ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/l-carnitine
US brand names:Carnitor
L-Carnitine is dosed at 100 mg/kg PO q12h in sugar gliders, per Ness RD, Johnson-Delaney C. Sugar gliders. In: Quesenberry KE, Carpenter JW, eds. Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2012:393-410. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.712 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 7.5 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Sugar Gliders). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Essential for transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation. Required for myocardial energy metabolism.
Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially Boxers, Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels) and hepatic lipidosis in cats. Very safe. GI upset at high doses. Expensive at therapeutic doses.
Species references:All African Pygmy Hedgehog drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Sugar Glider drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 100–200 mg/kg | q8-12h | Moderate | Sanderson SL. Taurine and carnitine in canine cardiomyopathy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006;36(6). doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.08.010 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.189, Carnitine monograph. |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 250–500 mg per cat | q24h | Moderate | Center S. Treatment for Severe Feline Hepatic Lipidosis. Paper presented at: WSAVA;2006. — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.189, Carnitine monograph.Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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