Systemic Fungal Infections in Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
4 cited drugs treat Systemic Fungal Infections in russian tortoises: Amphotericin B, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole.
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 russian tortoises — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Amphotericin B(Fungizone, Abelcet)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| intrapulmonary | 0.1 mg/kg | q 24 h for 28 d | Pulmonary mycosis (candidiasis) / fungal pneumonia | Weak | Hernandez-Divers SJ. Pulmonary candidiasis caused by Candida albicans in a Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca) and treatment with intrapulmonary amphotericin B. J Zoo Wildl Med. 2001;32:352-359. doi:10.1638/1042-7260(2001)032[0352:pccbca]2.0.co;2 — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.221 (2026-08-01). — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.3 (Antifungal Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Itraconazole(Sporanox, Itrafungol)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5 mg/kg | q24h | Systemic/cutaneous mycosis | Weak | 305. Martel A, Hellebuyck T, Van Waeyenberghe L. Treatment of infections with Nannizziopsis vriesii, an emergent reptilian dermatophyte. Proc Annu Conf Assoc Rept Amph Vet; 2009:69-70. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.222 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.3 (Antifungal Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Ketoconazole(Nizoral)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 15–30 mg/kg | q 24 h for 14–28 d | Fungal infections | Weak | Page CD, Mautino M, Derendorf H, et al. Multiple dose pharmacokinetics of ketoconazole administered orally to gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). J Zoo Wildl Med. 1991;22:191-198. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.222 (2026-08-01). — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.3 (Antifungal Agents Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Voriconazole(Vfend)
Antifungal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 10 mg/kg | not specified | Fungal 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 |
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.