Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Levothyroxine is dosed at 0.02 mg/kg PO q48h in russian tortoises, per 351. Norton TM, Jacobson ER, Caligiuri R, et al. Medical management of a Galapagos tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) with hypothyroidism. J Zoo Wildl Med. 1989;20:212-216. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Levothyroxine is used in russian tortoises for Hypothyroidism. Routes documented in russian tortoises: PO. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Levothyroxine in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Soloxine, Thyro-Tabs
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.02 mg/kg | q48h | Hypothyroidism | Weak | 351. Norton TM, Jacobson ER, Caligiuri R, et al. Medical management of a Galapagos tortoise (Geochelone elephantopus) with hypothyroidism. J Zoo Wildl Med. 1989;20:212-216. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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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.
Synthetic T4 (thyroxine) that is converted to active T3 in peripheral tissues. Restores normal metabolic rate, thermogenesis, and organ function.
Dose based on body weight, adjusted by monitoring serum T4 levels (4-6 hour post-pill sample). Give on empty stomach. Monitor for signs of thyrotoxicosis (tachycardia, panting, anxiety). Dogs primarily.
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.
Levothyroxine dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: PO 0.02 mg/kg q48h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Levothyroxine in russian tortoises: PO.
Levothyroxine is indicated in russian tortoises for: Hypothyroidism.
These are general warnings for Levothyroxine across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Dose based on body weight, adjusted by monitoring serum T4 levels (4-6 hour post-pill sample). Give on empty stomach. Monitor for signs of thyrotoxicosis (tachycardia, panting, anxiety). Dogs primarily.
Why a species-specific page? Levothyroxine 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.