Clindamycin for Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Clindamycin is dosed at 5 mg/kg PO q 12 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. Clindamycin (Antibiotic) has cited veterinary dosing for russian tortoises. Routes documented in russian tortoises: PO. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Clindamycin in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Antirobe, Cleocin
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 5 mg/kg | q 12 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
Binds 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Bacteriostatic; bactericidal at high concentrations.
Side effects & warnings
CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and chinchillas (fatal dysbiosis). Good bone penetration. May cause GI upset, esophagitis in cats.
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 Clindamycin for Russian Tortoises?
Clindamycin dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: PO 5 mg/kg q 12 h.
How is Clindamycin administered in Russian Tortoises?
Documented routes for Clindamycin in russian tortoises: PO.
What are the side effects of Clindamycin in Russian Tortoises?
These are general warnings for Clindamycin across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. CONTRAINDICATED in rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and chinchillas (fatal dysbiosis). Good bone penetration. May cause GI upset, esophagitis in cats.
Other Antibiotic drugs with russian tortoise dosing
Clindamycin dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Clindamycin 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.