amphibians physical examination. handling concerns-amphibian skin permeable moistened, powder-free...
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Handling Concerns-Amphibian Skin
PermeableMoistened, powder-free
gloves should be used to protect the amphibian’s skin from trauma and the handler from secreted toxins.
-nicotine -cleaning supplies Delicate Secretion
Nicotine Toxicity
Tadpole and hypercapnic challenge
-Brain stem: ventilation
-Surfacing frequencySystemic vasodilationMelanocyte Activation
http://www.puregreen.com.au
Handler Concerns
Scratches and bitesInfectious diseaseToxic secretions:
-Irritant
-Hallucinogens
-Vasoconstrictors
-Neurotoxin
Toxin UsesFor people: -Weapon (poison dart frogs) -Pharmacology (pain killers, psychoactive)
For the animal: -Defense (unpalatable, paralysis)
ToxinsAposematism and mimicryCurious Dogs -Symptoms: foaming mouths, shaking,
vomiting, diarrheaDerived from: -Diet -Alkaloid manufacture
http://www.gilroydispatch.com
Handling-PE
Before handling, observe the amphibian’s body condition and color, posture, skin condition, movement and activity level, respiratory effort, and response to stimuli.
A brief but thorough examination of the eyes, nares, and conjunctiva is easily made using an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp.
The oral cavity, including the back of the soft palate where only a thin layer of tissue separates the buccal cavity from the eye, can be observed after opening the mouth with a thin piece of waterproof paper or plastic card.
An accurate weight can be determined with minimal handling. It is essential for dosing but tends to be variable depending on hydration, feeding, and urine volume
Amphibians
These animals have a very delicate and sensitive epidermis and mucous covering skin.
Handle only if needed and use wet hands.
Picture to right is how most toads are handled
Frogs
However, it’s not as easy as it looks, Frogs are extremely slippery.
Larger frogs may be held by the back legs if the body is supported.
Handling-Restraint
Caudata Goals:
-Support and comfort
-Netting
-MS-222
-Avoid tail and gills
http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Amphibian,%20Salamander.htm
Handling-Restraint
Anura Goals:
-Support and comfort
-Netting
-MS-222
-Avoid kicking out
African clawed toads
- sharp claws, be careful
www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/ACP/MANUAL/Frog2.jpg
Chemical Restraint of Amphibians
General anesthesia may be required to obtain a blood sample or for surgical procedures such as fracture repair or laparoscopic or exploratory surgery.
Anesthesia can be achieved by using a bath of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222, Argent Chemical Laboratories, Redmond, WA USA).
2 g of MS-222, 40 mL of 0.5 mol/L Na2HPO4, and 2L of well-oxygenated enclosure water. This produces a 1 g/L (0.1%) solution, which is often suitable for adult aquatic amphibians.
Induction of adult terrestrial species may require up to 3 g/L.5 larvae and some small adult amphibians can often be anesthetized with as little as 0.2 g/L
Isoflurane/Lube/H2O
Page 2323.0 ml liquid Isoflurane1.5 ml water3.5 ml KY Jelly
Mix everything in a 10 ml
syringe and shaken
The resulting liquid is then applied on the back of the patient at a dose of 0.025 ml to 0.035 ml/g of body weight
Venipuncture on Frogs and Toads
There is a sub-Q space for injections over entire dorsal and ventral aspect.
Unless animal is large enough to have visible veins, blood is collected from the heart. The sternum is pushed to one side and blood is collected with a 22-26 g needle.
Never use alcohol for disinfecting the site of the venipuncture. Use diluted 2% chloroxylenol
Location for venipuncture performance, read page 234-235