ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/l-carnitine
US brand names:Carnitor
L-Carnitine is dosed at 50–100 mg/kg PO q8-12h in dogs, per 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 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.216 (2026-08-01).. 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 Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugs
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 50–100 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 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.216 (2026-08-01). |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 250–500 mg per cat | q24h | Moderate | Center S. Treatment for Severe Feline Hepatic Lipidosis. Paper presented at: WSAVA;2006. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.216 (2026-08-01). |
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