Restraint and Anesthesia of Uncommon Veterinary Patients Bruce H

Volume 47 | Issue 1 Article 9

1985 Restraint and Anesthesia of Uncommon Veterinary Patients Bruce H. Garver Iowa State University

Larry L. Jackson Iowa State University

Follow this and additional works at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iowastate_veterinarian Part of the Anesthesia and Analgesia Commons, and the Veterinary Medicine Commons

Recommended Citation Garver, Bruce H. and Jackson, Larry L. (1985) "Restraint and Anesthesia of Uncommon Veterinary Patients," Iowa State University Veterinarian: Vol. 47 : Iss. 1 , Article 9. Available at: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/iowastate_veterinarian/vol47/iss1/9

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Iowa State University Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Iowa State University Veterinarian by an authorized editor of Iowa State University Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Restraint and Anesthesia of Uncommon Veterinary Patients

Bruce H. Garver, BS* Larry L. Jackson, DVM, MS, DACVA**

Inttbduction Anesthesia The presentation of small mammals, birds, The variations in anatomical features, size, and reptiles as patients can create consider percent body-fat, metabolism, drug sensitivi able problems for the veterinarian. Oftenti ties, and pre-anesthetic health of the animal mes the veterinarian feels uncomfortable han must be considered when anesthesia is to be dling uncommon pets for fear of injury to the administered. Ambient temperature is an im pet or clinic staff. This often sends the veteri portant consideration. Many anesthetics alter narian searching through textbooks hoping to the animals thermoregulatory mechanism, find a short and concise section dealing with therefore, it is necessary to keep anesthetized the patient at hand. With the knowledge of animals warm. The method of administration large variations existing in attitude, drug sen of the anesthesia must also be considered. In sitivities, and metabolism, veterinarians must many smaller animals it is virtually impossi have the ability to competently handle these ble to administer anesthesia intravenously, animals. The manner in which veterinarians while in larger animals it may be impossible approach and handle animals is of utmost im to restrain them enough to give anesthetics portance since the owner is often present. intravenously. Parenteral administration of Evaluation of the veterinarian by the client is anesthetics in uncommon animals is safer, be partially determined by the ability of the vet cause of the ease of administration and the erinarian to treat the animal in a means that effective dose can be controlled more closely. the owner accepts as proper. The pet, no mat The therapeutic index ofvarious anesthetics is ter how uncommon, is important to the client also a major consideration when the weight on an emotional level and a financial level. and general condition of the animal have to be Therefore, it is essential that the animal be estimated prior to anesthesia. Anesthetics handled, restrained, and treated with skill and. with higher therapeutic indices are preferred confidence. This guide has been developed as so that the health of the animal is not compro a quick and accurate reference for the veteri mised. Finally, the efficacies of various anes narian to aid in the restraint and anesthesis of thetics have to be considered so that the ani uncommon patients. mal will be immobilized for the desired length of time without being endangered by the ef Restraint fects of prolonged anesthesia. The art of proper restraint involves the study and observation of various restraint Mice methods, incorporation of these methods, and Most mice will attempt to bite when application of the methods to the patient at handled and should be picked up by the base hand. These descriptions of restraint are not of the tail. The mouse should then be placed the only methods of restraint for a particular on a rough surface, while maintaining a grip species, but methods that work. on the tail. The mouse will try to crawl away, and remain immobile. This enables the ani mal to be grasped by the scruff of the neck *Mr. Garver is a fourth-year student in the College of with the forefinger and thumb of the free Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. **Dr. Jackson is a professor of Clinical Sciences at hand. The mouse can then be lifted off the Iowa State University. surface and handled safely. 1.2

