Pocket Pet · Cynomys ludovicianus · typical adult weight 0.70–1.68 kg
Diazepam is dosed at 1–2.5 mg/kg PO, IM, IP single premedication dose (no interval printed) in prairie dogs, per Heard DJ. Rodents. In: West G, Heard D, CaulkettN, eds. Zoo Animal & Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, 2nd ed., Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2014:893-903. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.1129 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Diazepam is used in prairie dogs for premedication / chemical restraint. Routes documented in prairie dogs: PO, IM, IP. A typical adult prairie dog weighs 0.70–1.68 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Diazepam in prairie dogs, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Valium
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO, IM, IP | 1–2.5 mg/kg | single premedication dose (no interval printed) | premedication / chemical restraint | Moderate | Heard DJ. Rodents. In: West G, Heard D, CaulkettN, eds. Zoo Animal & Wildlife Immobilization and Anesthesia, 2nd ed., Wiley Blackwell, Ames, IA; 2014:893-903. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.1129 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your prairie dog's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance, producing sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects.
HEPATOTOXICITY in cats (oral use — acute hepatic necrosis, sometimes fatal). Short duration in dogs (rapid redistribution). Avoid IM (erratic absorption). Reversible with flumazenil. Controlled substance.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for prairie dogs may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Diazepam dose range in prairie dogs, with cited source references: PO, IM, IP 1–2.5 mg/kg single premedication dose (no interval printed). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Diazepam in prairie dogs: PO, IM, IP.
Diazepam is indicated in prairie dogs for: premedication / chemical restraint.
These are general warnings for Diazepam across species; consult the prairie dog dosing table above for species-specific guidance. HEPATOTOXICITY in cats (oral use — acute hepatic necrosis, sometimes fatal). Short duration in dogs (rapid redistribution). Avoid IM (erratic absorption). Reversible with flumazenil. Controlled substance.
Why a species-specific page? Diazepam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in prairie dogs — 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.