ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/erythropoietin-epoetin-alpha
US brand names:Epogen, Procrit
Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alpha) is dosed at 100 IU/kg SC q48-72h in african pygmy hedgehogs, per 45. Lightfoot T. Therapeutics of African pygmy hedgehogs and prairie dogs. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2000;3:155-172. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.744 doi:10.1016/s1094-9194(17)30099-3 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 8.7 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Hedgehogs). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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 […]" — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.491 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.491' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.464; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.464. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — ISBN 9780323244855, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323244855 |
| Dog (Domestic) | SC | 50–100 IU/kg | 3x/week |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.
| 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%)." — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.491 (2026-08-01). — LOCATOR CONVENTION 2026-08-07: the bare 'p.491' in this citation is the PDF index of the held scan, not the printed page. The PRINTED page is p.464; verified by finding the drug named there. If you are holding the book, turn to p.464. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207; Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs — ISBN 9780323244855, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323244855 |