GI Stasis (Ileus) in Russian Tortoises
Reptile · Testudo horsfieldii · typical adult weight 0.23–0.91 kg
2 cited drugs treat GI Stasis (Ileus) in russian tortoises: 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 russian tortoises — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.
Cisapride(Propulsid)
Gastrointestinal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 0.5–2 mg/kg | q24h | Gastrointestinal stasis (motility modifier) | Weak | 63. Carpenter 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. | 469. Tothill A, Johnson J, Branvold H, et al. Effect of cisapride, erythromycin, and metoclopramide on gastrointestinal transit time in the desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. J Herpetol Med Surg. 2000;10:16-20. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.272 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Metoclopramide(Reglan)
Gastrointestinal| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PO | 1–10 mg/kg | q24h | Gastric motility stimulant / GI stasis | Weak | 496. Wright KM. Common medical problems of tortoises. Proc North Am Vet Conf; 1997:769-771. | 469. Tothill A, Johnson J, Branvold H, et al. Effect of cisapride, erythromycin, and metoclopramide on gastrointestinal transit time in the desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. J Herpetol Med Surg. 2000;10:16-20. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.274 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Other conditions in Russian Tortoises
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.