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. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. 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. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
The sources disagree for this combination. The ranges below do not overlap on a comparable route. This is not an error in one of them — published veterinary references differ, and reconciling them for a particular patient is a clinical judgement.
| Dose (mg/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.02 | PO | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.194 | 0.02 mg/kg p.o. q24-48h has been reported for the management of hypothyroidism in a Galapagos tortoi |
| 0.02 | PO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | 0.02 mg/kg PO q48h |
| 0.025 | IN | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | 0.025 mg/kg q24h in AM |
| 0.02 | PO |
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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.
| Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6 |
| 0.02 mg/kg PO q48h246 Tortoises/hypothyroidism; stimulates feeding in debilitated tortoises |
| 0.025 | — | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6 | 0.025 mg/kg q24h in AM86 Tortoises/monitor T4 levels Continued |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.