Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Meloxicam is dosed at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg IM q24h in red-eared sliders, per Innis CJ, Feinsod R, Hanlon J, et al. Coelioscopic orchiectomy can be effectively and safely accomplished in chelonians. Vet Rec. 2013;172:526-531. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.6 (Analgesic (Including Antiinflammatory) Agents Used in Reptiles). Meloxicam is used in red-eared sliders for Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory / analgesia. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: IM, IM, IV, PO, SC. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 3 cited dose rules for Meloxicam in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Uney K, Altan F, Aboubakr M, et al. Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta scripta) after single intravenous and intramuscular injections. Am J Vet Res. 2016;77:439-444. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.254 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.6 (Analgesic (Including Antiinflammatory) Agents Used in Reptiles). — CORROBORATED 2026-08-06 by independent literature: Pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) after single intravenous and intramuscular injections. (American journal of veterinary research, 2016). doi:10.2460/ajvr.77.5.439. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.77.5.439. The paper reports this drug at this dose in this species: "njections in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans). ANIMALS 8 healthy red-eared […]". This is a second source alongside the book already cited; it corroborates the figure and does not by itself establish that the dose is correct. — INTERVAL IS PRINTED: "0.2-0.4 mg/kg IM q24h — Red-eared slider turtles, Eastern painted turtles, yellow-spotted Amazon […]".
Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.254 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.6 (Analgesic (Including Antiinflammatory) Agents Usedin Reptiles).Compilation only — we have not located an independent source that prints this figure.
What each reference text prints
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.
Printed doses in % for this drug and species, by source
Dose (%)
Route
Source
As printed
0.5
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.4
0.5% gel topically q24h; do not exceed 0.4 mg/kg52 Antiinflammatory for localized wounds
Printed doses in mg/kg for this drug and species, by source
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
Source
As printed
0.2
IM
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.195
Use with extreme caution in cats. Jurisdiction-specific labeling: the US (FDA) label authorizes a single SC dose only, with a boxed warning against repeated use; EU/UK/AU labels authorize repeated oral dosing for chronic musculoskeletal pain — follow your jurisdiction's label. GI ulceration risk. Avoid in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or renally compromised patients. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Meloxicam for Red-eared Sliders?
Meloxicam dose ranges in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: IM 0.2–0.4 mg/kg q24h; IM, IV 0.2 mg/kg not stated in source; PO, SC 0.1–0.5 mg/kg q24-48h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
How is Meloxicam administered in Red-eared Sliders?
Documented routes for Meloxicam in red-eared sliders: IM, IM, IV, PO, SC.
What conditions does Meloxicam treat in Red-eared Sliders?
Meloxicam is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory / analgesia.
What are the side effects of Meloxicam in Red-eared Sliders?
These are general warnings for Meloxicam across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Use with extreme caution in cats. Jurisdiction-specific labeling: the US (FDA) label authorizes a single SC dose only, with a boxed warning against repeated use; EU/UK/AU labels authorize repeated oral dosing for chronic musculoskeletal pain — follow your jurisdiction's label. GI ulceration risk. Avoid in dehydrated, hypovolemic, or renally compromised patients. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
Other Analgesic drugs with red-eared slider dosing
Why a species-specific page? Meloxicam pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in red-eared sliders — 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.
PO
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.195
0.1-0.5 mg/kg p.o., s.c., i.m. have been suggested although analgesic effect unproven in reptiles
0.1 mg/kg IM, IV q24h 0.1-0.2 mg/kg PO, Che IM q24h x 4-10 days
0.2
IM
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6
0.2 mg/kg IM, IV;332 SC268,269 Red-eared slider turtles/PK; plasma concentrations consistent with therapeutic efficacy for 48 hr by IM and IV administration routes;332 Mojave deser
0.5
IM
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6
0.5 mg/kg PO, IM, or 0.22 mg/kg IV278 Red-eared sliders/PK; found better absorption IM vs PO;278 after IV administration, plasma levels decreased rapidly and the elimination half-l
0.22
IM
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6
0.5 mg/kg PO, IM, or 0.22 mg/kg IV278 Red-eared sliders/PK; found better absorption IM vs PO;278 after IV administration, plasma levels decreased rapidly and the elimination half-l
0.4–1
PO
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.4
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.4
0.5% gel topically q24h; do not exceed 0.4 mg/kg52 Antiinflammatory for localized wounds
0.1–0.2
PO
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6
0.1-0.2 mg/kg PO, IM q24h × 4-10 days81 Chelonians; no evidence of efficacy
0.1
IM
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6
0.1 mg/kg IM, IV175 Loggerhead sea turtles/PK; plasma concentrations not consistent with analgesia
0.1–0.5
PO
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.6
0.1-0.5 mg/kg PO, SC q24-48h149-151 Most species
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.
Meloxicam for Red-eared Sliders — Dose, Routes, Citations | ExoticRx