Albumin (Human and Canine)
Albumin
Also known as: Albuminar · Albutein · Buminate · Plasbumin · Flexbumin · albumine · HSA · albuinum · Salt-poor albumin
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refractory hypotension or severe hypoalbuminemia (using 25% Human Albumin) | Test dose of 0.25 mL/kg/h is given over 15 minutes. The maximum volume administered to any dog by the author is 25 mL/kg (6.25 g/kg) administered continuously over 72 hours; the mean volume administered to any dog overall is 5 mL/kg (1.25 g/kg). The maximum volume given as a slow push or bolus to treat hypotension is 4 mL/kg (1 gram/kg), with a mean volume of 2 mL/kg (0.5 g/kg). The range for a continuous rate infusion (CRI) after a bolus administration is 0.1 to 1.7 mL/kg/h (0.025-0.425 g/kg) over 4 to 72 hours. | IV | CRI or bolus | 4 to 72 hours | 🌎 NA |
| Marked hypoalbuminemia (using 10% Human Albumin) | albumin deficit (g) = 10 X (serum albumin desired - serum albumin of patient) X body weight (kg) X 0.3. Alternatively, some dogs received 0.5 to 1.25 g/kg. | IV | over a 12-hour period | 12 hours | 🌎 NA |
| Hypovolemic shock or hypoalbuminemia (using Canine Albumin 5g lyophilized) | A total of 2.5-5 mL/kg body weight is recommended. Administer IV at a dosage rate of 1 mL/min. | IV | Single dose | Until calculated volume is administered | 🌎 NA |
- Refractory hypotension or severe hypoalbuminemia (using 25% Human Albumin): Discontinue infusion if adverse signs develop. Infusions are empirically selected to meet low normal values.
- Marked hypoalbuminemia (using 10% Human Albumin): Dilute 25% human albumin to a 10% solution with 0.9% NaCl. Administer with a transfusion filter. No dog is eligible for additional human albumin after 7 days following initial administration.
- Hypovolemic shock or hypoalbuminemia (using Canine Albumin 5g lyophilized): Dilute to 16% (add 30 mL of diluent such as sterile normal saline, Normosol or dextrose 5%).
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Albumin is a natural protein colloid utilized primarily in critical care settings to manage severe hypoalbuminemia and hypovolemia. It plays a crucial role in maintaining intravascular oncotic pressure.
- Human Serum Albumin (HSA): Frequently used in veterinary medicine due to availability, but its use as a 'xeno-albumin' (cross-species transfusion) in dogs and cats carries significant risks of severe, potentially fatal immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions.
- Canine Specific Albumin: Commercially available as a lyophilized product, which significantly reduces the risk of species-specific hypersensitivity, though clinical data remains somewhat limited compared to HSA.
Clinical Pearl: The use of human albumin in healthy dogs (e.g., for simple volume expansion) is strongly discouraged due to a higher observed incidence of severe delayed hypersensitivity (Type III/serum sickness) compared to critically ill, immunosuppressed patients.
Mechanism of action
Albumin is the primary plasma protein responsible for maintaining intravascular volume.
- Oncotic Pressure: Provides 75-80% of the oncotic pressure of plasma → reduces hydrostatic pressure → prevents crystalloid fluids from leaking into the interstitium → decreases edema and improves organ perfusion.
- Transport & Binding: Acts as a carrier protein, binding and transporting drugs, ions, hormones, lipids, and metals (like iron).
- Endothelial & Systemic Effects: Maintains endothelial integrity, exerts antioxidant properties (via thiol groups), aids in acid-base balance, decreases platelet aggregation, and augments antithrombin activity.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- History of hypersensitivity to albumin (human or canine)
- Repeat administration of xeno-albumin (human albumin in dogs) beyond 7 days
- Healthy animals with simple volume depletion (avoid xeno-albumin)
- Pre-existing conditions resulting in volume overload
- Severe anemia or extreme dehydration (unless concurrent RBCs or appropriate crystalloid fluids are administered first)
Adverse effects
- Immediate hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis, facial edema, vomiting, urticaria, hyperthermia, shock)
- Delayed hypersensitivity / Type III serum sickness (lethargy, lameness, peripheral edema, cutaneous lesions/vasculitis, renal failure, coagulopathies)
- Volume overload
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Perivascular inflammation at catheter sites
Precautions
Extreme Caution Required: Thoughtful consideration must be taken when deciding to administer human albumin to critically ill dogs due to the high risk of complications.
- Hypersensitivity: Both immediate (anaphylactoid) and delayed (Type III/serum sickness) reactions can occur and have been fatal.
- Monitoring: Frequent monitoring of vital signs, oncotic pressure, and albumin levels is mandatory.
- Infectious Agents: While risk is low, transmission of infectious agents from pooled albumin products is theoretically possible.
Drug interactions
Exogenous albumin may bind to these drugs, potentially affecting the amount of free (active) drug circulating, though this rarely appears to be clinically significant.
Monitoring
- Pre- and post-infusion serum albumin (target 2.0-2.5 g/dL)
- Pre- and post-infusion colloid osmotic pressure (COP)
- Vital signs: body temperature, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate
- Signs of volume overload (e.g., increased respiratory effort, chemosis)
- Immediate hypersensitivity (facial edema, vomiting, urticaria)
- Delayed hypersensitivity reactions (can occur weeks after administration)
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Administered intravenously, resulting in immediate and complete bioavailability.
Distribution
Endogenous circulating albumin represents 30-40% of total body albumin. It distributes primarily within the intravascular space but equilibrates with the extravascular space.
Metabolism
Degraded primarily by the vascular endothelium and liver into amino acids.
Elimination
Elimination of exogenously administered canine albumin is estimated to be between 20-24 days.
Overdose
Overdosage can lead to hyperalbuminemia and hyperproteinemia, resulting in severe volume overload and hyperviscosity. To avoid these effects, serum albumin levels should be closely monitored. Most experts recommend that serum albumin should not exceed 2.5 g/dL (some suggest a strict maximum of 2.0 g/dL) when used clinically.
Available products
Formulations
- 20% solution (Human)
- 25% solution (Human)
- 98% lyophilized powder, 5 g (Canine)
Veterinary
- Albumin, Canine, 98% lyophilized 5 g (without preservatives)
Human-labeled
- Albumin, Human 5% in 50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL & 500 mL glass containers
- Albumin, Human 25% in 20 mL, 50 mL & 100 mL vials or flex containers
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Human 5% solution: Stable for 3 years if stored below 30°C (89°F). Protect from freezing. Human 20% & 25% solutions: Store below 30°C (86°F). Do not freeze. Human products contain no preservatives; discard any unused portion within 4 hours of entering the vial. Canine lyophilized product: Store refrigerated at 4-6°C. Stable for 15 months. Once rehydrated, store in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours.
Client information
- Hospitalization Required: This medication must be administered in an inpatient, intensive care setting under strict veterinary supervision.
- Risks vs. Benefits: While albumin can be life-saving by improving blood pressure and reducing fluid buildup, the use of human albumin in pets carries a significant risk of severe allergic reactions.
- Delayed Reactions: Be aware that adverse reactions (like lethargy, joint pain, or swelling) can occur days to weeks after your pet goes home. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any abnormal signs.
- Cost: Treatment can be expensive and requires intensive monitoring.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.