Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Ketamine is dosed at 10–20 mg/kg IM single dose in russian tortoises, per 330. Mitchell M. Ophidia. In: Fowler ME, Miller RE, eds. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, 5th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA; 2003:82-91. | 331. Mitchell MA. Therapeutics. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:631-664. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.242 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Ketamine is used in russian tortoises for Sedation. Routes documented in russian tortoises: IM. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ketamine in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Ketaset, Vetalar
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 10–20 mg/kg | single dose | Sedation | Weak | 330. Mitchell M. Ophidia. In: Fowler ME, Miller RE, eds. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine, 5th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA; 2003:82-91. | 331. Mitchell MA. Therapeutics. In: Mader DR, eds. Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed., Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2006:631-664. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.242 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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NMDA receptor antagonist producing dissociative anesthesia. Provides somatic analgesia, amnesia, and catalepsy while maintaining pharyngeal reflexes.
Increases intracranial and intraocular pressure. Causes increased salivation (premedicate with anticholinergic). Eyes remain open under anesthesia — use lubricant. Do NOT use alone in dogs/cats (muscle rigidity) — combine with a sedative.
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.
Ketamine dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 10–20 mg/kg single dose. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Ketamine in russian tortoises: IM.
Ketamine is indicated in russian tortoises for: Sedation.
These are general warnings for Ketamine across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Increases intracranial and intraocular pressure. Causes increased salivation (premedicate with anticholinergic). Eyes remain open under anesthesia — use lubricant. Do NOT use alone in dogs/cats (muscle rigidity) — combine with a sedative.
Why a species-specific page? Ketamine 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.