Introduction

• The aim of fluid therapy during hypovolemic shock is to rehydrate the patient, increase blood volume and/or provide cardiovascular stabilization through restoring normal osmolality for the patient.
• Reptiles are able to withstand blood loss better than mammals. A rapid shift of fluid from the interstitial to the vascular space takes place during hemorrhage.
• Fluid administration during anesthesia helps supports the circulation and maintain a stable blood pressure.
• All fluids need to be warmed to the species’ mid-preferred optimum temperature zone (POTZ).
• The choice of appropriate fluid type can be difficult in reptiles and depends on the need for fluid therapy.
• Blood work Hematology including hematocrit (PCV), electrolytes, glucose and total protein will help tailor fluid therapy better.

Administration

Choice of fluid

Hypovolemic shock

Dehydration

During anesthesia

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Guzman D S-M, Mitchell M A & Acierno M (2011) Determination of plasma osmolality and agreement between measured and calculated values in captive male Corn Snakes (Pantherophis [Elaphe] guttatus guttatus). J Herpetol Med Surg 21 (1), 16-19 VetMedResource.
• Dallwig R K, Mitchell M A & Acierno M J (2010) Determination of plasma osmolality and agreement between measured and calculated values in healthy adult Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps). J Herpetol Med Surg 20 (2-3), 69-73 VetMedResource.
• Martinez-Jimenez D & Hernandez-Divers S J (2007) Emergency care of reptiles. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 10 (2), 557-585 PubMed.
• Stahl Scott J (2003) Diseases of the reptile pancreas. Vet Clin Exotic Anim Pract 6 (1), 191-212 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Pees M & Girling S J (2019) Emergency Care. In: BSAVA Manual of Reptiles. 3^rd edn. BSAVA, UK. pp 106-109.
• Pollock C & Arbona N (2017) Fluid Administration in Reptiles. LafeberVet, USA. Website: www.lafeber.com.
• Vella D (2013) Reptile & Amphibian Medicine 101. In: Proc World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress. Website: www.vin.com.
• Gibbons P (2009) Critical Care Nutrition and Fluid Therapy in Reptiles. In: Proc 15^th Annual International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium. pp 91-94.