Reptile · Eublepharis macularius · typical adult weight 0.04–0.10 kg
Vitamin D is dosed at 200 U/kg PO, IM q7d in leopard geckos, per 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). Vitamin D is used in leopard geckos for Vitamin D3 deficiency / nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Routes documented in leopard geckos: PO, IM. A typical adult leopard gecko weighs 0.04–0.10 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Vitamin D in leopard geckos, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Calcitriol, Cholecalciferol (D3)
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, IM | 200 U/kg | q7d | Vitamin D3 deficiency / nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism | Weak | 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). |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
| Dose (%) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.6 | 2-3 U/mL continuous bath (with 2.3% calcium gluconate)52 100-400 U/kg PO q24h52 Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism |
| Dose (iu/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200–1000 | PO | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.304 | 200-1000 IU/kg p.o., i.m. q7d. Oral administration may be safer than i.m. |
| 1000 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.8 | 1000 U/kg IM, repeat in 1 wk37 Most species/deficiency; use with oral calcium glubionate and carbonate, general dietary management, and UVB irradiation |
Typical range: 45–100 g
If provided, volume will be calculated alongside dose.
Reference only. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
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 leopard geckos may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Vitamin D dose range in leopard geckos, with cited source references: PO, IM 200 U/kg q7d. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Vitamin D in leopard geckos: PO, IM.
Vitamin D is indicated in leopard geckos for: Vitamin D3 deficiency / nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism.
These are general warnings for Vitamin D across species; consult the leopard gecko 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 leopard geckos — 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.
| 200 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.8 | 200 U/kg PO, IM q7d15,21 Lizards/PO may be safer than IM, but absorption is poor in some species26,253 |
| 100–400 | PO | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.6 | 2-3 U/mL continuous bath (with 2.3% calcium gluconate)52 100-400 U/kg PO q24h52 Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.