ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/vancomycin
US brand names:Vancocin
Vancomycin is dosed at 20 mg/kg PO q24h in gerbils, per Ewringmann A, Gloeckner B. Leitsymptome bei Hamster, Ratte, Maus und Rennmaus, Enke, Stuttgart, Germany; 2014. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.774 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.1 (Antimicrobial and Antifungal Agents Used in Rodents.a). 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.
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 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.1319 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.1291, Vancomycin monograph spanning p.1291-1292; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | IV | 12–15 mg/kg | q8h | Weak |
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View PlansSource citations and evidence levels available on the live page. Reference only — verify against current literature before clinical use.