Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know the exact dosing for amikacin in a tortoise? My new vet has me giving it at 10mg/kg every 72 hours for 5 to 7 injections. My previous vet gave me a lower dosing. Also, I heard that the tortoise should be given extra fluids and my vet said it was not necessary if it is drinking. Does it need an IV or something? Thanks in advance. Marc

The dose I have is a 5mg/kg loading dose for the first injection followed by 2.5 mg/kg every 72 hours. Another tortoise dose is 5 mg/kg every 24 hours (which is obviously much higher, but I would be a little concerned about such a whooping dose as 10 mg/kg all at once even if only every 72 hours. I would rather give more frequently at a lower dose. But, I have not seen your tortoise and I am not a veterinarian!). Both of these doses are from Carpenter, et al "The Exotic Animal Formulary". It depends on the severity of the infection. I would defer to your veterinarian, as they have (hopefully) diagnosed the problem with xrays and /or bloodwork.

I would always rec. increasing hydration during the use of any medications in reptiles, but especially aminoglycosides like Amikacin. It has the potential to be nephrotoxic and you will want to keep good perfusion to the kidneys to protect them. Daily soak should suffice, I would imagine if your tortoise was in such bad shape that it needed IV or IC fliuds your veterinarian would have either hospitalized your tortoise or adminstered them. Hope this helps.
-----
Stacey

Thank you. I will have to question my vet. No blood tests were done and that does concern me. My usual vet is no longer available so I have to go somewhere.