ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/cobalamin
US brand names:Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin
Cobalamin is dosed at 0.5–1 mg/kg IM q7 days in african grey parrots, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Essential cofactor for methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. Required for DNA synthesis, erythropoiesis, and neurological function.
Commonly deficient in cats with GI disease (IBD, lymphoma, EPI). SC injection q1-4 weeks or daily high-dose oral. Very safe — water-soluble, excess excreted renally. Monitor serum levels.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 5 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 250–1000 mcg per dog | q7 days x 6 weeks, then monthly | Strong | Ruaux CG. Cobalamin in companion animals: Diagnostic marker, deficiency states and therapeutic implications. Vet J. 2013;196(2):145-152. doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.01.025; Steiner J. Cobalamin information. Texas A&M Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; http://vetmed.tamu.edu/gilab/research/cobalamin-information#dosing. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.332 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 250 mcg per cat | q7 days x 6 weeks, then q14 days x 6 weeks, the... | Strong |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.