Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Vitamin A is dosed at 200–300 IU/kg SC, IM not stated in source in red-eared sliders, per Donoghue S. Nutrition. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:251-298. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.267 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Vitamin A is used in red-eared sliders for Hypovitaminosis A. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: SC, IM. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Vitamin A in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC, IM | 200–300 IU/kg | not stated in source | Hypovitaminosis A | Moderate | Donoghue S. Nutrition. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:251-298. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.267 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your red-eared slider's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Essential fat-soluble vitamin required for vision, epithelial integrity, immune function, and reproduction. Deficiency common in captive reptiles and turtles on inadequate diets.
NARROW therapeutic index — hypervitaminosis A causes hepatotoxicity and skin sloughing. Do not overdose. Particularly important in chelonians and box turtles. Toxicity signs include skin peeling.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Vitamin A dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: SC, IM 200–300 IU/kg not stated in source. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Vitamin A in red-eared sliders: SC, IM.
Vitamin A is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Hypovitaminosis A.
These are general warnings for Vitamin A across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. NARROW therapeutic index — hypervitaminosis A causes hepatotoxicity and skin sloughing. Do not overdose. Particularly important in chelonians and box turtles. Toxicity signs include skin peeling.
Why a species-specific page? Vitamin A pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in red-eared sliders — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.