Reptiles-critical patient care

Most of diseases, with the exception of trauma, originate from inadequate animal housing or feeding. Such diseases develop for a long time and exist long before the first symptoms become visible to the owner. In other words, urgent cases in reptiles are usually the acute manifestations of chronic problems that require a long-term treatment and hospitalization of the patient. 1. At the presentation of diseased reptile it is of utmost importance to identify the species to which it belongs, so that the animal can be housed under optimal conditions that would facilitate its recovery. 2. Heat: This is the most important factor for the care of diseased animal. The reptiles are ectothermic animals that are completely dependent on the external sources of heat so that the assurance of optimal body temperature positively influences the immune system function and accelerates metabolic processes in the body. Prior to administration of any medications, the animal should be gradually warmed to their preferred optimal temperature. 3. Fluid therapy: It is essential in the treatment of diseased reptiles. Reptiles synthesize the water slower than mammals and the negative water balance in the body negatively affects all of the body systems. The ways of fluid administration and the choice of fluids depend on the patient's condition. 4. Feeding: Since the reptiles occasionally have been fasting for a long time before the visit to the clinic, it is not advisably to start their feeding immediately ; it is better to re-hydrate them first. After re-hydration the reptiles are encouraged to take the food independently, or they are fed by disposable or permanent tubing. 5. Further treatment: The choice of the further treatment depends on the type of pathology that is determined by a number of diagnostic procedures including microbiological swabs, x-rays, ultrasonography, blood tests etc.