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| − | ==Introduction==
| + | #redirect[[Lizard Musculoskeletal System#Autotomy]] |
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| − | Several families of '''lizard''' can voluntarily '''discard the tail''' when seized by a predator. This is known as''' autotomy'''. The discarded wriggling tail is thought to '''distract the attention of the predator''', enabling the lizard to escape.
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| − | Lizards that are capable of autotomy have a '''vertical fracture plane''' through the body and part of the neural arch of the tail vertebrae. This is a '''plate''' of '''cartilage or connective tissue''' that develops after ossification. The vasculature supplying the tail immediately '''spasms''' when autotomy occurs, which stops any [[Haemorrhage|haemorrhage]].
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| − | In a '''clinical scenario''', autotomy may occur when the lizard is being '''restrained'''. It is important to be prepared for (and try to prevent) this occurrence.
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| − | Autotomy and regeneration occur in many '''[[Lizard Classification|iguanid]]''' species but not in many [[Lizard Classification|agamids]], [[Monitor|monitors]] and [[Chameleon|chameleons]].
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| − | ==Treatment==
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| − | If the tail is completely discarded, it '''cannot be reattached''' due to the disruption to the blood supply of the tail. The animal is able to '''grow a new tail''' - growth normally begins after approximately one month, and is complete after approximately one to two years. The regenerated tail is '''never as long or well formed''' as the original and may have a slightly different scale colour and pattern.
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| − | {{Learning
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| − | |flashcards = [[Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 24]]
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| − | ==References==
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| − | * Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
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| − | {{review}}
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| − | [[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]
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| | [[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]] | | [[Category:Lizard_and_Snake_Glossary]] |