Doses - ZINC ACETATE, ZINC SULFATE

Dogs:

For treatment and prophylaxis of hepatic copper toxicosis in Bedlington and West Highland
White Terriers:
a) Initially, give a loading dose of 100 mg elemental zinc (zinc acetate used in this study)twice daily (separate doses by at least 8 hours) for about 3 months; then reduce dose to50 mg (elemental zinc) twice daily. If animal vomits, give with doses with a small pieceof meat. Do not give within one hour of a meal. Monitoring of zinc levels every 2-3months initially is recommended. Target zinc levels are 200 - 500 micrograms/dl. DOnot allow levels to raise higher than 1000 micrograms/dl. May require 3-6 months oftherapy before significant efficacy is noted. (Brewer, Dick et al. 1992)
b) 5 - 10 mg/kg elemental zinc q12h; use high end of dosage range initially, then the reduce dose for maintenance; separate dosage from meals by 1-2 hours. Zinc gluconatemay be less irritating to the GI than other salts. If vomiting occurs, capsule may beopened and mixed with a small amount of hamburger or tuna. In dogs with activecopper-induced hepatitis do not use zinc alone, but in combination with a chelator (e.g.,
D-Penicillamine, trientine). Target zinc plasma levels >200 micrograms/dl but <1000micrograms/dl. Monitor levels every 3-4 months and adjust dosage as necessary.(Johnson and Sherding 1994)
For cases of idiopathic hepatitis where liver copper levels are elevated:
a) 1 mg/kg PO of zinc gluconate tid (Mack 1993)
For zinc-related dermatoses:
a) Rapidly growing dogs: 10 mg/kg day PO of zinc sulfate. (Willemse 1992)
b) For zinc-responsive dermatoses found in Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Great
Danes, and Doberman pinschers: Zinc sulfate: 10 mg/kg PO with food either once dailyor divided q12h. Alternatively, zinc methionine: 2 mg/kg PO once daily. Correct anydietary imbalances (high calcium and phytate). Lifetime therapy usually required. Ifvomiting occurs, lower dose or give with food.
For syndrome seen in puppies: Dietary corrections alone usually resolve the syndrome, but zinc supplementation as above, can expedite process. Some puppies requiresupplementation until maturity. (Kwochka 1994)

Cats:

For adjunctive therapy of severe hepatic lipidosis:
a) 7 -10 mg/kg PO once daily, in B-Complex mixture if possible. (Center 1994)
Monitoring Parameters/Client Information - See aboveDosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None (for systemic use).
Several vitamin/mineral supplements contain zinc, however.

Human-Approved Products:

Zinc Acetate is available from chemical supply houses.
Zine Sulfate Injection: 1 mg/ml (as sulfate) in 10 & 30 ml vials; 5 mg/ml in 5 & 10 ml vials; 1mg/ml (as 2.09 mg chloride) in 10 ml vials; Zinca-Pak® (Smith & Nephew SoloPak); generic, (Rx)
Zinc Sulfate Oral Tablets 66 mg (15 mg zinc); 110 mg (25 mg zinc); 200 mg (45 mg zinc); Zinc15® (Mericon);Orazinc® (Mericon); Generic; (OTC)
Zinc Sulfate Oral Capsules 220 mg (50 mg zinc); Orazinc® (Mericon), Verazinc® (Forest),
Zinc-220® (Alto), Zincate® (Paddock), generic; (Rx or OTC depending on product)
Zinc sulfate is also available in topical ophthalmic preparations.