Fluid Administration in Amphibians

Key Points

• Skin disease in amphibians can lead to massive osmotic losses and potentially fatal electrolyte imbalances.
• Critical illness is also commonly associated with fluid retention and loss of electrolytes.
• Transdermal fluid delivery should always be the first step in supportive care of the amphibian.
• Pre-warm fluids to prevent hypothermia.
• Signs of dehydration in amphibians can include: dry ropy mucus in the mouth, sunken eyes, weight loss, oliguria or anuria, and wrinkled, tacky or discolored skin that may be tight skin over the dorsum.
• Dehydrated terrestrial amphibians generally benefit from isotonic to hypotonic fluids, however standard mammalian fluids are hypertonic for amphibians.
• There are a number of isotonic solutions available for use in amphibians. One of the easiest to make is amphibian Ringer’s solution.
• Jarchow’s modification has also been recommended: two parts 2.5% dextrose in 0.45% saline and one part lactated Ringer’s solution.