Sedation in Chinchillas
Pocket Pet · Chinchilla lanigera · typical adult weight 0.40–0.80 kg
4 cited drugs treat Sedation in chinchillas: Acepromazine, Atipamezole, Butorphanol, Diazepam.
Pharmacologic sedation for diagnostic procedures, minor surgical interventions, and pre-anaesthetic premedi-cation. α2 agonists (dexmedetomidine, medetomidine), phenothiazines (acepromazine), and benzodiazepines (midazolam) form the backbone of veterinary protocols.
The overview above describes Sedation across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to chinchillas — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Acepromazine(PromAce, Atravet)
Sedative| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 0.5–1 mg/kg | once (no interval printed) | Sedation/premedication | Weak | Wenger S. Anesthesia and analgesia in rabbits and rodents. J Exot Pet Med. 2012;21:7-16. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.782 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Atipamezole(Antisedan)
Antidote| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 0.15 mg/kg | Once, 45 minutes after dexmedetomidine-ketamine | Reversal of dexmedetomidine sedation/anaesthesia | Strong | Parkinson L, Mans C. Anesthetic and Postanesthetic Effects of Alfaxalone-Butorphanol Compared with Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine in Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2017;56(3):290-295. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438922/ |
| IM | 0.15 mg/kg | once, 45 min after dexmedetomidine-ketamine | Reversal of dexmedetomidine sedation/anaesthesia | Strong | Parkinson L, Mans C. Anesthetic and Postanesthetic Effects of Alfaxalone-Butorphanol Compared with Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine in Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2017;56(3):290-295. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438922/ |
Butorphanol(Torbugesic, Torbutrol)
Analgesic| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 0.5 mg/kg | once, combined with alfaxalone 5 mg/kg IM | Sedation/light-to-surgical anaesthesia in combination with alfaxalone | Moderate | Parkinson L, Mans C. Anesthetic and Postanesthetic Effects of Alfaxalone-Butorphanol Compared with Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine in Chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 2017;56(3):290-295. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438922/ |
Diazepam(Valium)
Sedative| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 2.5–5 mg/kg | not stated in source | Sedation | Weak | Meredith A. BSAVA Small Animal Formulary: Part B: Exotic Pets, British Small Animal Veterinary Association, Quedgeley, Gloucester, UK; 2015. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.784 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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.