Reptile · Centrochelys sulcata · typical adult weight 1.00–40.00 kg
Alfaxalone is dosed at 5 mg/kg IV once (induction) in sulcata tortoises, per 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. Alfaxalone is used in sulcata tortoises for Anesthetic induction. Routes documented in sulcata tortoises: IV. A typical adult sulcata tortoise weighs 1.00–40.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Alfaxalone in sulcata tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Alfaxan
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 5 mg/kg | once (induction) | Anesthetic induction | Moderate | 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 sulcata 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 sulcata tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Alfaxalone dose range in sulcata tortoises, with cited source references: IV 5 mg/kg once (induction). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Alfaxalone in sulcata tortoises: IV.
Alfaxalone is indicated in sulcata tortoises for: Anesthetic induction.
These are general warnings for Alfaxalone across species; consult the sulcata 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 sulcata 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.