intracoelomic

Quiz 

Test Your Knowledge: Therapeutic Techniques in Reptiles

The Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients webinar was reviewed and approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval. You have three chances to take this post-test and pass. With a passing grade, you will see your results and a link to your continuing education certificate.

Article  Video  Webinar 

Therapeutic Techniques in Reptile Patients

Douglas Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline Practice), DABVP (Reptile/Amphibian Practice), DECZM (Herpetology) presented this live, interactive webinar. View the RACE-approved webinar recording, then take and pass the brief post-test to earn 1 continuing education credit. Effective therapeutic management of reptile patients requires strict attention to the Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone (POTZ). Warming patients to their POTZ ensures predictable pharmacologic responses, as reptiles at ideal temperatures demonstrate significantly improved drug absorption and metabolism compared with hypothermic individuals. Hydration status and appropriate route selection also influence therapeutic success in reptile medicine. Various routes of drug and fluid administration are explored, from subcutaneous and intracoelomic to intramuscular, intravenous, and intraosseous routes of injection.

Article 

Administration of Medication in Birds: Injections

The avian patient poses special challenges for delivery of injectable medications. Although the techniques involved are not unique to birds, special knowledge of avian anatomy as well as delicate, proficient technical skills are required. Depending on the species, the individual, and the clinical situation, injections can be delivered by intramuscular, intravenous, intraosseous, subcutaneous, intratracheal, or intracoelomic routes. Parenteral drug administration provides the advantage of delivering a precise dose when a rapid therapeutic response is necessary. Disadvantages include stress as well as the potential irritation or pathology that can occur at the injection site.

Article 

Fluid Administration in Reptiles

The basic principles of fluid therapy are the same in the reptile as seen in birds and mammals, however reptile anatomy and physiology make some features of this crucial supportive care procedure unique. This article reviews fluid resuscitation with the use of crystalloid fluids and colloids, indications for replacement fluids including signs of dehydration and osmolarity values reported in reptiles. Routes of fluid administration in reptiles are described include subcutaneous, oral, soaking, intracoelomic, intraosseous, and intravenous via the cephalic vein, jugular vein, and in rare instances intracardiac catheter placement. Patient monitoring, including blood pressure measurement and signs of overhydration, are also explored.

Article 

Fluid Administration in Amphibians

Most amphibians do not drink water. Fluid instead diffuses across semipermeable skin, and sometimes gills, directly from water or moist substrates. Excess fluid is excreted primarily by the kidneys, while conserving electrolyte levels. In some amphibians, skin is also involved in osmoregulation and respiration.

Article  Video 

Administration of Medication in Reptiles

Reptile owners are routinely instructed on oral or intramuscular drug administration techniques for outpatient care. In many instances and in many species, parenteral injections are preferred over the oral route. Injectable medications can be delivered intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracoelomically, intravenously, or…