46 Iowa State University Veterinarian Ketamine hydrochloride at a dosage of 44 mg/kg 1M is recommended for short periods of anesthesia in the hamster. This will provide light anesthesia for a period of 20 to 25 min utes. 8 Ketamine at 44 mg/kg with xylazine at 4 to 8 mg/kg 1M will provide 45 to 60 minutes of analgesia. 10 Sodium pentobarbital has also been described for use in hamsters at a dosage of 60 to 90 mg/kg IP. The IP injection given in the lower abdomen just off the midline pro duces an anesthetic state for 30 to 45 min The more common routes of anesthesia ad utes.2.10 Like the other rodents, hamsters can ministration in rodents are subcutaneous also be induced in a jar on induction chamber (SC), intramuscular (1M), and intraperito with methoxyflurane or halothane and then neal (IP). Ketamine hydrochloride at the do maintained at 1.0 to 1.5 percent with a mask sage of 22 to 44 mg/kg 1M will provide light using a non-rebreathing apparatus. 8 anesthesia for 15 to 25 minutes.2.8 Ketamine Gerbils hydrochloride at 44 mg/kg in combination Gerbils that are handled regularly can often with xylazine at 4 to 8 mg/kg 1M will provide be picked up in the palm of the hand. HOVI more muscle relaxation and a longer period of ever, if the animal is aggressive it can be anesthesia. 10 For longer procedures the use of picked up by the base of the tail and grasped halothane or methoxyflurane inhalation anes by the scruff as described for the mouse. Cau thesia has been used safely. Halothane can be tion should be exercised to avoid injuring the volatized in a stream of oxygen and pumped delicate skin of the tail.1 into a jar or small chamber for induction and Ketamine hydrochloride at a dosage of the animal can be maintained on gas using a about 44 mg/kg 1M is suggested for short pro n1ask. cedures of 15 to 25 minutes.2 Ketamine and Concentrations of 1.0 to 1.5 percent are xylazine combinations at 44 mg/kg and 4 to 8 suggested. 9 The body temperature should be mg/kg respectively, given 1M, provide longer maintained by placing the mouse on a heating periods of analgesia and sedation. 10 Anesthe pad or wrapping it in aluminum foil. 1The use sia of two to three hours can be obtained by of ether has been described. Research has the SC or IP injection of a sodium pentobar shown that ether causes considerable irrita bital at 60 mg/ml.4.10 tion of the bronchial tree and may predispose The use of methoxyflurane or halothane in the animal to respiratory problen1s postopera an induction chamber and maintenance using tively. Irritation to the eyes and the pads of a mask at 1.0 to 1.5 percent concentration are the feet also occurs if the animal is not prop also suggested. 8 erly separated by padding from the ether.1 Metomidate 50 mg/kg and fentanyl 0.05 mg/kg, diluted in saline to give a convenient Hamsters volume, can be mixed and administered SC A pet hamster can be handled by cupping to give about 45 minutes of anesthesia.1 the palms of the hand and lifting the animal clear of the cage. However, if the animal is Rats uncontrollable it may be grasped by the scruff Pet rats are usually not aggressive and can of the neck. The skin in the region of the neck be safely handled by picking. them up with the is very loose, and a good amount of skin must hand around the shoulders. Grasping the rat be grasped to prevent the animal from turn too tightly will cause the animal to panic and ing and biting the handler. This is necessary bite the handler. The rat resents most clinical when performing clinical procedures. Bites procedures, and the thumb of the hand grasp from these small rodents are painful but rarely ing the rat can be placed under the mandible cause serious injury. If the animal bites and to prevent the animal from biting. If the rat is refuses to relax its grasp, do not try to pull it very agitated it can be handled like the free, but place the animal back in its cage. mouse. Rats should not be grasped by the Once within its cage the animal will release its scruff ofthe neck because it is very uncomfort grasp.1.2 able to the rat.2

