Veterinary Local Anesthetic Maximum Dose Calculator

Maximum millilitres from species, drug, concentration, and weight. Cumulative across all blocks. Not a calorie tool.

Formula

max mg = dose (mg/kg) × BW (kg)
mg/mL = concentration (%) × 10
max mL = max mg / (mg/mL)

Conservative teaching maxima used here:
  Lidocaine  5 mg/kg dog, 2 mg/kg cat
  Bupivacaine 2 mg/kg dog, 1 mg/kg cat

Grubb 2020 published ranges are wider (lidocaine 4–6 dog, 2–4 cat;
bupivacaine 1–2 dog, 1 cat). Do not add lidocaine plus bupivacaine
without counting both toward toxicity. Not for IV bupivacaine.

References

1. Grubb T, Lobprise H. Local and regional anaesthesia in dogs and cats: Overview of concepts and drugs (Part 1). Vet Med Sci. 2020;6(2):209-217. PMID:31965742. Dose ranges used to set this page.
2. FECAVA. Basic local anaesthetic blocks for small animal practice. Suggested maxima table (lidocaine 8 mg/kg, bupivacaine 2 mg/kg) — higher lidocaine than this conservative page.

Veterinary education only. Not a prescription. Confirm doses and volumes with the attending clinician and current formularies before use.