Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Alfaxalone is dosed at 10–20 mg/kg IM single dose (sedation) in russian tortoises, per 174. Hansen LL, Bertelsen MF. Assessment of the effects of intramuscular administration of alfaxalone with and without medetomidine in Horsfield's tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii). Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40:68-75. | 240. Kischinovsky M, Duse A, Wang T, et al. Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) - effects of dose and body temperature. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40:13-20. | 425. Shepard MK, Divers S, Braun C, et al. Pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone after single-dose intramuscular administration in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans): a comparison of two different doses at two different ambient temperatures. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40:590-598. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles.a). Alfaxalone is used in russian tortoises for Sedation / chemical restraint, Anaesthetic induction. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM, IV. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Alfaxalone in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
174. Hansen LL, Bertelsen MF. Assessment of the effects of intramuscular administration of alfaxalone with and without medetomidine in Horsfield's tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii). Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40:68-75. | 240. Kischinovsky M, Duse A, Wang T, et al. Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) - effects of dose and body temperature. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40:13-20. | 425. Shepard MK, Divers S, Braun C, et al. Pharmacodynamics of alfaxalone after single-dose intramuscular administration in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans): a comparison of two different doses at two different ambient temperatures. Vet Anaesth Analg. 2013;40:590-598. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 doi:10.1111/vaa.12045 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles.a).
248. Knotek Z. Alfaxalone as an induction agent for anaesthesia in terrapins and tortoises. Vet Rec. 2014;175:327-329. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 doi:10.1136/vr.102486 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles.a).
What each reference text prints
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
The sources disagree for this combination. The ranges below do not overlap on a comparable route. This is not an error in one of them — published veterinary references differ, and reconciling them for a particular patient is a clinical judgement.
Printed doses in mg/kg for this drug and species, by source
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
Source
As printed
20
IM
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.9
5 mg/kg i.v. d or 10 mg/kg i.m. (light sedation) up to 20 mg/kg i.m. for surgical anaesthesia
10
IM
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.9
5 mg/kg i.v. d or 10 mg/kg i.m. (light sedation) up to 20 mg/kg i.m. for surgical anaesthesia
5
IV
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.9
5 mg/kg i.v. d or 10 mg/kg i.m. (light sedation) up to 20 mg/kg i.m. for surgical anaesthesia
If provided, volume will be calculated alongside dose.
Reference only. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
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 russian tortoises 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 Russian Tortoises?
Alfaxalone dose ranges in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 10–20 mg/kg single dose (sedation); IV 5 mg/kg single dose (induction). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
How is Alfaxalone administered in Russian Tortoises?
Documented routes for Alfaxalone in russian tortoises: IM, IV.
What conditions does Alfaxalone treat in Russian Tortoises?
Alfaxalone is indicated in russian tortoises for: Sedation / chemical restraint, Anaesthetic induction.
What are the side effects of Alfaxalone in Russian Tortoises?
These are general warnings for Alfaxalone across species; consult the russian tortoise 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 russian tortoise dosing
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 russian tortoises — 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.
30
IM
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.9
/kg i.v., intraosseous for induction (light sedation) up to 30 mg/kg i.m. for surgical anaesthesia. Effects are dependent on species and temperature
5–9
IV
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.9
5-9 mg/kg i.v., intraosseous for induction (light sedation) up to 30 mg/kg i.m. for surgical anaest
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
5 mg/kg IV170 Turtles, tortoises/induction
10–20
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
10-20 mg/kg IM113,164,300 Horsfield’s tortoises (males only)/light to moderate sedation with no to minimal analgesia; red-eared slider turtles/light sedation of short duration; PD
3
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
3 mg/kg IV252 Crocodilians/induction, but unpredictable results
10
IM
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
6-15 mg/kg IM, IV298 Most species
9–15
IV
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
6-9 mg/kg IV, or 9-15 mg/kg IM182 Most species/good muscle relaxation; variable results; drug requires more evaluation; may have violent recovery;198don’t use within 10 days of DMS
6–9
IV
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.4
6-9 mg/kg IV, or 9-15 mg/kg IM182 Most species/good muscle relaxation; variable results; drug requires more evaluation; may have violent recovery;198don’t use within 10 days of DMS
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.
Alfaxalone for Russian Tortoises — Dose, Routes, Citations | ExoticRx