VOL. 47) No. 1 47 Short periods of anesthesia can be obtained and dose miscalculation due to a full stom by 1M injection of ketamine hydrochloride at ach. 10 Complete recovery may take as long as the dosage of 20 to 50 mg/kg. The lower end 12 hours and it may be necessary to supple of the dosage range should be used for ment heat and turn the animal periodically to younger rats. 2 Sodium pentobarbital can also prevent pulmonary congestion during that be used 1M in rats at the dosage of 30 to 50 time. 4 ,10 mg/kg. This has proven to be a safe means of Guinea pigs can also be induced in a cham anesthesia in rats and has been used for years ber and maintained on methoxyflurane or ha ip lab animal medicine. 9 A combination of ke lothane at O. 75 to 1. 75 percent with a mask on 2 tamine at 50 mg/kg 1M followed by sodium a non-rebreathing system. ,10 Because the pentobarbital at 20 mg/kg IP gives good guinea pig produces a copious amount of se analgesia for approximately one hour. 10 cretion in the respiratory tract it is necessary Thiopental has been used for short anesthetic to aspirate the endotracheal tube periodically procedures in the rat at a dose of 4 mg/ 100 or administer O. 1 to 0.5 mg SC atropine as a 10 4 gm of body weight IP. Methoxyflurane or premedication. ,8 Methoxyflurane produces halothane at two to three percent can be used less salivation than halothane and for this rea 8 for induction in a chamber or jar. ,9 Main son is the gas anesthetic of choice in guinea tenance, using a mask, at a concentration of pigs. 4 1.0 to 1.5 percent is another highly recom mended protocol.8,9 The use of ether is not Ferrets recommended. 1 Ferrets can inflict serious bites. Wearing thick leather gloves is advised for additional Guinea Pigs protection. 1,3 Many pet ferrets, accustomed to Unlike other rodents guinea pigs rarely being handled, can be grasped by the scruff of bite, but are easily frightened. Guinea pigs the neck and tail. If the animl is fractious it move quite rapidly and can be difficult to should be distracted and grasped by the tail grasp. Handling is much easier if the animal and lifted clear of its cage. The ferret should is in a small box or cage which limits its move be allowed to grip a rough surface and then ments. Guinea pigs should be picked up grasped by the neck and chest. around the shoulders and supported in the Anesthesia of ferrets should be preceeded hindquarters. 1 by a period of 12 hours of withholding food. Ketamine hydrochloride at a dosage of 22 Atropine at 0.04 mg/kg SC should be given as to 44 mg/kg 1M provides light anesthesia for a premedication. Anesthesia can be easily in about 20 minutes. Xylazine at 5 mg/kg or duced by placing the ferret in an induction acepromazine at 2 mg/kg in combination with chamber using methoxyflurane at 2 to 3 per ketamine at ~ dosage of 20 to 40 mg/kg 1M cent and maintained with a mask or endotra provide good analgesia for about 30 to 45 cheal tube on a non-rebreathing system at 1 to minutes. This anesthetic combination can 2 percent. 11 Ketamine hydrochloride at 26 also be used as a premedication for inhalation mg/kg and acepromazine at 1.1 mg/kg given anesthesia. The anesthetic requirement may together 1M provide 15 to 45 minutes of anes vary depending on how active the animal thesia. 4, 11 Weasels can also be anesthetized in 8 9 is. ,lO Fentanyl and droperidol (Innovar-vet®) a similar manner. has been used in guinea pigs at 0.4 to 0.8 Inl/ kg 1M, but the occasional development of lameness accompanied by self-mutilation in the injected limb warrants that this drug not 2 be used in guinea pigS. ,4,11 When sodium pentobarbital is given at 28 mg/kg IP, it takes about 15 minutes for anesthesia to develop and lasts 30 to 90 minutes. Sodium pentobar bital at 20 mg/kg in combination with chlorpromazine at 25 mg/kg IP lengthens an 4 esthesia to at least 50 minutes. ,10 Guinea pigs should be fasted for six to 12 hours prior to barbiturate anesthesia to prevent vomiting

