Reptile · Chamaeleo calyptratus · typical adult weight 0.09–0.20 kg
Ketamine is dosed at 30–50 mg/kg SC, IM Single dose (no repeat interval printed) in veiled chameleons, per 33. Boyer TH. Clinical anesthesia of reptiles. Bull Assoc Rept Amph Vet. 1992;2:10-13. | 154. Johnson JH. Anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia of reptiles and amphibians. Proc Annu Conf Am Assoc Zoo Vet. 1991;132-138. — Mined from Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1410 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Ketamine is used in veiled chameleons for Sedation. Routes documented in veiled chameleons: SC, IM. A typical adult veiled chameleon weighs 0.09–0.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ketamine in veiled chameleons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Ketaset, Vetalar
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC, IM | 30–50 mg/kg | Single dose (no repeat interval printed) | Sedation | Weak | 33. Boyer TH. Clinical anesthesia of reptiles. Bull Assoc Rept Amph Vet. 1992;2:10-13. | 154. Johnson JH. Anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia of reptiles and amphibians. Proc Annu Conf Am Assoc Zoo Vet. 1991;132-138. — Mined from Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Ed, p.1410 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your veiled chameleon's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
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 veiled chameleons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Ketamine dose range in veiled chameleons, with cited source references: SC, IM 30–50 mg/kg Single dose (no repeat interval printed). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Ketamine in veiled chameleons: SC, IM.
Ketamine is indicated in veiled chameleons for: Sedation.
These are general warnings for Ketamine across species; consult the veiled chameleon 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 veiled chameleons — 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.