Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Insulin is dosed at 1–5 U/kg IM, ICe q24-72h in russian tortoises, per 443. Stahl SJ. Diseases of the reptile pancreas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2003;6:191-212. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). Insulin is used in russian tortoises for Diabetes mellitus / hyperglycaemia. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM, ICe. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Insulin in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM, ICe | 1–5 U/kg | q24-72h | Diabetes mellitus / hyperglycaemia | Weak | 443. Stahl SJ. Diseases of the reptile pancreas. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2003;6:191-212. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.260 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure. |
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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.
Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous adverse effect. Dose individually based on blood glucose curves. Vetsulin (porcine lente) for dogs, ProZinc (PZI) often preferred in cats. U-40 vs U-100 syringes — use correct syringe.
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.
Insulin dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM, ICe 1–5 U/kg q24-72h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Insulin in russian tortoises: IM, ICe.
Insulin is indicated in russian tortoises for: Diabetes mellitus / hyperglycaemia.
These are general warnings for Insulin across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous adverse effect. Dose individually based on blood glucose curves. Vetsulin (porcine lente) for dogs, ProZinc (PZI) often preferred in cats. U-40 vs U-100 syringes — use correct syringe.
Why a species-specific page? Insulin 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.