48 Iowa State University Veterinarian 4 9 Rabbits and recovery is rapid. • Rabbits should never be handled by the Inhalation anesthesia in rabbits using ears but should be grasped by the scruff and methoxyflurane provides good relaxation and supported in the hindquarters. Wild rabbits analgesia. Premedication of the rabbit is done and hares must be. handled carefully because with ketamine at a dosage of 44 to 50 mg/kg they can scratch with the forepaws while rak 1M given with atropine at 0.04 mg/kg 1M or ing the handler severely with the rear paws if 0.08 mg/kg SC. Induction is accomplished in not properly controlled. 3 The animal should an induction chamber and the rabbit can be be held close to the handler's chest when being intubated or maintained by mask. It may be carried and released if a violent struggle en necessary to use a firm stylet within the endo 4 8 9 sues. Injury to the vertebral column can result tracheal tube to obtain intubation. • • if the animal continues to struggle, resulting Since many rabbits have upper respiratory in permanent posterior paralysis. If the ani problems, fluid accumulation in the trachea mal becomes severely stressed, shock and car during anesthesia may necessitate tracheal diac arrest can occur. 1.3 suction during the procedure.Intubation and Rabbits can be restrained and immobilized the anesthetic may cause further tracheal irri for short periods of time through hypnosis by, tation requiring the administration of corti 4 placing the animal on its back with one hand costeriods and antibiotics. ,9 placed gently on the rabbit's thorax while stroking from the bridge of the nose, between Primates its eyes, up onto its forehead. The success of The restraint of non-human primates this procedure can be gauged by the amount should never be attempted without proper of relaxation of the animals limbs, contraction protective equipment. Primates are strong of the pupils, and by an increased depth of and possess sharp teeth and claws capable of breathing. The rabbit will awaken if stimu inflicting serious wounds. Even juveniles that lated by sound or if the stroking of the head appear docile can turn on handlers and cause ceases. 4 Hypnosis can be obtained by stroking serious injury. Whenever handling primates the chest with the flat surface of the four the handler should wear thick longsleeved fingers on the chest while supporting the head garments and leather gloves to avoid injury with the other hand. 4 and prevent disease transmission. Primates Rabbits should be fasted for 18 to 24 hours weighing less than 1 kg should be restrained with water ad lib prior to anesthesia. Nitrous by grasping the animal around the neck and oxide should not be used in rabbits because it chest. This allows restraint of the head and will cause gastric distention. Atropine given at upper body without choking the animal. Pri 0.08 mg/kg SC is helpful in controlling oral mates weighing two to 12 kg should be re secretions. 8 Ketan1ine hydrochloride alone at strained by pinning both upper arms behind 44 mg/kg does not produce adequate analge the back of the animal with one hand and sia. Ketamine, combined with acepromazine grasping the hind limbs firmly in the other at adequate analgesia. Ketamine, combined hand. 4 Primates over 15 kg should not be with acepromazine at 5 mg/kg, diazepam at handled without the use of chemical restraint 5-10 mg/kg or xylazine at 5 mg/kg 1M, pro to render the animal immobile. 4 duces good analgesia, muscle relaxation and Chemical restraint of non-human primates smooth recovery. The duration of anesthesia holds two major considerations; selecting a 4 1o is also lengthened 20 to 70 minutes . Sodium drug with a high therapeutic index, and pentobarbital at a dosage of 30 to 50 mg/kg withholding food for at least six hours prior to IV can be given via the lateral ear vein. There assure efficacy and safety. is a wide variation in reponse, so the pento Ketami-ne is very useful for restraint, seda barbital should be injected only until the de tion, and light anesthesia of primates. Ke sired level of anesthesia is obtained. The tamine dosage is 7 to 15 mg/kg 1M, and var depth of respiration is the best indicator of ies with species. The lower end of the dosage anesthesia; it should be slow, regular, and range is suggested for the use in apes, while deep. Thiopental can be used in the rabbit at the higher doses may be necessary for the a dose of about 50 mg/kg. If 2.5 percent smaller primates. Atropine at 0.02 to 0.04mg/ thiopental is used, the dose is 2.0 ml/kg IV. kg 1M, should be given to control salivation Anesthesia is brief, lasting five to 15 minutes and vagal effects. 8 The higher end of the do-

