Reptile · Trachemys scripta elegans · typical adult weight 0.20–2.20 kg
Oxytocin is dosed at 2 IU/kg IV q2h in red-eared sliders, per Di Ianni F, Parmigiani E, Pelizzone I, et al. Comparison between intramuscular and intravenous administration of oxytocin in captive-bred red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) with nonobstructive egg retention. J Exot Pet Med. 2014;23(1):79-84. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2013.11.009 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929. Oxytocin is used in red-eared sliders for Dystocia / nonobstructive egg retention. Routes documented in red-eared sliders: IV. A typical adult red-eared slider weighs 0.20–2.20 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Oxytocin in red-eared sliders, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Pitocin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | 2 IU/kg | q2h | Dystocia / nonobstructive egg retention | Moderate | Di Ianni F, Parmigiani E, Pelizzone I, et al. Comparison between intramuscular and intravenous administration of oxytocin in captive-bred red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) with nonobstructive egg retention. J Exot Pet Med. 2014;23(1):79-84. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 doi:10.1053/j.jepm.2013.11.009 — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 4.8 (Hormones and Steroids Used in Reptiles). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929 |
Every held source for this drug and species, as printed. Where they differ, both are shown — the choice is yours, not ours.
The sources disagree for this combination. The ranges below do not overlap on a comparable route. This is not an error in one of them — published veterinary references differ, and reconciling them for a particular patient is a clinical judgement.
| Dose (%) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | IO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | - 1-10 U/kg IM,243 2 U/kg IM q4-6h ×1-3 treatments 1-5 U/kg IM, repeat in 1 hr 1-2,47 2-20,311 or 10- 2063 U/kg IM 1-20 U/kg IM Ch q90min ×3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 |
| 100 | IO | Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th edTable 4.8 | - 1-10 U/kg IM,243 2 U/kg IM q4-6h ×1-3 treatments 1-5 U/kg IM, repeat in 1 hr 1-2,47 2-20,311 or 10- 2063 U/kg IM 1-20 U/kg IM Ch q90min ×3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 |
| 50 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 1-20 U/kg IM q90min × 3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 hr later, or IO drip324 Chelonians |
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These ranges are per kg. Enter your red-eared slider's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction and mammary myoepithelial cell contraction promoting milk letdown. Acts via oxytocin receptors.
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-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for red-eared sliders may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Oxytocin dose range in red-eared sliders, with cited source references: IV 2 IU/kg q2h. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Oxytocin in red-eared sliders: IV.
Oxytocin is indicated in red-eared sliders for: Dystocia / nonobstructive egg retention.
These are general warnings for Oxytocin across species; consult the red-eared slider dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Used for dystocia and milk letdown. DO NOT USE if obstructive dystocia (uterine rupture risk). Cervix must be dilated. Repeat doses with diminishing returns.
Why a species-specific page? Oxytocin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in red-eared sliders — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.
| 100 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 1-20 U/kg IM q90min × 3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 hr later, or IO drip324 Chelonians |
| Dose (iu/kg) | Route | Source | As printed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | IM | BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, 10th ed — Part B (Exotic Pets)p.237 | 2 IU/kg i.m., i.v. a |
| 1–10 | — | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 1-10 U/kg IM78,99 Most species/higher end of the range is commonly used; may be repeated up to 3 treatments at 90 min intervals with increasing dosage |
| 2 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 2 U/kg IV q2h65 Red-eared sliders/faster onset vs IM; fewer animals required second or third doses vs IM route |
| 10–2034 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 1-2,35 2-20,217 or 10-2034 U/kg IM Chelonians |
| 1–20 | IM | Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd edTable 127.7 | 1-20 U/kg IM q90min × 3 treatments at increased doses, or 50%-100% first dose 1-12 hr later, or IO drip324 Chelonians |
Figures are transcribed from the cited page or table of each held edition and are shown for reference only. They are not dose recommendations, they do not feed the calculator, and none has been reviewed by a veterinarian.