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GI Stasis (Ileus) in Bearded Dragons

Reptile · Pogona vitticeps · typical adult weight 0.38–0.51 kg

2 cited drugs treat GI Stasis (Ileus) in bearded dragons: Cisapride, Metoclopramide.

Decreased GI motility — a clinical emergency in rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and equines. Management combines prokinetics, analgesia, hydration, and species-appropriate fibre intake. Untreated GI stasis is rapidly fatal in obligate hindgut fermenters.

The overview above describes GI Stasis (Ileus) across species; the citations below are the ExoticRx dose rules scoped to bearded dragons — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Cisapride(Propulsid)

Gastrointestinal
RouteDoseFrequencyDurationIndicationEvidenceSource
PO0.5–2 mg/kgq24hAs neededGastrointestinal stasis (motility modifier)ExtrapolatedCarpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.272 (2026-08-01). — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.11 (Miscellaneous Agents Used in Reptiles). Located 2026-08-05: the only table covering this species in which the drug's own row prints this dose. The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery (Divers & Stahl) — ISBN 9780323482530, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323482530

Metoclopramide(Reglan)

Gastrointestinal
RouteDoseFrequencyDurationIndicationEvidenceSource
PO0.5–1 mg/kgq12-24hAs neededGI stasis, regurgitationExtrapolatedBSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed. (2020), Part B - Exotic Pets, Metoclopramide, printed p.201 (corpus p.215): 'Reptiles: 0.05-1 mg/kg p.o., i.m. q24h. Higher doses may be needed in Desert tortoises.' — SOURCE EDITION: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, Part B — Exotic Pets — ISBN 9781910443712, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781910443712

Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

GI Stasis (Ileus) in Bearded Dragons: 2 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx