ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/erythropoietin-epoetin-alpha
US brand names:Epogen, Procrit
Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alpha) is dosed at 50–150 U/kg SC q2-3d in rabbits, per Plumb DC. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th ed., Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2018. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.877 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 10.10 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Rabbits). — EDITION NOTE 2026-08-06: this rule's Plumb's reference names the 9th edition, which is not held and was never consulted. The held copy is the 10th ed (2023). The Plumb's line was never confirmed against the held edition, so rely on it only as background; any other source named in this citation is unaffected. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Recombinant human erythropoietin that stimulates erythroid progenitor cells to increase red blood cell production.
Anti-EPO antibodies develop in ~25-30% of dogs/cats, causing refractory anemia. Darbepoetin preferred. Supplement iron. Monitor PCV.
Species references:All African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat (Domestic) | SC | 50–100 IU/kg | 3x/week | Moderate | Cross-check, Papich 4thttp.294 (Epoetin Alfa, Small Animal Dosage, Cats): "Start with 100 units/kg SQ three times weekly; reduce to twice weekly and to once weekly when […]" — Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.464Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 50–100 IU/kg | 3x/week | Moderate | Cross-check, Papich 4thttp.294 (Epoetin Alfa, Small Animal Dosage, Dogs): "35 or 50 units/kg three times a week, up to 400 units/kg/wk SQ (adjust dose to maintain hematocrit of 30%-34%)." — Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.464Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.