Fluid administration via the intraosseous route in Testudines at the carapacial bridge is advocated by some authors as an efficient method for replenishing fluids, whereas others advise against its use. The authors estimated the flow rates and distribution of fluids administered intraosseously to five adult male Chelonoidis denticulata with anatomically normal shells. The caudal aspect of the bridge of the carapace, immediately cranial to the rear limbs, was used as the site for catheter placement because it was considered the best candidate site to inject fluids and radiographic positive contrast. The technique was successful in two (40%) of the tortoises. Flow rates were more than sufficient to rehydrate the reptiles, with fluids entering the main circulation. The technique was ineffective in three (60%) of the tortoises, with fluids entering the coelomic cavity or not being able to be injected. Based on this pilot study, it was determined that this technique is highly prone to failure in the species of tortoises used in this study when they are >3 kg in weight because of the anatomical differences between individuals and the associated bridge bone drilling difficulties.