General guidelines for treating intoxications in reptiles are similar to that in mammals. Cases are treated according to the symptoms, and an attempt should be made to remove as much of the poison from the animal's system as possible through gastric and enteric lavage, followed by gastric gavage with activated charcoal combined with kaolin-pectin (induction of vomiting is not suggested). Supportive fluid therapy, electrolytes, calcium gluconate and/or atropine sulfate may be appropriate, depending on the symptoms. The packaging of the toxic substance should be brought to the clinic. Intoxication from ingesting a poisonous house or yard plant is very common, and a sample of the plant should be brought for proper identification. (Frye, 1991)

Unlike with reptiles, clinical signs of intoxication in amphibians are not always obvious, and treatment differs. Repeated rinsing of the entire body with distilled water or parenteral fluids, and nutritional support are indicated. With completely aquatic amphibians, a complete water change to clean, oxygenated water, and a change of enclosure is suggested, as cage furniture and the enclosure itself may be reservoirs for toxins. Specific intoxications require very specific treatments, for example, chlorine intoxication should be treated with sodium thiosulfate, heavy metal intoxication may be treated with chelating agents (calcium versenate, calcium disodium EDTA, dimercaprol), and salt intoxication requires the use of hypotonic parenteral fluids and fresh water rinses. Determining the source of intoxication and removing it is imperative, as even subtle residues of chemicals in the environment may harm amphibians due to the permeable nature of their skin and how it is relied on as a respiratory organ. (Wright, 1996)


References

Frye, F. L. 1991. Reptile Care: An Atlas of Diseases and Treatments, Volume 1. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., New Jersey.

Wright, K.M. 1996. "Amphibian Husbandry and Medicine" in Mader, D.M. (ed): Reptile Medicine and Surgery. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 436-459.

Last modified: Friday, March 10, 2006