kg. Cats are more sensitive to local-anaesthetic toxicity.
- Intraperitoneal — ovariohysterectomy: Plumb’s 10e p.145 (extra-label): 0.25% solution 2 mg/kg divided into 3 equal volumes instilled at the right and left ovarian pedicles and the caudal uterus immediately before OVH (similar results with added epinephrine 2 µg/kg).
- Nerve block / local infiltration: Papich 5e: 0.2 mL/kg of 0.5% solution for nerve blocks. Cats are more sensitive to local-anaesthetic toxicity. (0.2 mL/kg × 5 mg/mL = 1 mg/kg.)
- Onychectomy four-point block (liposomal 13.3 mg/mL): Papich 5e and Plumb’s 10e p.148 (label dose; FDA-approved): liposomal suspension 5.3 mg/kg (0.4 mL/kg) per forelimb, total 10.6 mg/kg per cat, injecting 0.02–0.16 mL/kg at each nerve site per the product insert. Liposomal product only.

### Cattle

*Bupivacaine doses for cattle*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Caudal epidural | 0.05–0.06 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Caudal epidural: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (extra-label): 0.05–0.06 mg/kg of 0.5% solution; analgesia improved with the higher dose. Obtain a FARAD withdrawal.

### Horses

*Bupivacaine doses for horses*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Caudal epidural — perineal analgesia | 0.04 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — |

- Caudal epidural — perineal analgesia: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (extra-label): 0.04 mg/kg of 0.25% solution epidurally, or 0.02 mg/kg combined with morphine 0.1 mg/kg or ketamine 0.5 mg/kg; all were effective, bupivacaine + morphine lasting longest (5.25 h vs 3.5–4 h).

### Goats

*Bupivacaine doses for goats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration | 1.25–2 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Lumbar epidural | 0.5 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (sheep/goats, extra-label): 1.25–2 mg/kg of 0.5% solution (or 0.2 mL/kg — NOT mg/kg — of 0.5%). Forelimb perineural block: 2 mL per animal of 0.5%. Obtain a FARAD withdrawal.
- Lumbar epidural: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (extra-label): 0.5 mg/kg into the epidural space; in goats, 0.8–1.2 mg/kg of 0.5% combined with methadone 0.22 mg/kg by thoracolumbar epidural lasted longer than bupivacaine alone. Obtain a FARAD withdrawal.

### Sheep

*Bupivacaine doses for sheep*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration | 1.25–2 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |
| Lumbar epidural | 0.5 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (sheep/goats, extra-label): 1.25–2 mg/kg of 0.5% solution (or 0.2 mL/kg — NOT mg/kg — of 0.5%). Forelimb perineural block: 2 mL per animal of 0.5%. Obtain a FARAD withdrawal.
- Lumbar epidural: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (extra-label): 0.5 mg/kg into the epidural space — in sheep this gave analgesia with fewer cardiovascular and respiratory effects than 0.25 mg/kg combined with fentanyl or methadone. Obtain a FARAD withdrawal.

### Buffalo

No buffalo-specific doses are on file, so buffalo are dosed as cattle.

*Bupivacaine doses for buffalo*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Withdrawal |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Caudal epidural | 0.05–0.06 mg/kg | Epidural | single dose | — | Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label |

- Caudal epidural: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (extra-label): 0.05–0.06 mg/kg of 0.5% solution; analgesia improved with the higher dose. Obtain a FARAD withdrawal.

### Rabbits

*Bupivacaine doses for rabbits*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Local infiltration / coccygeal epidural | 1–1.5 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — |

- Local infiltration / coccygeal epidural: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rodents; extra-label): tissue infiltration 1 mg/kg; rabbits — 1.5 mg/kg of 0.5% into the coccygeal spinal canal gave hind-limb, perineal and tail analgesia (inadvertent vascular entry may occur).

### Reptiles

*Bupivacaine doses for reptiles*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration | 1–2 mg/kg | SC | single dose | — |

- Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration: Plumb’s 10e p.146 (reptiles/amphibians, extra-label): 0.25% or 0.5% solution 1–2 mg/kg, diluted up to 1:1 to expand volume if needed. Tortoises/turtles: 1 mg/kg of 0.5% intrathecally at the coccygeal vertebrae gives ≈2 hours of regional analgesia.

## Contraindications

NEVER give IV (cardiotoxic — refractory arrhythmias and cardiovascular collapse); aspirate before every injection. Epidural contraindicated with coagulopathy, skin infection at the site or hypovolaemia. Cats are more sensitive to local-anaesthetic toxicity — use the lowest effective dose.

## Adverse effects

- Hypotension and hind-limb paralysis (epidural)
- Urinary retention (epidural)
- Cardiotoxicity and seizures with overdose or IV injection

## Toxicity and overdose

Management: Stop injecting; oxygen and ventilation; benzodiazepine for seizures; intravenous lipid emulsion (20%, 1.5 mL/kg then 0.25–0.5 mL/kg/min) for cardiotoxicity.

## Formulations and products

- 0.25% injection (2.5 mg/mL)
- 0.5% injection (5 mg/mL)
- Liposomal injectable suspension 13.3 mg/mL

## Before you use this dose

> **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

## Other analgesics

- [Amantadine](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/amantadine)
- [Aspirin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/aspirin)
- [Buprenorphine](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/buprenorphine)
- [Butorphanol](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/butorphanol)
- [Codeine](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/codeine)
- [Dipyrone (Metamizole)](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/dipyrone)
- [Fentanyl](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/fentanyl)
- [Gabapentin](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/gabapentin)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dose of Bupivacaine for dogs?

Reference doses for Bupivacaine in dogs: 1–1.5 mg/kg Epidural single dose (Epidural analgesia); 1–2 mg/kg SC single dose (Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration (Plumb’s 10e)); 3 mg/kg IP once, before closure (Intraperitoneal — ovariohysterectomy); 1 mg/kg SC single dose (Nerve block / local infiltration); and 1 more indication-specific doses listed on this page. Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Bupivacaine for cats?

Reference doses for Bupivacaine in cats: 1–1.5 mg/kg Epidural single dose (Epidural analgesia); 1–1.1 mg/kg SC single dose (Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration (Plumb’s 10e)); 2 mg/kg IP once, immediately before OVH (Intraperitoneal — ovariohysterectomy); 1 mg/kg SC single dose (Nerve block / local infiltration); and 1 more indication-specific doses listed on this page. Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Bupivacaine for cattle?

Reference doses for Bupivacaine in cattle: 0.05–0.06 mg/kg Epidural single dose (Caudal epidural). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the withdrawal period for Bupivacaine?

Cattle, Epidural (Caudal epidural): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Goats, SC (Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Goats, Epidural (Lumbar epidural): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Sheep, SC (Local anaesthesia — tissue infiltration): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label; Sheep, Epidural (Lumbar epidural): Withdrawal NOT established — treat as extra-label. Follow the product label and national regulations where they differ.

### When should Bupivacaine not be used?

NEVER give IV (cardiotoxic — refractory arrhythmias and cardiovascular collapse); aspirate before every injection. Epidural contraindicated with coagulopathy, skin infection at the site or hypovolaemia. Cats are more sensitive to local-anaesthetic toxicity — use the lowest effective dose.

### What are the side effects of Bupivacaine in animals?

Hypotension and hind-limb paralysis (epidural); Urinary retention (epidural); Cardiotoxicity and seizures with overdose or IV injection.

## Sources

- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Papich 5e — Bupivacaine Hydrochloride
- Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition

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VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.