Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Diazepam is dosed at 0.2–1 mg/kg IM single dose in russian tortoises, per Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2019:1191-1211. | Schumacher J, Yelen T. Anesthesia and analgesia. In: Mader DR, ed. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2006:442-452. - Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles), chelonian row: 'Diazepam | 0.2-1 mg/kg IM63,420 | Chelonians/use in conjunction with ketamine for anesthesia with muscle relaxation'. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location.. Diazepam is used in russian tortoises for Muscle relaxation, in conjunction with ketamine. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Diazepam in russian tortoises, 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 | single dose | Muscle relaxation, in conjunction with ketamine | Weak | Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2019:1191-1211. | Schumacher J, Yelen T. Anesthesia and analgesia. In: Mader DR, ed. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO, 2006:442-452. - Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles), chelonian row: 'Diazepam | 0.2-1 mg/kg IM63,420 | Chelonians/use in conjunction with ketamine for anesthesia with muscle relaxation'. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
| Dose (mg/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5 | 0.5 mg/kg IM, IV232 All species/seizures |
| 2.5 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5 | 2.5 mg/kg IM, IV282 Most species/seizures |
| 0.2–1 | — | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5 | 0.2-1 mg/kg IM295,298 Chelonians/use in conjunction with ketamine for anesthesia with muscle relaxation |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.
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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 russian tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Diazepam dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 0.2–1 mg/kg single dose. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Diazepam in russian tortoises: IM.
Diazepam is indicated in russian tortoises for: Muscle relaxation, in conjunction with ketamine.
These are general warnings for Diazepam across species; consult the russian tortoise 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 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.