Pocket Pet · Chinchilla lanigera · typical adult weight 0.40–0.80 kg
Azithromycin is dosed at 30 mg/kg PO q24h in chinchillas, per Mitchell M, Mans C. Retrospective evaluation of orally prescribed azithromycin in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 131 cases (2009-2025). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2026;264:1-4. doi:10.2460/javma.25.12.0873 https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41849821. Azithromycin is used in chinchillas for Bacterial infection, most commonly dental disease, Bacterial infection (otitis media; chinchilla periodontal/dental infection per FRR). Routes documented in chinchillas: PO. A typical adult chinchilla weighs 0.40–0.80 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Azithromycin in chinchillas, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Zithromax
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 30 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infection, most commonly dental disease | Moderate | Mitchell M, Mans C. Retrospective evaluation of orally prescribed azithromycin in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera): 131 cases (2009-2025). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2026;264:1-4. doi:10.2460/javma.25.12.0873 https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41849821 |
| PO | 30 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infection (otitis media; chinchilla periodontal/dental infection per FRR) | Moderate | Chan KH, Swarts JD, Doyle WJ, et al. Efficacy of a new macrolide (azithromycin) for acute otitis media in the chinchilla model. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1988;114:1266-1269. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.770 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1001/archotol.1988.01860230060024 |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your chinchilla's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Concentrates in tissues with long half-life.
CONTRAINDICATED orally in rabbits and guinea pigs (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Long tissue half-life means prolonged effect after discontinuation.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for chinchillas may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Azithromycin dose ranges in chinchillas, with cited source references: PO 30 mg/kg q24h; PO 30 mg/kg q24h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Azithromycin in chinchillas: PO.
Azithromycin is indicated in chinchillas for: Bacterial infection, most commonly dental disease, Bacterial infection (otitis media; chinchilla periodontal/dental infection per FRR).
These are general warnings for Azithromycin across species; consult the chinchilla dosing table above for species-specific guidance. CONTRAINDICATED orally in rabbits and guinea pigs (fatal dysbiosis). May cause GI upset. Long tissue half-life means prolonged effect after discontinuation.
Why a species-specific page? Azithromycin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in chinchillas — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.