ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/erythropoietin-epoetin-alpha
US brand names:Epogen, Procrit
Erythropoietin (Epoetin Alpha) is dosed at 50–100 IU/kg SC 3x/week in cats, per 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 target hematocrit of 30%-40% is attained. In most cats, maintenance dose is 75-100 units/kg SQ twice weekly." — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.491 (2026-08-01).. 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 Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (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 2 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 target hematocrit of 30%-40% is attained. In most cats, maintenance dose is 75-100 units/kg SQ twice weekly." — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.491 (2026-08-01). |
| 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%)." — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.491 (2026-08-01). |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.