Propofol for Ball Pythons — Dose, Routes, Citations | ExoticRx
Propofol for Ball Pythons
Reptile · Python regius · typical adult weight 1.00–2.00 kg
Propofol is dosed at 5–10 mg/kg IV, intracardiac not stated in source (induction dose) in ball pythons, per Anderson NL, Wack RF, Calloway L. Cardiopulmonary effects and efficacy of propofol as an anesthetic agent in brown tree snakes, Boiga irregularis. Bull Assoc Rept Amph Vet. 1999;9:9-15 — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.248 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles.a). Propofol is used in ball pythons for Anesthetic induction. Routes documented in ball pythons: IV, intracardiac. A typical adult ball python weighs 1.00–2.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Propofol in ball pythons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Anderson NL, Wack RF, Calloway L. Cardiopulmonary effects and efficacy of propofol as an anesthetic agent in brown tree snakes, Boiga irregularis. Bull Assoc Rept Amph Vet. 1999;9:9-15 doi:10.5818/1076-3139.9.2.9. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.248 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.5 (Chemical Restraint/Anesthetic Agents Used in Reptiles.a).
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 mg/kg for this drug and species, by source
Dose (mg/kg)
Route
Source
As printed
5–10
IV
BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.255
If provided, volume will be calculated alongside dose.
Reference only. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Mechanism of action
Enhances GABA-A receptor activity, producing rapid-onset, ultra-short-acting general anesthesia. Also has some NMDA receptor antagonism.
Side effects & warnings
Respiratory depression/apnea — have intubation equipment ready. No analgesic properties. Hypotension. Repeated use in cats may cause Heinz body formation. Strict aseptic handling (lipid emulsion supports bacterial growth).
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for ball pythons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Propofol for Ball Pythons?
Propofol dose range in ball pythons, with cited source references: IV, intracardiac 5–10 mg/kg not stated in source (induction dose). Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
How is Propofol administered in Ball Pythons?
Documented routes for Propofol in ball pythons: IV, intracardiac.
What conditions does Propofol treat in Ball Pythons?
Propofol is indicated in ball pythons for: Anesthetic induction.
What are the side effects of Propofol in Ball Pythons?
These are general warnings for Propofol across species; consult the ball python dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Respiratory depression/apnea — have intubation equipment ready. No analgesic properties. Hypotension. Repeated use in cats may cause Heinz body formation. Strict aseptic handling (lipid emulsion supports bacterial growth).
Why a species-specific page? Propofol pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in ball pythons — 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 127.5
0.3-0.5 mg/kg/min IV, IO constant rate infusion, or 0.5-1 mg/kg IV, IO periodic bolus298 Most species/maintenance anesthesia; must provide respiratory and thermal support
0.5–1
IV
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5
0.3-0.5 mg/kg/min IV, IO constant rate infusion, or 0.5-1 mg/kg IV, IO periodic bolus298 Most species/maintenance anesthesia; must provide respiratory and thermal support
5–10
IV
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5
5-10 mg/kg IV, intracardiac9,288 Snakes
10
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5
10 mg/kg intracardiac222 Ball pythons/anesthetic induction for isoflurane maintenance, but prolonged recovery; mild, resolving cardiac lesions
15
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5
15 mg/kg IV27 South American rattlesnakes/anesthetic induction
10
IV
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5
10 mg/kg IV, IO24,71,242 Lizards, snakes/0.25 mg/kg/min may be given for maintenance;99 green iguanas/anesthetic induction242
10–15
IM
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.5
10-15 mg/kg IV187 Crocodilians/duration, 0.5-1.5 hr; maintain on gas anesthetics; experimental IM with hyaluronidase
35
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.4
35 mg/kg ICe32 Deep anesthesia in 83% of tiger salamanders32
60–100
—
Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 128.4
60-100 mg/kg ICe52 Euthanasia
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.