Changes

Fluids should be given in the lower one-fourth of the body cranial to the cloaca (at least 3-4 ventral scales). The snake is held in dorsal recumbency with the needle directed cranially at a 45 degree angle from the abdomen off the midline (to avoid the central abdominal vein). Deep penetration should be avoided. If blood is noted on aspiration, withdraw the needle and try another site.

Fluids should be given in the lower one-fourth of the body cranial to the cloaca (at least 3-4 ventral scales). The snake is held in dorsal recumbency with the needle directed cranially at a 45 degree angle from the abdomen off the midline (to avoid the central abdominal vein). Deep penetration should be avoided. If blood is noted on aspiration, withdraw the needle and try another site.

====Intravenous administration====

====Intravenous administration====

Severe dehydration requires fluids to be given IV. Jugulars and intracardiac catheters can be used. In an anaesthetised snake the area cranial to the heart is surgically prepared. An incision of about 5 cms (two to three scutes long) is made at the margin of the scutes and the lateral body scales on the right (the right jugular is usually larger than the left). The fascia is bluntly dissected to reveal the jugular vein, which is very superficial and runs medial and parallel to the free margin of the ribs. An appropriately sized catheter is then inserted in the direction of the heart. The catheter hub is then incorporated into the skin closure and an injection port is affixed. Antimicrobial ointment should be placed over the incision and a clean dressing placed around the snake's body. The catheter can be removed by simply removing the skin sutures and pulling it out. It is not necessary to open the incision or ligate the jugular vein. Apply pressure to the site for a few minutes though!

Severe dehydration requires fluids to be given IV. Jugulars and intracardiac catheters can be used. In an anaesthetised snake the area cranial to the heart is surgically prepared. An incision of about 5 cms (two to three scutes long) is made at the margin of the scutes and the lateral body scales on the right (the right jugular is usually larger than the left). The fascia is bluntly dissected to reveal the jugular vein, which is very superficial and runs medial and parallel to the free margin of the ribs. An appropriately sized catheter is then inserted in the direction of the heart. The catheter hub is then incorporated into the skin closure and an injection port is affixed. Antimicrobial ointment should be placed over the incision and a clean dressing placed around the snake's body. The catheter can be removed by simply removing the skin sutures and pulling it out. It is not necessary to open the incision or ligate the jugular vein. Make sure you apply pressure to the site for a few minutes!

 

====Amount and concentration====

====Amount and concentration====

Maintenance fluid can be given at 2.5% bodyweight/day, preferably PO but parenteral if necessary. For severe dehydration up to 40ml/kg/day can be administered. Fluid balance in snakes is poorly understood but snakes may have a lower plasma osmotic pressure than mammals. A slightly diluted mammalian rehydration fluid therefore appears appropriate. An appropriate fluid is a 50:50 combination of dextrose 5% in water and a nonlactated, isotonic multiple electrolyte solution.

Maintenance fluid can be given at 2.5% bodyweight/day, preferably PO but parenteral if necessary. For severe dehydration up to 40ml/kg/day can be administered. Fluid balance in snakes is poorly understood but snakes may have a lower plasma osmotic pressure than mammals. A slightly diluted mammalian rehydration fluid therefore appears appropriate. An appropriate fluid is a 50:50 combination of dextrose 5% in water and a nonlactated, isotonic multiple electrolyte solution.