VOl. 47) No. 1 49 Raptors Trained raptors will usually sit on the fist of the gloved handler to permit a visual inspec tion. The use of a hood to cover the bird's eyes will aid in pacifying nervous raptors. Birds not trained or not accustomed to wearing a hood should be examined in a darkened room, which is the principle behind the use of hoods. Closer inspection of an injury may necessitate the casting of the bird by ap proaching the bird from behind with a towel and, when the wings are in a normal resting position, grasping the bird firmly holding the wings against the body. The feet are pulled backward and the body is wrapped in the cloth. The use of Vetrap® has been described for the wrapping of the body of the bird to allow a secure wrap without sticking to or 2 damaging the feathers. ,4,s sage range of ketamine can be used for short The talons of the birds should then be taped clinical procedures or intubation, with anes to prevent the inadvertent clawing of an un thesia lasting 20 to 40 minutes. 4 Phencycli gloved examiner. dine hydrochloride has been used for chemical Ketamine hydrochloride is useful for re restraint and as a preanesthetic agent. The straint and anesthesia. A dosage of 15 to 30 dosage range varies from 0.25 to 3.0 mg/kg mg/kg 1M is sufficient for minor procedures 1M, depending on the species and the effect and intubation. The bird will become anes desired. Lower doses, such as 0.5 mg/kg, are thetized in two to eigth minutes post injection effective for restraint in apes. 2 and anesthesia will last 20 minutes to 6 hours, When ketamine is used as a preanesthetic depending on the dosage given. The bird will agent, the animal can be induced with either be groggy for 12 to 24 hours during recovery. 2 sodium thiamylal or thiopental at a calculated Ketamine at 30 to 40 mg/kg and diazepam at dosage of 8 to 10 mg/kg IV. 8 Sodium pento 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg IV produces good anesthe barbital can also be used for induction at a sia. 2 Owls require less anesthesia due to in dosage of 20 to 25 mg/kg IV. 2 One half of the creased percentage of body fat, and can be intravenous anesthetic dose should be ad successfully anesthetized with 25 mg/kg of ke ministered initially followed by small incre tamine and 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg of diazepam ments until the desired effect is obtained. The IV. 4, 10, 11 Recovering raptors should be kept in animal can then be intubated and maintained a warm; quiet area a.nd be di~turbed as little on halothane or methoxyflurane at 1.0 to 1.5 as possible. percent. 4 Small primates can be induced without pre Caged Birds and Psittacines medication by using an induction chamber or The capture and restraint of caged birds by masking the animal down with halothane should not be attempted until the owner has at 1.0 to 1.5 percent. Halothane allows rapid been forwarned of the possible consequences. mask induction and rapid recovery of the spe Most sick birds can be examined while re cies capable of being restrained physically. 2 maining in their cages. The stress of cap Laryngospasm can occur in primates if intu tu.ring sick (or healthy) birds can be fatal. It bation is attempted before the animal is anes may be wise and less stressful to have the thetized deeply enough. One percent lido owner capture and restrain the bird. Also, if caine can be sprayed on the laryngeal the bird dies, it will have died in the hands of structures to prevent or lessen the spasm.8 the owner.s Primates less than 7 kg should be maintained Capturing caged birds, especially para on a non-rebreathing system and require close keets, may result in the "cardiac racing syn observation of hydration and body tempera drome:' In this syndrome, due to fright, the ture during surgical procedures. 2 heart rate exceeds normal limits to the point

