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Amphibians Physical Examination . Handling Concerns-Amphibian Skin. Permeable Moistened, 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.
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Handling Concerns-Amphibian Skin Permeable Moistened, 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 frequency Systemic vasodilation Melanocyte Activation http://www.puregreen.com.au
Handler Concerns Scratches and bites Infectious disease Toxic secretions: -Irritant -Hallucinogens -Vasoconstrictors -Neurotoxin
Toxin Uses For people: -Weapon (poison dart frogs) -Pharmacology (pain killers, psychoactive) For the animal: -Defense (unpalatable, paralysis)
Toxins Aposematism and mimicry Curious Dogs -Symptoms: foaming mouths, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea Derived 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 232 3.0 ml liquid Isoflurane 1.5 ml water 3.5 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
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
