Ceftiofur for Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Ceftiofur is dosed at 2.2–4 mg/kg IM q 24 h in russian tortoises, per Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles. Ceftiofur (Antibiotic) has cited veterinary dosing for russian tortoises. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ceftiofur in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Excenel, Excede, Naxcel
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 2.2–4 mg/kg | q 24 h | — | Weak | Merck Veterinary Manual. Antimicrobial Drugs Used in Reptiles (dosing table). Rahway (NJ): Merck & Co.; accessed 2026. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/antimicrobial-drugs-used-in-reptiles |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
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.
Mechanism of action
Veterinary third-generation cephalosporin. Metabolized to desfuroylceftiofur which retains antimicrobial activity. Broad gram-negative coverage.
Side effects & warnings
Veterinary-labeled product. Excede formulation provides extended duration. Do not use in animals producing milk for human consumption during withdrawal.
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 Ceftiofur for Russian Tortoises?
Ceftiofur dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 2.2–4 mg/kg q 24 h.
How is Ceftiofur administered in Russian Tortoises?
Documented routes for Ceftiofur in russian tortoises: IM.
What are the side effects of Ceftiofur in Russian Tortoises?
These are general warnings for Ceftiofur across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Veterinary-labeled product. Excede formulation provides extended duration. Do not use in animals producing milk for human consumption during withdrawal.
Other Antibiotic drugs with russian tortoise dosing
Ceftiofur dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Ceftiofur 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.