Lizard restraint, history and physical exam

History

-As important as other diagnostics

consists of:

-basic understanding of patient's husbandry

-all observations important

-Often client most educated in room

Fundamental history question?

What is the main complaint

-what

-how long

-any external influences

Important things to note during history taking

-Species

-Age

-Sex

-How long in possession?

-previous health issues/diseases

-Previous meds

-captive bred or wild caught

What should you now about an animals husbandry?

-General housing

-Temp, light

-Humidity, substrate

-cleaning schedule

-does lizard roam?

-exposure to other animals

-who all handles patient

-cage location

-recent moves?

-air quality

What should you ask about lizard nutrition?

-Exact diet

*What, where, when?

-Vitamins

*How much, which ones?

Restraint of lizards

-Every species can bits; any lizard over 3 feet should be considered dangerous

-teeth, claws, tails

-Don't allow to climb on your unrestrained

Physical exam

-Hands off approach first

*observe in cage; posture, alertness, general body score, external parasites.

Exam: respirations

-Gaping

-Abnormal nasal or oral secretions

Exam: Auscultation

-Heart

-Lungs

*Entire dorsal and lateral thoracic cavity

*wet paper towel or thin cloth, reduces noise from scales

Exam: Oral

-No speculums if possible

Exam: Vent

-Obstruction

-Inflammation

-Infection

Radiology

-Table top

-no grid

-may do entire patient

-technique same as mammals

Anesthesia

-May be helpful in large animals or unruly patients

-consent signed on all patients

-injectable and inhalant

Venipucture

Caudal tail vein