Essential cofactor that transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and energy production. Cardiac and skeletal muscle depend heavily on fatty acid oxidation.
At a glance
Class
Nutritional Supplement / Amino Acid Derivative
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C
Dosing
Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially American Cocker Spaniels with carnit
Used for hepatic lipidosis (supports fatty acid oxidation in liver), and cardiom
Safety
Cardiac function (echocardiogram) with DCM treatmentHepatic enzymes (hepatic lipidosis)Body weight
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine is a nutritional supplement / amino acid derivative used in pets. Essential cofactor that transports long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and energy production. Cardiac and skeletal muscle depend heavily on fatty acid oxidation.
›What is L-Carnitine used for in pets?
L-Carnitine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially American Cocker Spaniels with carnit; Used for hepatic lipidosis (supports fatty acid oxidation in liver), and cardiom.
›What is the L-Carnitine dose for dogs?
For dogs, L-Carnitine is typically dosed as follows — Used for dilated cardiomyopathy (especially American Cocker Spaniels with carnit: 50–100 mg/kg PO q8–24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the L-Carnitine dose for cats?
For cats, L-Carnitine is typically dosed as follows — Used for hepatic lipidosis (supports fatty acid oxidation in liver), and cardiom: 250–500 mg/cat PO q24h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does L-Carnitine need a prescription?
L-Carnitine is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
References
References
Textbooks & handbooks
- Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
- Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
- Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
- National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
- The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/
Clinical guidelines & consensus
- Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
- American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.
Journals & peer-reviewed studies
- Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
- Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Regulatory & approvals
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/
Databases
- Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet.
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