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Lizard and Snake Anaesthesia (view source)
Revision as of 10:16, 27 April 2010
, 10:16, 27 April 2010→Maintenance
Isoflurane is the agent of choice for maintenance of anaesthesia. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) is necessary. Propofol by slow intravenous or intraosseous administration can also be used.
Isoflurane is the agent of choice for maintenance of anaesthesia. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) is necessary. Propofol by slow intravenous or intraosseous administration can also be used.
*For '''snakes''', consider the use of medical grade air rather than 100% oxygen since breathing may be more spontaneous. An IPPV rate of two to four ventilations per minute is usually adequate. Over-inflation may damage the lungs so care is necessary as only the first two-fifths of the body is inflated with each ventilation. Increased visceral volume leads to decreased tidal volume so gut contents, eggs and any mass-occupying lesions may affect the anaesthesia. After induction of venomous snakes it is advisable to tape the mouth closed with extreme caution! Do not sheath the fangs since accidental trauma is very likely.
*For snakes, consider the use of medical grade air rather than 100% oxygen since breathing may be more spontaneous. An IPPV rate of two to four ventilations per minute is usually adequate. Over-inflation may damage the lungs so care is necessary as only the first two-fifths of the body is inflated with each ventilation. Increased visceral volume leads to decreased tidal volume so gut contents, eggs and any mass-occupying lesions may affect the anaesthesia. After induction of venomous snakes it is advisable to tape the mouth closed with extreme caution! Do not sheath the fangs since accidental trauma is very likely.
Where possible, anaesthetised reptiles should be kept in sternal recumbancy, to help with circulation and prevention of hypotension developing. It is also important to maintain the patient at its ideal temperature throughout the anaesthetic.
Where possible, anaesthetised reptiles should be kept in sternal recumbancy, to help with circulation and prevention of hypotension developing. It is also important to maintain the patient at its ideal temperature throughout the anaesthetic.