Reptile · Centrochelys sulcata · typical adult weight 1.00–40.00 kg
Oxytocin is dosed at 1–10 IU/kg IM up to 3 treatments q90min, increasing dose in sulcata tortoises, per Innis CJ, Boyer TH. Chelonian reproductive disorders. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2002;5:555-578. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 — 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 sulcata tortoises for Dystocia. Routes documented in sulcata tortoises: IM. A typical adult sulcata tortoise weighs 1.00–40.00 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Oxytocin in sulcata tortoises, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Pitocin
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM | 1–10 IU/kg | up to 3 treatments q90min, increasing dose | Dystocia | Weak | Innis CJ, Boyer TH. Chelonian reproductive disorders. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2002;5:555-578. — Source: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.261 — 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.
| 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 |
| 100 | IM |
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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 sulcata tortoises may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Oxytocin dose range in sulcata tortoises, with cited source references: IM 1–10 IU/kg up to 3 treatments q90min, increasing dose. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Oxytocin in sulcata tortoises: IM.
Oxytocin is indicated in sulcata tortoises for: Dystocia.
These are general warnings for Oxytocin across species; consult the sulcata tortoise 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 sulcata tortoises — 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.
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 IM q4-6h × 1-3 treatments10 Most species |
| 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.