50 Iowa State University Veterinarian where blood cannot fill the atria and ventri The anesthesia of caged birds is very diffi cles. Death can occur in less than a minute. cult and requires the close evaluation of the In order to safely capture a bird in a cage it physical condition, weight, and temperament. is necessary that all perches and toys be re The bird's respiratory and cardiovascular sys moved from the cage prior to attempting the tems should be evaluated and the n1etabolic capture. Parakeets, canaries, and finches will status estimated by the muscle mass and body freeze in their position in the cage when the condition. Food and water should not be room lights are lowered. Leather gloves are withheld before anesthesia. Any physical re not needed when capturing these birds but straint should be minimal and gentle to avoid 2 exam gloves may be worn as protection from injury and prevent shock. ,10 pecking by the birds. A parakeet should be Ketamine has been used successfully in held in the palm of the hand on its back with caged birds, but to state one dose which will the thumb and forefinger placed securely be efficacious in all sizes of birds is impracti around the bird's neck just under the head. cal. There are recommended dosage ranges The little finger can be placed over the birds for different weights of birds tht are helpful as legs while the rest of the hand loosely cradles guidelines in determining the proper dosages the bird. 9 Do not place any fingers over the for the 1M ketamine. breast of the bird, because the bird cannot breathe if the sternum is not allowed to move 1. Birds weighing less than 100 gm (cana with the respirations. 5 ries' finches, parakeets, and small birds) Larger birds require more skill to capture. should receive 0.1 to 0.2 mg/g. If the bird is approachable then it can be cap 2. Birds weighing between 200 and 500 gm tured in a towel. Approach the bird from be (parrots, pigeons, and other medium sized hind, while someone distracts the bird, and birds) should receive 0.05 to 0.1 mg/g. throw the towel over the bird. The mandible 3. Birds weighing between 500 and 3000 of the bird n1ust be grasped quickly and gm (chickens, owls, hawks, and other large firmly, placing the hand around the back of birds) should receive 0.02 to 0.08 mg/g. head with the thumb and forefinger on each 4. Birds weighing more than 3000 gm side to secure the mandible. Wilder birds may (ducks, swans, and geese) should recieve 0.02 4 have to be pinned in a corner of the cage be to 0.05 mg/g. ,9 fore being secured, and leather gloves should be used. 2 ,5,6 Periods of excitement during the recovery from ketamine are common, so it is important that recovering birds be placed in dark, quiet, and padded cages to prevent the bird from 4 injuring itself. ,9 Halothane works well as the means of anes thesia in birds. The induction and recovery periods from gas anesthesia are faster than for mammals. This may be because the blood/gas coefficient is lower than in mammals and the vascular-respiratory interface is relatively larger in birds. A major problem encountered is a too rapid induction leading to respiratory arrest. 2 Birds that are manageable can be in duced with a mask or induced in a chamber at 2.0 percent halothane and maintained at 1.0 to 1.25 percent halothane on a non-re breathing system. Birds weighing over 100 gm can be intubated quite easily, with the glottis present at the base of the tongue. The use of gas anesthesia, without premedication, is less traumatic during the recovery period 2 than recovery from injectable anesthesia. ,4 Methoxyflurane may be used similarly to

vol. 47) No. 1 51 halothane with birds, but due to its increased Lizards in a small enclosure can be grasped solubility its blood/gas ratio is higher and the around the neck and body and picked up. Do time for induction and recovery is longer. 2 not grasp small reptiles by the tail because the tail-ends break away and can create a source Reptiles of entry for bacteria. Most lizards can be im The safest means of restraining reptiles is mobilized for short periods of time by apply by letting the owner control the animal and ing gentle inward pressure upon their eyes for ideally these animals should only be handled a few seconds. This pressure produces a vagal when absolutely necessary. Many non-poison response which briefly slows the heart-rate ous snakes can be handled quite safely and lowers blood pressure. This procedure is without major precautions. It is important quite effective for short procedures such as ra that snakes, when being picked up, are held diography. Loud noises and touch can awaken with the thumb and forefinger on each side of the lizards but the procedure can be repeated the base of the head to assure proper immobi as needed. The effect may last up to ten min lization. The body of the snake should also be utes but carries the risk of the reptile awaken supported to prevent injury to the snake. The ing at any time. 7 skulls of reptiles have only one occipital con Absorption and excretion of anesthetic dyle supporting their skulls. Rough handling agents by reptiles is affected by temperature, can cause cervical dislocation or fracture. 2, 7 since metabolism is temperature-dependent in Restraint of poisonous snakes and larger poikilotherms. This factor complicates anes pythons require the use of the snake hook, the thesia of reptiles. The health status of the ani basic tool used in pinning the head. The snake mal should also be carefully evaluated,with ill hook consists of a long rod with a hook fash patients receiving minimal doses. Recovery is ioned as a 'C' on the end. To pin the head, the slower in reptiles than in mammals and birds. snake must be positioned so that the head is The patient should be kept in a warm facing away from the handler. The hook is (29.5 0 C) and draft-free environment. then placed on the back of the head and held Ketamine hydrochloride can be used suc securely applying enough pressure to hold but cessfully in snakes, turtles, and lizards. At 44 not injure the snake. 2 The middle finger and mg/kg 1M, small snakes and turtles can be thumb are placed behind the sides of the head immobilized for minor procedures. 8 Major with the forefinger on the top of the head. The procedures require doses of 66 to 88 mg/kg hook is then set aside and the free hand sup 1M. Turtles have been reported to require ports the body of the snake. 7 It is important doses of 88 mg/kg 1M to obtain adequate that transfers from hand to hand not be at muscle relaxation. These animals may appear tempted. An alternate method of restraint deeply sedated, but they may strike at any consists of obtaining clear plastic tubes of time. Complete recovery varies depending on various diameters and allowing the snake to the temperature, dosage given, and on the crawl into the tube. The tube may be capped health of the anima1. 10 on one end or left open. Holes or slots in the tube allow procedures to be carried out on the Barbiturates are not recommended for use snake while in the tube. The tube must be just in reptiles. 2 larger than the diameter of the snake to pre Halothane is the most common volatile an vent the snake from turning in the tube. Once esthetic used in reptiles. Induction times, us the snake enters the tube to one-third of its ing a face mask at 3 percent halothane or length, the tube and snake are grasped at the methoxyflurane, vary from one to 30 minutes point where they meet. The hold on the snake depending on the animal and its respiratory and tube is held until the snake is ready to be rate. Anesth-esia is usually maintanined at 1.0 released. 2 to 2.0 percent halothane and 0.5 percent A turtle or tortoise can be restrained by methoxyflurane. 8 The ventilation rate of picking it up by the side of the shell and ren snakes, which is normally 2 to 4 resp/min, dered immobile by wrapping the shell with should be maintained while the snake is under elastic bandage. Placing them on a brick or anesthesia. Care should be taken that the similar pedestal will prevent them from mov lungs are not over-inflated and to observe the ing with the head and tail and permit ex movement of the chest wall to ensure ade amination. 7 quate ventilation. 7

