Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro - Reptile Anaesthesia

Reptiles have a very slow metabolic rate; because of this they often have slow inductions and even slower recoveries from anaesthesia.

Weighing the reptile prior to the procedure is crucial so that drugs are given accurately. Pre-meds are rarely given although some people use Butorphanol at a dose rate of 0.2-0.4mg/kg i/m. For the induction the 3 most commonly used drugs are:

Ketamine 50mg/kg
Propofol 10mg/kg i/v
Saffan 6-9mg/kg iv
Intubation is essential during GA’s of reptiles to maintain an airway at all times. Remember the anatomy is quite different from that of mammals. Snakes have no left lung.
Also there is no diaphragm present but reptiles do have a membrane-like separation between the thorax and the abdomen. After the initial induction you do expect some apnoea or very slow respiration at the least. This is due to the relaxation of the muscles used for respiration as a direct result of the drugs used for anaesthesia.

Ventilating the patient using Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation throughout the procedure may be required – the respiration rate should mimic that of the patients normal pattern – generally 3 or 4 breathes a minute.

Isoflo is thought to be the safest agent to use for inhalation anaesthesia to maintain – depending on the length of the procedure – it may not be required for quick procedures as the induction agent may be sufficient.

Oesophageal stethoscopes and Pulse Oximeters will be useful to assist monitoring of the patient. Warmth and fluids as required also are essential as with any small species anaesthesia.

Close observation is advised particularly upon recovery which can take a long time – using Dopram Injection may speed recovery and stimulate respiration – the rate of 0.25ml/kg iv should be sufficient.

Please upload your exotic case histories/photos to share with us and discuss any interesting cases with other vets and nurses in the exotics forums.


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