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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.803 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.803 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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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.