Skip to main content

Alfaxalone for Prairie Dogs

Pocket Pet · Cynomys ludovicianus · typical adult weight 0.70–1.68 kg

Alfaxalone is dosed at 6 mg/kg IM not specified in prairie dogs, per Anesthetic effects of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam and alfaxalone-ketamine-dexmedetomidine administered intramuscularly in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Am J Vet Res. 2022;83(9). doi:10.2460/ajvr.21.11.0193. PMID: 35895768. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35895768/. Alfaxalone is used in prairie dogs for General anesthesia (as part of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam [AKM] combination). Routes documented in prairie dogs: IM. A typical adult prairie dog weighs 0.70–1.68 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Alfaxalone in prairie dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Trade names: Alfaxan

Dose ranges

RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
IM6 mg/kgnot specifiedGeneral anesthesia (as part of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam [AKM] combination)WeakAnesthetic effects of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam and alfaxalone-ketamine-dexmedetomidine administered intramuscularly in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Am J Vet Res. 2022;83(9). doi:10.2460/ajvr.21.11.0193. PMID: 35895768. URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35895768/

Report an error in this entry

Need the exact dose for your patient?

These ranges are per kg. Enter your prairie dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.

Calculate for this prairie dog

Mechanism of action

Neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation to general anesthesia.

Side effects & warnings

Apnea with rapid IV injection — titrate slowly. No analgesic properties. Short shelf life once broached (use within 6 hours unless preserved formulation). Good safety profile in exotic species.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for prairie dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Alfaxalone for Prairie Dogs?

Alfaxalone dose range in prairie dogs, with cited source references: IM 6 mg/kg not specified.

How is Alfaxalone administered in Prairie Dogs?

Documented routes for Alfaxalone in prairie dogs: IM.

What conditions does Alfaxalone treat in Prairie Dogs?

Alfaxalone is indicated in prairie dogs for: General anesthesia (as part of alfaxalone-ketamine-midazolam [AKM] combination).

What are the side effects of Alfaxalone in Prairie Dogs?

These are general warnings for Alfaxalone across species; consult the prairie dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Apnea with rapid IV injection — titrate slowly. No analgesic properties. Short shelf life once broached (use within 6 hours unless preserved formulation). Good safety profile in exotic species.

Other Anesthetic drugs with prairie dog dosing

Alfaxalone dosing in other species

Why a species-specific page? Alfaxalone pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in prairie dogs — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.