Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Dexamethasone is dosed at 0.2 mg/kg IM, IV q24h × 3 days in russian tortoises, per 243. Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Dexamethasone is used in russian tortoises for Laryngeal or pharyngeal oedema and inflammation. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM, IV. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Dexamethasone in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Azium, Dexafort
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM, IV | 0.2 mg/kg | q24h × 3 days | Laryngeal or pharyngeal oedema and inflammation | Weak | 243. Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, Sladky KK, et al. Reptiles. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 5th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2018:81-166. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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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.
Potent synthetic glucocorticoid. Suppresses inflammation, immune responses, and allergic reactions. 25-30x potency of cortisol.
Immunosuppressive. PU/PD, polyphagia. Avoid in active infections without antibiotic coverage. Prolonged use causes iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. Avoid in reptiles if possible (severe immunosuppression).
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.
Dexamethasone dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM, IV 0.2 mg/kg q24h × 3 days. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Dexamethasone in russian tortoises: IM, IV.
Dexamethasone is indicated in russian tortoises for: Laryngeal or pharyngeal oedema and inflammation.
These are general warnings for Dexamethasone across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Immunosuppressive. PU/PD, polyphagia. Avoid in active infections without antibiotic coverage. Prolonged use causes iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism. Avoid in reptiles if possible (severe immunosuppression).
Why a species-specific page? Dexamethasone 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.