Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)
Vitamin E supplementation treats deficiency and is used as an adjunct in selected hepatic, dermatologic and equine neurologic conditions. Evidence varies by indication.
Group
Fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin
Mechanism of Action
Acts as a lipid-phase antioxidant and helps protect cellular membranes from oxidative damage.
Dose Rates
Dogs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant supplementation | 100–400 IU/animal | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Immune-mediated skin disease adjunct | 400–600 IU/animal | PO | Every 12 h | Evidence for dermatologic benefit is limited and variable. |
| Hepatopathy adjunct | 10–15 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Discoid lupus adjunct | 200–400 IU/animal | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Copper-associated hepatopathy adjunct | 400–600 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Exocrine pancreatic disease-associated deficiency — Initial | 100–400 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 30 days; Thereafter the source describes dosing every 1-2 weeks as needed. |
Cats
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant supplementation | 100–400 IU/animal | PO | Every 12 h | |
| Immune-mediated skin disease adjunct | 400–600 IU/animal | PO | Every 12 h | Evidence for dermatologic benefit is limited and variable. |
| Hepatopathy adjunct | 10–15 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | |
| Exocrine pancreatic disease-associated deficiency — Initial | 30 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Up to 30 days; Thereafter every 1-2 weeks as needed. |
| Hepatic lipidosis adjunct | 10 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h |
Horses
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ionophore poisoning adjunct | 4–12 IU/kg | PO | Every 24 h | Adjunct only, not an antidote. |
| EPM adjunct | 8000–9000 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Does not replace antiprotozoal treatment. |
| Metabolic syndrome adjunct | 10000 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Historical adjunct; response evidence is limited. |
| Perinatal asphyxia adjunct – foal | 4000 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Foals only. |
| Perinatal asphyxia adjunct – mare | 10000 IU/animal | PO | Every 24 h | Maternal adjunct regimen. |
Cattle
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E supplementation | 2400–3000 IU/animal | IM | Once | Adult cattle; source allows reassessment/repetition in 2-3 months. |
| Vitamin E supplementation – calf | 1200–1800 IU/animal | IM | Once | Calves only; source allows reassessment/repetition in 2-3 months. |
Sheep
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E supplementation | 1200–1800 IU/animal | IM | Once | Reassess need in 2-3 months. |
Pigs
| Use / stage | Dose | Route | Schedule | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin E supplementation | 1200–1800 IU/animal | IM | Once | Reassess need in 2-3 months. |
Indications
- Vitamin E deficiency
- Adjunctive hepatopathy treatment
- Selected dermatologic and equine neurologic adjuncts
Contraindications
- Use cautiously in coagulopathy; selenium-containing products have additional species-specific toxicity constraints.
Interactions
- May enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
- Mineral oil can reduce oral absorption.
Adverse effects
- Excessive doses can impair coagulation; injectable combinations may cause hypersensitivity.
Toxicity
Stop excess dosing and evaluate coagulation. Selenium toxicity must be assessed separately after combination-product overdose.
Preparations
| Preparation | Form | Strength | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha-tocopherol oral capsules 400 IU Use an IU-labelled product; no mg-equivalence or selenium content is inferred. | Capsule | 400 IU / capsule | PO |
Monitoring and Administration
IU-to-mg conversion depends on chemical form and stereoisomer composition; do not apply one conversion to every alpha-tocopherol product.
Use IU when the source and product are IU-labelled. Do not add selenium to achieve a vitamin E dose without a separate selenium calculation.
Monitor clinical response and bleeding; assess serum alpha-tocopherol when deficiency is suspected.