Frequently Asked Questions

Why are exotic-pet doses different from canine and feline doses?

Exotic species differ from dogs and cats in metabolic rate, renal anatomy, GI transit, body temperature regulation, and drug-handling pathways. Reptiles are ectothermic so drug clearance is temperature-dependent. Birds have unidirectional respiratory anatomy and roughly double the mammalian metabolic rate, justifying shorter intervals. Rabbits and guinea pigs are obligate hindgut fermenters where oral beta-lactams reliably cause fatal dysbiosis. Direct extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe — see the antibiotic selection article for the contraindications worth memorising.

What do the evidence levels mean?

Each dose rule carries an explicit evidence level. Strong = species-specific peer-reviewed PK or large clinical case series. Moderate = species-specific case series or expert consensus. Weak = small case series or single-author opinion. Anecdotal = clinical reports without formal peer review. Extrapolated = derived from related species without species-specific data. Use evidence level as one input alongside clinical judgement and current literature.

Where does ExoticRx's dose data come from?

Every dose rule cites at least one primary source — peer-reviewed pharmacokinetic studies, species-specific clinical case series, or established exotic-pet references including Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, the BSAVA Manual series, Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, and the FDA Green Book. Citations appear on each drug page alongside the dose range. See our editorial process for how new entries are reviewed.

Can I cite ExoticRx in a patient chart?

ExoticRx is a derived reference — citing the underlying primary source is preferable. Each drug page shows the source citation; copy that into the chart rather than the URL of the drug page. ExoticRx is appropriate as a calculation tool and a reference index, not a primary citation.

How do I report a possible error in a dose or citation?

Use the in-app error report form. We review every report and credit the reporter on the affected page when the correction is published. We aim to respond within 48 hours.

What's included in the free tier vs Pro?

Free tier covers 10 calculations per day, dogs and cats only, basic dose results without source citations. Pro unlocks unlimited calculations, all 14 species (reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, equine), evidence-level badges, source citations, volume calculations, and exportable results. See pricing for the current plans.

Does ExoticRx work offline?

Yes — the web app is a Progressive Web App. After your first visit it caches the catalog and most-recently-used drugs, so you can search and view drug details without a network connection. Calculations against the live API still require connectivity. Add ExoticRx to your home screen on iOS or install it on Android / desktop for the full offline experience.

Why don't dose ranges show specific brand-name products?

Dose ranges are given in mg/kg of active ingredient — independent of formulation. The available routes and brand names fields on each drug page surface common preparations. Use the calculator's concentration field to convert to mL of a specific product strength.

How often is the formulary updated?

New entries are reviewed and added on a rolling basis. Existing entries are re-reviewed at minimum every 24 months, or immediately when new evidence emerges that changes a recommendation. Each drug page shows its last-reviewed date.

Is there a mobile app?

The web app is a Progressive Web App and installs to your home screen on iOS, Android, and desktop with offline support. Native iOS and Android apps are on the roadmap; the PWA covers most clinical workflows in the meantime.

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