Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.
Vitamin D is dosed at 200–400 IU/kg SC, IM not stated in source in pet rats, per Mayer J. Rodents. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2013:476-516. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.803 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 9.7 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Rodents). Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Active form (calcitriol) binds VDR promoting intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone mineralization, and parathyroid hormone regulation.
Side effects & warnings
Calcitriol: used for renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. Narrow therapeutic index — hypercalcemia risk. Monitor ionized calcium frequently. Do not confuse calcitriol with cholecalciferol.
Species with Vitamin D dosing data (16 dose rules)
Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.
Sample dosing (2 of 16 cited rules)
A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 16 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.
Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th ed (2023), Calcitriol monograph, printed p.171, DOGS - 'Long-term maintenance of hypocalcemia-associated hypoparathyroidism (extra-label)'. -Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure.
· 15. Barten SL. The medical care of iguanas and other common pet lizards. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1993;23:1213-1249 doi:10.1016/s0195-5616(93)50153-5. | 21. Bennett RA. Management of common reptile emergencies. Proc Annu Conf Assoc Rept Amph Vet. 1998;67-72. — Source: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1419
· 32. BennettRA. Management of common reptile emergencies. Proc Annu Conf Assoc Rept Amph Vet; 1998:67-72. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.268 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.9 (Nutritional/Mineral/Fluid Support Used in Reptiles.a).
· 37. Boyer TH. Essentials of Reptiles: A Guide for Practitioners. Lakewood, CO: AAHA Press; 1998:1-253. — Source: Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1419
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