Metoclopramide for Rabbits

Pocket Pet · Oryctolagus cuniculus · typical adult weight 1.00–5.00 kg

Metoclopramide is dosed at 0.5–1 mg/kg PO q6-8h in rabbits, per Morissey JM, Carpenter JW. Appendix: Formulary. In: Quesenberry KE, OrcuttCJ, Mans C, et al. Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery, 4th ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2021:620-630. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.892 (2026-08-01). — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery — ISBN 9780323484350, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323484350. Metoclopramide is used in rabbits for Severe GI stasis (CRI), GI stasis, gastroparesis, GI stasis (prokinetic), GI stasis. Routes documented in rabbits: IV, PO, SC. A typical adult rabbit weighs 1.00–5.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 4 cited dose rules for Metoclopramide in rabbits, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

US trade names: Reglan

Dose ranges

Route	Dose	Frequency	Duration	Indication	Evidence	Source
IV	0.01–0.02 mg/kg/h	per hour (CRI)	Until GI motility returns	Severe GI stasis (CRI)

What each reference text prints

Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.

Printed doses in mg/kg for this drug and species, by source
Dose (mg/kg)	Route	Source	As printed
0.5–1	SC	BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.215	Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea pigs: 0.5-1 mg/kg s.c., p.o. q6-12h; Primates, Hedgehogs: 0.2-0.5 mg/kg i.m., p.o. q8-24h
0.2–0.5	IM	BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.215	pigs: 0.5-1 mg/kg s.c., p.o. q6-12h; Primates, Hedgehogs: 0.2-0.5 mg/kg i.m., p.o. q8-24h
0.2–0.5	PO	Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 10.10	0.2-0.5 mg/kg PO, SC q6-8h 0.2-1 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q8- 24h 0.5 mg/kg PO, SC q6-8h
0.2–1	PO	Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 10.10	0.2-0.5 mg/kg PO, SC q6-8h 0.2-1 mg/kg PO, SC, IM q8- 24h 0.5 mg/kg PO, SC q6-8h

Continuous-rate infusion (CRI) in rabbits

One of the cited rules is a continuous-rate-infusion regimen: IV 0.01–0.02 mg/kg/h per hour (CRI). CRI regimens are delivered as a continuous infusion rather than discrete doses — verify the rate against the cited source before use.

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Side effects & warnings

May cause extrapyramidal signs (restlessness, tremors). Contraindicated with GI obstruction or perforation. Avoid concurrent use with phenothiazines.

Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for rabbits may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dose of Metoclopramide for Rabbits?

Metoclopramide dose ranges in rabbits, with cited source references: IV 0.01–0.02 mg/kg/h per hour (CRI); PO 0.5–1 mg/kg q6-8h; SC 0.5–1 mg/kg q8-12h; SC 0.5–1 mg/kg q6-8h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.

How is Metoclopramide administered in Rabbits?

Documented routes for Metoclopramide in rabbits: IV, PO, SC.

How long is Metoclopramide given in Rabbits?

Cited course lengths for Metoclopramide in rabbits include: Until GI motility returns; Until motility restored. Duration depends on the indication — match it to the specific dose rule in the table above.

What conditions does Metoclopramide treat in Rabbits?

Metoclopramide is indicated in rabbits for: Severe GI stasis (CRI), GI stasis, gastroparesis, GI stasis (prokinetic), GI stasis.

What are the side effects of Metoclopramide in Rabbits?

These are general warnings for Metoclopramide across species; consult the rabbit dosing table above for species-specific guidance. May cause extrapyramidal signs (restlessness, tremors). Contraindicated with GI obstruction or perforation. Avoid concurrent use with phenothiazines.

Why a species-specific page? Metoclopramide pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in rabbits — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.