Pocket Pet · Phodopus spp. · typical adult weight 0.02–0.05 kg
Vitamin D is dosed at 200–400 IU/kg SC, IM not stated in source in dwarf hamsters, per 114. 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). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Vitamin D is used in dwarf hamsters for Vitamin D supplementation. Routes documented in dwarf hamsters: SC, IM. A typical adult dwarf hamster weighs 0.02–0.05 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Vitamin D in dwarf hamsters, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Calcitriol, Cholecalciferol
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC, IM | 200–400 IU/kg | not stated in source | Vitamin D supplementation | Weak | 114. 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). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your dwarf hamster's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Active form (calcitriol) binds VDR promoting intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone mineralization, and parathyroid hormone regulation.
Calcitriol: used for renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. Narrow therapeutic index — hypercalcemia risk. Monitor ionized calcium frequently. Do not confuse calcitriol with cholecalciferol.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dwarf hamsters may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Vitamin D dose range in dwarf hamsters, with cited source references: SC, IM 200–400 IU/kg not stated in source. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Vitamin D in dwarf hamsters: SC, IM.
Vitamin D is indicated in dwarf hamsters for: Vitamin D supplementation.
These are general warnings for Vitamin D across species; consult the dwarf hamster dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Calcitriol: used for renal secondary hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. Narrow therapeutic index — hypercalcemia risk. Monitor ionized calcium frequently. Do not confuse calcitriol with cholecalciferol.
Why a species-specific page? Vitamin D pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dwarf hamsters — 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.