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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1111/vaa.12045. 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.
US trade names: Alfaxan
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 10–20 mg/kg | single dose (sedation) | Sedation / chemical restraint | Moderate | 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1111/vaa.12045 |
| IV | 5 mg/kg | single dose (induction) | Anaesthetic induction | Moderate | 248. Knotek Z. Alfaxalone as an induction agent for anaesthesia in terrapins and tortoises. Vet Rec. 2014;175:327-329. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.235 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1136/vr.102486 |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your russian tortoise's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors, producing dose-dependent sedation to general anesthesia.
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.
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.
Documented routes for Alfaxalone in russian tortoises: IM, IV.
Alfaxalone is indicated in russian tortoises for: Sedation / chemical restraint, Anaesthetic induction.
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.
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.