Bacterial Infections in Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
5 cited drugs treat Bacterial Infections in russian tortoises: Amoxicillin, Cefazolin, Cefotaxime, Metronidazole, Oxytetracycline.
General coverage of susceptible bacterial pathogens. Drug selection turns on the suspected organism's gram-stain, the patient's species (oral β-lactams unsafe in rabbits/guinea pigs), and the infection site (penetration to bone, CSF, or biliary tree).
The overview above describes Bacterial Infections across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to russian tortoises — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Amoxicillin(Amoxi-Tabs, Amoxil)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 22 mg/kg | q12-24h | Bacterial infection (used with an aminoglycoside) | Weak | 107. Divers SJ. Empirical doses of antimicrobial drugs commonly used in reptiles. Exot DVM. 1998;1:23. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.212 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
| PO, IM | 5–10 mg/kg | q12-24h | Bacterial infection | Weak | 184. Hedley J. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, UK; 2020. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.212 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Cefazolin(Ancef, Kefzol)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 22 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infection | Weak | 243. Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.212 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Cefotaxime(Claforan)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 20–40 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infection | Weak | 243. Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.213 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Metronidazole(Flagyl)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 20–50 mg/kg | q 1–2 d | Bacterial infections | Weak | Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles |
Oxytetracycline(Terramycin, Liquamycin)
Antibiotic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, IM, IV | 6–10 mg/kg | q24h | Bacterial infection | Weak | 107. Divers SJ. Empirical doses of antimicrobial drugs commonly used in reptiles. Exot DVM. 1998;1:23. | 243. Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.218 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Other conditions in Russian Tortoises
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.