ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/vancomycin
US brand names:Vancocin
Vancomycin is dosed at 15–20 mg/kg IV q8h in rabbits, per Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed. | Open-access corroboration: PMID:38697031 — rabbit (Rabbit model of MRSA meningitis; animals infected intracisternally with MRSA ATCC 43300), 20 mg/kg IV (intravenously) (peer_reviewed). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Binds D-Ala-D-Ala terminus of peptidoglycan precursors, inhibiting cell wall synthesis. Bactericidal against most gram-positive organisms including MRSA.
Reserve for MRSA/resistant infections. Nephrotoxic and ototoxic — monitor trough levels. Red man syndrome with rapid IV infusion. Oral form not absorbed (used for C. difficile colitis).
Species references:All Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Gerbil 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 4 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) | IV | 12–15 mg/kg | q6-8h | Moderate | DeStefano IM, Wayne AS, Rozanski EA, Babyak JM. Parenterally administered vancomycin in 29 dogs and 7 cats (2003-2017). J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(1):200-207. doi:10.1111/jvim.15357 — Plumb's 10th ed printed p.1291, Vancomycin monograph spanning p.1291-1292. |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 12–15 mg/kg | q8h | Weak | DeStefano IM, Wayne AS, Rozanski EA, Babyak JM. Parenterally administered vancomycin in 29 dogs and 7 cats (2003-2017). J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(1):200-207. doi:10.1111/jvim.15357 — Papich/Saunders Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 4th Ed, p.835 |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.