Which species have cited Oxytocin dosing data?

Oxytocin dosing in the ExoticRx formulary covers 6 species: African Grey Parrot, Bearded Dragon, Cat (Domestic), Dog (Domestic), Guinea Pig, Rabbit (Domestic).

Is Oxytocin a controlled substance?

Oxytocin is not federally scheduled in the US. Controlled-drug status differs by country — verify your local rules.

Oxytocin

US brand names:Pitocin

Calculate dosage

Sourced from published veterinary references. Awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer — our editorial process.

Oxytocin is dosed at 2–10 IU/kg IM once, may repeat x1 in bearded dragons, per 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. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.

Drug Class

Endocrine

Routes

IVIMSC

Indications

DystociaDystocia (with dilated cervix)Dystocia/egg bindingEgg binding (with dilated cloaca)

Mechanism of Action

Stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction and mammary myoepithelial cell contraction promoting milk letdown. Acts via oxytocin receptors.

Side effects & warnings

Used for dystocia and milk letdown. DO NOT USE if obstructive dystocia (uterine rupture risk). Cervix must be dilated. Repeat doses with diminishing returns.

Species with Oxytocin dosing data (6 dose rules)

African Grey Parrot Bearded Dragon Cat (Domestic)Dog (Domestic)Guinea Pig Rabbit (Domestic)

Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugs All Bearded Dragon drugs All Cat (Domestic) drugs All Dog (Domestic) drugs All Guinea Pig drugs All Rabbit (Domestic) drugs

Evidence levels across 6 dose rules

Strong×2Weak×1Moderate×3

Each ExoticRx dose rule is graded by the strength of its primary evidence — see the editorial process.

Backed by 5 published sources

· 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. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 (2026-08-01).
· Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed
· Hawkins MG, Barron H, Speer BL, et al. Birds. In: Carpenter JW, eds. Exotic Animal Formulary, 4th ed., Elsevier Saunders, St. Louis, MO; 2013:183-437. — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.463 (2026-08-01).
· 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.879 (2026-08-01).
· Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

Sample dosing (2 of 6 cited rules)

A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 6 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.

Species	Route	Dose	Frequency	Evidence	Source
Cat (Domestic)	IM	0.5–3 IU per cat	q15-30 min, max 3 doses	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed
Dog (Domestic)	IV	0.25–5 IU per dog	q15-30 min, max 3 doses	Strong	Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 9th Ed

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Calculate Dosage for Oxytocin