Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Midazolam is dosed at 2 mg/kg IM single dose (preanaesthetic) in russian tortoises, per 63. 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. | 327. Miller LJ, Fetterer DP, Garza NL, et al. A fixed moderate-dose combination of tiletamine+zolazepam outperforms midazolam in induction of short-term immobilization of ball pythons (Python regius). PLoS ONE. 2018;13:1-15. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.246 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Midazolam is used in russian tortoises for Preanaesthetic 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 Midazolam in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Versed
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 2 mg/kg | single dose (preanaesthetic) | Preanaesthetic sedation | Weak | 63. 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. | 327. Miller LJ, Fetterer DP, Garza NL, et al. A fixed moderate-dose combination of tiletamine+zolazepam outperforms midazolam in induction of short-term immobilization of ball pythons (Python regius). PLoS ONE. 2018;13:1-15. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.246 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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Enhances GABA-A receptor activity, increasing chloride conductance. Provides anxiolysis, sedation, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects.
May cause paradoxical excitement in healthy dogs when used alone. Water-soluble (less painful IM than diazepam). Respiratory depression at high doses. Flumazenil is the reversal agent.
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.
Midazolam dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 2 mg/kg single dose (preanaesthetic). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Midazolam in russian tortoises: IM.
Midazolam is indicated in russian tortoises for: Preanaesthetic sedation.
These are general warnings for Midazolam across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. May cause paradoxical excitement in healthy dogs when used alone. Water-soluble (less painful IM than diazepam). Respiratory depression at high doses. Flumazenil is the reversal agent.
Why a species-specific page? Midazolam 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.