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Systemic Fungal Infections in Red-eared Sliders

Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg

2 cited drugs treat Systemic Fungal Infections in red-eared sliders: Ketoconazole, Terbinafine.

Disseminated mycoses including blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and aspergillosis. Triazoles (itraconazole, voriconazole) are first-line for most; therapeutic drug monitoring is standard in psittacine and prolonged courses.

The overview above describes Systemic Fungal Infections across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to red-eared sliders — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Ketoconazole(Nizoral)

Antifungal
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO25 mg/kgq24hSystemic fungal infectionWeakJacobson ER. Antimicrobial drug use in reptiles. In: PrescottJF, Baggot JD, eds. Antimicrobial Therapy in Veterinary Medicine; Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA; 1993:543-552. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.222 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Terbinafine(Lamisil)

Antifungal
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO15 mg/kgsingle dose studiedFungal infection (dermatomycosis / systemic mycosis) caused by organisms with low MICsModerateEshar D, KuKanich B, Avni-Magen N, Joo H. Terbinafine pharmacokinetics following single-dose oral administration in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans): a pilot study. J Zoo Wildl Med. 2021;52(2):520-528. doi:10.1638/2020-0079 https://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/34130394

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.

Systemic Fungal Infections in Red-eared Sliders: 2 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx