Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Diazepam is dosed at 0.2–1 mg/kg IM once (with ketamine) in red-eared sliders, per Schumacher J, Yelen T. Anesthesia and analgesia. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:442-452. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.238 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Diazepam is used in red-eared sliders for Muscle relaxation / anesthetic adjunct. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: IM. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Diazepam in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Valium
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 0.2–1 mg/kg | once (with ketamine) | Muscle relaxation / anesthetic adjunct | Weak | Schumacher J, Yelen T. Anesthesia and analgesia. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:442-452. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.238 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your red-eared slider'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 red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Diazepam dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: IM 0.2–1 mg/kg once (with ketamine). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Diazepam in red-eared sliders: IM.
Diazepam is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Muscle relaxation / anesthetic adjunct.
These are general warnings for Diazepam across species; consult the red-eared slider 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 red-eared sliders — 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.