Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
Tiletamine-Zolazepam is dosed at 3.5–14 mg/kg IM single dose in russian tortoises, per 328. Millichamp NJ. Surgical techniques in reptiles. In: Jacobson ER, Kollias GV Jr., eds. Exotic Animals; Churchill Livingstone, New York, NY; 1988:49-74. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.250 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Tiletamine-Zolazepam is used in russian tortoises for 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 Tiletamine-Zolazepam in russian tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Telazol
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 3.5–14 mg/kg | single dose | Sedation | Weak | 328. Millichamp NJ. Surgical techniques in reptiles. In: Jacobson ER, Kollias GV Jr., eds. Exotic Animals; Churchill Livingstone, New York, NY; 1988:49-74. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.250 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
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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.
Tiletamine is a dissociative NMDA antagonist providing anesthesia; zolazepam is a benzodiazepine providing muscle relaxation and reducing emergence reactions.
Controlled substance (CIII). Prolonged recovery in cats (zolazepam component). Causes pain at IM injection site. Cannot titrate once given IM. Avoid in renal/hepatic disease.
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.
Tiletamine-Zolazepam dose range in russian tortoises, with cited source references: IM 3.5–14 mg/kg single dose. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Tiletamine-Zolazepam in russian tortoises: IM.
Tiletamine-Zolazepam is indicated in russian tortoises for: Sedation.
These are general warnings for Tiletamine-Zolazepam across species; consult the russian tortoise dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Controlled substance (CIII). Prolonged recovery in cats (zolazepam component). Causes pain at IM injection site. Cannot titrate once given IM. Avoid in renal/hepatic disease.
Why a species-specific page? Tiletamine-Zolazepam 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.