Analgesics, Sedatives, and Anesthetics Used in Reptiles

Morphine

1–5 mg/kg, IM, SC, q 24 h

10 mg/kg, IM, SC, q 24 h

Chelonians (red-eared sliders)

Lizards (bearded dragons)

Not analgesic for snakes. Causes pronounced respiratory depression in turtles.

Hydromorphone

0.5 mg/kg, IM, SC, q 24 h

Chelonians: appears to cause less respiratory depression than morphine

Tramadol

5–10 mg/kg, PO, q 2–3 d

Chelonians (red-eared sliders): less respiratory depression than morphine

Meloxicam

0.1–0.4 mg/kg, IV, IM, SC, q 24–48 h

Most species

Ketamine

10–25 mg/kg, combined with dexmedetomidine (0.05–0.1 mg/kg) and hydromorphone (0.5 mg/kg), IM (or 50% dose, IV)

Deep sedation/anesthesia in many chelonians. Reversed using atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg, IM) and, if necessary, naloxone (0.1 mg/kg, IM)

Midazolam

1–2 mg/kg, IM

Premedication

Tiletamine/zolazepam

3–12 mg/kg, IM

Tortoises, lizards, snakes. Low dose useful to facilitate intubation. Higher doses associated with prolonged recoveries.

Propofol

3–10 mg/kg, IV, intraosseous

Starting dose for total IV anesthesia (titrate to effect): 0.1 mg/kg/min

Low dose rate for larger reptiles. Subanesthetic doses produce variable short-term sedation.

Alfaxalone

5–10 mg/kg, IV

10–20 mg/kg, IM

Starting dose for total IV anesthesia (titrate to effect): 0.1 mg/kg/min

Similar effects to those of propofol IV, but higher doses effective IM. Larger IM dose volumes necessitate dividing into two or more injections.

Isoflurane

1–5% for induction (lizards and snakes only) and maintenance (all species)

Routine gaseous agent; subanesthetic levels provide short-term sedation. Mask down or sedated intubation possible in some species.

Sevoflurane

2–7% for induction (lizards and snakes only) and maintenance (all species)

Very similar effects to those of isoflurane but recoveries appear to be faster. Preferred inhalant for critical or large reptiles.