Difference between revisions of "Lizard Handling and Restraint"

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==Handling==
 
==Handling==
[[Image:Iguana_restraint.bmp|150px|thumb|right|'''Iguana restraint''' (Copyright © RVC)]]
 
  
Lizards should be held with a light touch since they tend to struggle more violently the more firmly they are restrained. They should not be picked up by the limbs or the tail which can result in shed tails ([[Autotomy|autotomy]]) and disarticulated or broken limbs. Also, gecko skin tears very easily.
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Lizards should be held with a light touch since they tend to struggle more violently the more firmly they are restrained. They should not be picked up by the limbs or the tail which can result in shed tails (autotomy) and disarticulated or broken limbs.
  
* Initially, it is best to capture them with a towel unless they are presented in a bag, in which case they can be restrained before being removed from the bag.
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Take care handling very small lizards, hatchlings and sick animals, especially those with metabolic bone disease.
* The pelvic limbs should be restrained with one hand, making sure to keep them stretched back parallel to the body, while the other hand holds the upper body and head.
 
* If the lizard is quite large, then the tail should be kept under one arm.
 
* Small lizards can be caught and examined in a small net.
 
  
Take care handling very small lizards, hatchlings and sick animals, especially those with [[Lizard Metabolic Bone Disease|metabolic bone disease]].
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Note that Gila monsters and beaded lizards have poisonous bites!
 
 
Note that [[Gila Monster|Gila monsters]] and [[Mexican Beaded Lizard|beaded lizards]] have poisonous bites!
 
 
 
'''For further information on the handling and examination of lizards, see''' [[Lizard Physical Examination|Lizard Physical Examination]].
 
  
 
==Chemical restraint==
 
==Chemical restraint==
  
Restraint can be induced by [[Lizard Injection|parenteral injection]] of a variety of sedatives. Ketamine is a commonly used dissociative. To facilitate intravenous induction, ketamine can be administered by [[Lizard Injection|intramuscular injection]] at 10mg/kg.
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Restraint can be induced by parenteral injection of a variety of sedatives. Ketamine is a commonly used dissociative. To facilitate intravenous induction ketamine can be administered by intramuscular injection at 10mg/kg
 
 
  
 
==Non-chemical restraint - the oculovagal response ==
 
==Non-chemical restraint - the oculovagal response ==
  
When digital pressure is applied to the [[Lizard Eye|eyes]] of [[Lizard Classification|iguanids]] for a short period there is a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure which results in a state of torpor. Minor procedures such as radiography can then be performed. Noise or physical stimulation will arouse the iguana.
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When digital pressure is applied to the eyes of iguanids for a short period there is a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure which results in a state of torpor. Minor procedures such as radiography can then be performed. Noise or physical stimulation will arouse the iguana.
 
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[[Image:Iguana_restraint.bmp|150px|thumb|right|'''Iguana restraint''' (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
==Literature Search==
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[[Category:Lizard_Examination]]
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
 
 
 
 
 
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
 
<br><br><br>
 
[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2007/20073120079.pdf ''' Dealing with venomous herps...!''' Paré, J. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Volume 21, Orlando, Florida, USA, 2007, 2007, pp 1605-1607 - '''Full Text Article''']
 
 
 
[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2006/20063121838.pdf ''' An overview of pet reptile species and proper handling.''' Paré, J. A.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Volume 20, Orlando, Florida, USA, 7-11 January, 2006, 2006, pp 1661-1664 - '''Full Text Article''']
 
 
 
 
 
[[Category:Lizard_Examination|B]]
 
[[Category:Lizard_Husbandry|H]]
 

Revision as of 16:27, 3 March 2010



Handling

Lizards should be held with a light touch since they tend to struggle more violently the more firmly they are restrained. They should not be picked up by the limbs or the tail which can result in shed tails (autotomy) and disarticulated or broken limbs.

Take care handling very small lizards, hatchlings and sick animals, especially those with metabolic bone disease.

Note that Gila monsters and beaded lizards have poisonous bites!

Chemical restraint

Restraint can be induced by parenteral injection of a variety of sedatives. Ketamine is a commonly used dissociative. To facilitate intravenous induction ketamine can be administered by intramuscular injection at 10mg/kg

Non-chemical restraint - the oculovagal response

When digital pressure is applied to the eyes of iguanids for a short period there is a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure which results in a state of torpor. Minor procedures such as radiography can then be performed. Noise or physical stimulation will arouse the iguana.

Iguana restraint (Copyright © RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)