Morphine Sulfate for Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Commonly prescribed for: Acute Pain

Species: Dogs, Cats, and Horses

Therapeutic Class: Opiate Agonist

Morphine sulfate is a narcotic pain reliever derived from the opiate plant. It can be used in veterinary medicine to alleviate moderate to severe pain. In some cases, it can be used to help diminish coughing and to decrease diarrhea in dogs.

Opiate receptors that regulate and detect pain are throughout the body. Morphine sulfate effectively inhibits these receptors, primarily mu receptors, resulting in pain alleviation.

Since morphine sulfate affects many biological functions, many dogs and cats can vomit or defecate immediately after morphine sulfate is injected. Some dogs can start panting excessively after administration as well.

Morphine sulfate is a very powerful analgesic, so there is always a possibility that side effects can arise when taking this medication. The most-common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, restlessness, behavioral changes, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, slowed breathing, and seizures.

Use of morphine sulfate in cats is not as common as it is in dogs, as cats can experience elevated body temperature and nervous system excitement.

Morphine sulfate potentially can interfere with or enhance other medications the patient may be on, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tranquilizers, anesthetics, and antihistamines. To eliminate or reduce the risk of a drug interaction, the veterinarian should know the animal's drug regimen.

Morphine sulfate should be avoided if the patient has had a previous allergic reaction to it. It also should be avoided in patients with pre-existing liver or kidney disease, Addison's Disease, an underactive thyroid gland, hyperactivity, and in cases involving diarrhea because of toxin ingestion.

Morphine sulfate should not be administered to a dog that has been stung by a scorpion, as the drug can increase the potency of the venom.

This drug should be used with extreme caution in older animals, severely debilitated animals, and those with serious head trauma, lung disease, and acute abdominal conditions.

Wedgewood provides medication options that help ensure accurate dosing, especially for hard to medicate pets. Click below for a complete list of Wedgewood’s dosing forms and strengths.

View all Morphine Sulfate options