Exotic Animal Formulary5

50 mg/250 mL sterile
water; 1-3 mL/naris
q24-48h 117
no more discharge (5-10 days);
may use concurrently with
parenteral antibiotics
Gentamicin — Nephrotoxicity has been
reported, 275 especially in snakes;
maintain hydration; use with a
penicillin or cephalosporin
2.5 mg/kg IM q72h 42,43 Snakes/PD (gopher snakes)
2.5-3 mg/kg IM, then
1.5 mg/kg q96h 154 Snakes/PK (blood pythons)
3 mg/kg IM q>96h 18 Turtles/PD (eastern box turtles;
29°C [84°F]); lower dose may be
more appropriate
6 mg/kg IM q72-96h 318 Turtles/PD (red-eared sliders; 24°C,
[75°F])
Gentamicin ophthalmic
ointment or drops
Gentamicin/betamethasone
ophthalmic drops
(Gentocin Durafilm,
Merck)
Kanamycin
1.75-2.25 mg/kg IM
q72-96h 172
Topical 103
1-2 drops to eye q12-
24h 178
10-15 mg/kg IM, IV
q24h (or divided
doses) 79,103
Crocodilians/PK (alligators);
respiratory infection
Most species/superficial ocular
infection; lesions in oral cavity
Tortoises/upper respiratory
infections; may also be given as
a reverse nasal flush q48-72h,
or intranasal q12-24h
Most species/24°C (75°F); give with
fluid therapy; avoid in cases of
dehydration or renal or hepatic
dysfunction
Lincomycin 5 mg/kg IM q12-24h 79 Most species/wound infection;
potentially nephrotoxic;
maintain hydration
10 mg/kg PO q24h 79 Most species
Marbofloxacin 10 mg/kg PO q48h 60 Ball pythons/PD
Metronidazole
20 mg/kg PO
q48h×≥7 days 107
Most species/anaerobes
50 mg/kg PO q24h×7-
14 days 198 Most species/may be administered
concurrently with amikacin for
broader spectrum; because of
potential side effects at this
dose, a lower dose may be
prudent
20 mg/kg PO q48h 32,206 Snakes/PK (corn and rat snakes)
132