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GI Stasis (Ileus) in Sulcata Tortoises

Reptile · Centrochelys sulcata · typical adult weight 1.00–40.00 kg

2 cited drugs treat GI Stasis (Ileus) in sulcata 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 sulcata tortoises — a reference list, not new species-specific clinical guidance.

Cisapride(Propulsid)

Gastrointestinal
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO0.5–2 mg/kgq24hGastrointestinal stasis (motility modifier)WeakCarpenter 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. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.272 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

Metoclopramide(Reglan)

Gastrointestinal
RouteDoseFrequencyIndicationEvidenceSource
PO1–10 mg/kgq24hGastric motility stimulant / GI stasisWeakWright KM. Common medical problems of tortoises. Proc North Am Vet Conf; 1997:769-771. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.274 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW)

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 Sulcata Tortoises: 2 Cited Drug Options | ExoticRx