Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Morphine is dosed at 0.1–0.2 mg/kg intrathecal single dose in russian tortoises, per 294. Mans C. Clinical technique: intrathecal drug administration in turtles and tortoises. J Exot Pet Med. 2014;23:67-70. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2013.11.011. Morphine is used in russian tortoises for Analgesia (caudal body / thermal analgesia). Routes documented in russian tortoises: intrathecal. A typical adult russian tortoise weighs 0.23–0.91 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Morphine in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| intrathecal | 0.1–0.2 mg/kg | single dose | Analgesia (caudal body / thermal analgesia) | Moderate | 294. Mans C. Clinical technique: intrathecal drug administration in turtles and tortoises. J Exot Pet Med. 2014;23:67-70. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.255 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2013.11.011 |
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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.
Prototype full mu-opioid receptor agonist. Activates mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors producing analgesia, sedation, and euphoria.
Histamine release with rapid IV injection (hypotension, bronchoconstriction — give slowly). Vomiting and defecation common initial effects. Respiratory depression. Cats: may cause excitation/dysphoria at higher doses. Controlled substance (Schedule II).
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.
Morphine dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: intrathecal 0.1–0.2 mg/kg single dose. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Morphine in russian tortoises: intrathecal.
Morphine is indicated in russian tortoises for: Analgesia (caudal body / thermal analgesia).
These are general warnings for Morphine across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Histamine release with rapid IV injection (hypotension, bronchoconstriction — give slowly). Vomiting and defecation common initial effects. Respiratory depression. Cats: may cause excitation/dysphoria at higher doses. Controlled substance (Schedule II).
Why a species-specific page? Morphine 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.