Diazepam for Zebra Finches
Bird · Taeniopygia guttata · typical adult weight 0.01–0.02 kg
Diazepam is dosed at 4 mg/kg IM 10 min before recording in zebra finches, per Chen K-H, et al. Delayed evoked potentials in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) under midazolam-butorphanol-isoflurane anesthesia. PeerJ. 2019;7:e7937. DOI 10.7717/peerj.7937; PMID 31660277; PMCID PMC6815651. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6815651/. Diazepam is used in zebra finches for Sedation (control comparison; sedative effect only, not anesthetic), Administered 10 min before recording (diazepam experimental/control condition). Routes documented in zebra finches: IM. A typical adult zebra finch weighs 0.01–0.02 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Diazepam in zebra finches, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Valium
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 4 mg/kg | 10 min before recording | Sedation (control comparison; sedative effect only, not anesthetic) | Weak | Chen K-H, et al. Delayed evoked potentials in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) under midazolam-butorphanol-isoflurane anesthesia. PeerJ. 2019;7:e7937. DOI 10.7717/peerj.7937; PMID 31660277; PMCID PMC6815651. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6815651/ |
| IM | 4 mg/kg | See source | Administered 10 min before recording (diazepam experimental/control condition) | Weak | Chang C-C, et al. Delayed evoked potentials in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) under midazolam-butorphanol-isoflurane anesthesia. PeerJ. 2019;7:e7937. DOI 10.7717/peerj.7937; PMID 31660277; PMCID PMC6815651. URL: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6815651/ |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your zebra finch's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity by binding the benzodiazepine site, increasing chloride ion conductance, producing sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects.
Side effects & warnings
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 zebra finches may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Diazepam for Zebra Finches?
Diazepam dose ranges in zebra finches, with cited source references: IM 4 mg/kg 10 min before recording; IM 4 mg/kg See source.
How is Diazepam administered in Zebra Finches?
Documented routes for Diazepam in zebra finches: IM.
What conditions does Diazepam treat in Zebra Finches?
Diazepam is indicated in zebra finches for: Sedation (control comparison; sedative effect only, not anesthetic), Administered 10 min before recording (diazepam experimental/control condition).
What are the side effects of Diazepam in Zebra Finches?
These are general warnings for Diazepam across species; consult the zebra finch 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.
Diazepam dosing in other species
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 zebra finches — 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.