Comparison of intraosseous and peripheral venous fluid dynamics in the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

Chelonian Sedation and Anesthesia

Anesthetic management of chelonians represents a unique challenge; the order Chelonia includes numerous species that display diverse anatomic features, habitats, body sizes, temperaments, and metabolic rates. Owing to their peculiar characteristics, safe and effective sedation and anesthesia may be more complicated than in other animals. For example, gas inductions are not indicated, and intravenous catheterization requires practice. The pharmacology of anesthetic drugs is severely impacted by body/environmental temperature, site of administration, and organ function. This review will summarize the current knowledge in terms of anatomy, physiology, and drug metabolism in chelonians, before discussing practical aspects of anesthesia.

Overview of Drug Delivery Methods in Exotics, Including Their Anatomic and Physiologic Considerations

Drug delivery to exotic animals may be extrapolated from domestic animals, but some physiologic and anatomic differences complicate treatment administration. Knowing these differences enables one to choose optimal routes for drug delivery. This review provides practitioners with a detailed review of the currently reported methods used for drug delivery of various medications in the most common exotic animal species. Exotic animal peculiarities that are relevant for drug administration are discussed in the text and outlined in tables and boxes to help the reader easily find targeted information.

JUGULAR CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER PLACEMENT THROUGH A MODIFIED SELDINGER TECHNIQUE FOR LONG-TERM VENOUS ACCESS IN CHELONIANS

Long-term or repeated venous access in chelonians is difficult to obtain and manage, but can be critically important for administration of medications and blood sampling in hospitalized patients. Jugular catheterization provides the most rapid and secure route for vascular access, but catheters can be difficult to place, and maintaining catheter patency may be challenging. Long multilumen polyurethane catheters provide flexibility and sampling access, and minimize difficulties, such as catheter displacement, that have been encountered with traditional over-the-needle catheters. We describe placement of 4 Fr. 13-cm polyurethane catheters in three chelonians with the use of a modified Seldinger technique. Venous access was obtained with the use of an over-the-needle catheter, which allowed placement of a 0.018-in.-diameter wire, over which the polyurethane catheter was placed. Indwelling time has ranged between 1 and 4 mo currently. All tortoises were sedated for this procedure. Polyurethane central catheters provide safe, long-term venous access that allows clinicians to perform serial blood sampling as well as intravenous administration of medications, anesthetic agents, and fluids. A jugular catheter can also allow central venous pressure measurement. Utilization of central line catheters was associated with improvements in diagnostic efficiency and therapeutic case management, with minimal risks and complications.