AmphibiansPhysical Examination

Handling Concerns-Amphibian Skin

PermeableMoistened, powder-free

gloves should be used to protect the amphibian’s skin from trauma and the handler from secreted toxins.

-nicotine -cleaning supplies Delicate Secretion

Nicotine Toxicity

Tadpole and hypercapnic challenge

-Brain stem: ventilation

-Surfacing frequencySystemic vasodilationMelanocyte Activation

http://www.puregreen.com.au

Handler Concerns

Scratches and bitesInfectious diseaseToxic secretions:

-Irritant

-Hallucinogens

-Vasoconstrictors

-Neurotoxin

Toxin UsesFor people: -Weapon (poison dart frogs) -Pharmacology (pain killers, psychoactive)

For the animal: -Defense (unpalatable, paralysis)

ToxinsAposematism and mimicryCurious Dogs -Symptoms: foaming mouths, shaking,

vomiting, diarrheaDerived from: -Diet -Alkaloid manufacture

http://www.gilroydispatch.com

Handling-PE

Before handling, observe the amphibian’s body condition and color, posture, skin condition, movement and activity level, respiratory effort, and response to stimuli.

A brief but thorough examination of the eyes, nares, and conjunctiva is easily made using an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp.

The oral cavity, including the back of the soft palate where only a thin layer of tissue separates the buccal cavity from the eye, can be observed after opening the mouth with a thin piece of waterproof paper or plastic card.

An accurate weight can be determined with minimal handling. It is essential for dosing but tends to be variable depending on hydration, feeding, and urine volume

Amphibians

These animals have a very delicate and sensitive epidermis and mucous covering skin.

Handle only if needed and use wet hands.

Picture to right is how most toads are handled

Frogs

However, it’s not as easy as it looks, Frogs are extremely slippery.

Larger frogs may be held by the back legs if the body is supported.

Handling-Restraint

Caudata Goals:

-Support and comfort

-Netting

-MS-222

-Avoid tail and gills

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Amphibian,%20Salamander.htm

Handling-Restraint

Anura Goals:

-Support and comfort

-Netting

-MS-222

-Avoid kicking out

African clawed toads

- sharp claws, be careful

www.uwm.edu/Dept/EHSRM/ACP/MANUAL/Frog2.jpg

Chemical Restraint of Amphibians

General anesthesia may be required to obtain a blood sample or for surgical procedures such as fracture repair or laparoscopic or exploratory surgery.

Anesthesia can be achieved by using a bath of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222, Argent Chemical Laboratories, Redmond, WA USA).

2 g of MS-222, 40 mL of 0.5 mol/L Na2HPO4, and 2L of well-oxygenated enclosure water. This produces a 1 g/L (0.1%) solution, which is often suitable for adult aquatic amphibians.

Induction of adult terrestrial species may require up to 3 g/L.5 larvae and some small adult amphibians can often be anesthetized with as little as 0.2 g/L

Isoflurane/Lube/H2O

Page 2323.0 ml liquid Isoflurane1.5 ml water3.5 ml KY Jelly

Mix everything in a 10 ml

syringe and shaken

The resulting liquid is then applied on the back of the patient at a dose of 0.025 ml to 0.035 ml/g of body weight

Sleeping toad

Venipuncture on Frogs and Toads

There is a sub-Q space for injections over entire dorsal and ventral aspect.

Unless animal is large enough to have visible veins, blood is collected from the heart. The sternum is pushed to one side and blood is collected with a 22-26 g needle.

Never use alcohol for disinfecting the site of the venipuncture. Use diluted 2% chloroxylenol

Location for venipuncture performance, read page 234-235

Abdominal vein

Femoral vein

Sub-Lingual vein

Medication bath (TO)