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Journal Vol 48 (3)

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Medicine and Surgery of Amphibians

Edward J. Gentz

Edward J. Gentz, M.S., D.V.M., DACZM, is Associate Veterinarian, Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Edward J. Gentz, Albuquerque Biological Park, 903 Tenth Street SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87012 or email ngentz@cabq.gov.

Abstract

Amphibians are most notably characterized by their glandular skin, which they shed regularly and ingest routinely. It is advisable to handle amphibians only with protective gloves to avoid damaging their skin. These animals absorb water readily across the skin as a means of maintaining hydration. They also easily absorb drugs and anesthetics that are applied directly to the skin. Investigators commonly utilize cutaneous respiration in amphibians and evaluate skin abnormalities via wet mount preparations, skin scrapes, and biopsy. The examination of blood samples can be useful in evaluating the status of ill amphibians, although the similarity in function of amphibian blood cell types and those of other species is largely unknown. If surgery is required, it is necessary to fast the animals before surgery, and to monitor their hydration. The wet environment required for amphibian surgery makes sterile technique challenging, and it is advisable to institute prophylactic antibiotic therapy before the procedure. The anesthetic of choice for amphibian surgery is tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222). Postoperative recommendations include fluids, nutritional support if necessary, and analgesia. If euthanasia is required, MS-222 overdose or pentobarbital injection are the preferred methods.

Key Words: amphibians; analgesia; anesthesia; euthanasia; hematology; radiology; surgery