52 Iowa State University Veterinarian Conclusion 3. Wallach JD, Boever WJ: Diseases of Exotic Animals. The presentation of uncommon veterinary Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Co., 1983. 4. Lumb WV, Jones EW: T7eterinary Anesthesia. Phila patients should not be a point of uncertainty delphia, Lea and Febiger Co.~ 1984. for veterinarians. If veterinarians are faced 5. Steiner CV, Davis RB: Caged Bird Medicine. Ames, with a patient that they are not fan1iliar with it Iowa State University Press, 1981. 6. Petrak ML: Diseases of Caged and Aviary Birds. Phila would be reassuring to know that there is a delphia, Lea and Febiger Co., 1982. brief guide available that gives accurate and 7. Frye FL: Biomedical and Surgical aspects ofCaptive Reptile Husbandry. Edwardsville, KS, Veterinary Medicine short presentations on restraint and anesthe Publishing Co., 1981. sia. This guide has been compiled for just that 8. Sawyer DC: The Practice of Small Animal Anesthesia. reason, to aid the veterinarian. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Co., 1982. 9. Soma LR: uxtbook of Ulterinary Anesthesia. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins Co. Inc., 1971. REFERENCES 10. Harkness JE, Wagner JE: The Biology of Rabbits and Rodents. (Second Edition), Philadelphia, Lea and Fe 1. Flecknell P: Restraint, Anesthesia, and Treatment of biger Co., 1983. Children's Pets. In Practice 5:85-95, 1983. 11. Hall LW, Clarke KW: Ulterinary Anesthesia. London, 2. Fowler ME: Zoo and Wildlife Medicine. Philadelphia, Baillie're Tindall Co., 1983. \V. B. Saunders Co., 1978.

BOOK REVIEW

Clinical Laboratory Animal Medicine. By frequent in well managed laboratory animal Donald D. Holmes, DVM, Iowa State Uni facilities, may well be encountered in pets or versity Press, Ames, Iowa, 1984, 126 animals raised commercially for meat or fur. pages, $9.95. The disease discussions are brief, containing pertinent clinical information, recommended This book was "prepared as an introduction treatments, and n1inin1al pathology. It is as for those planning to pursue further training sumed that, given the unique characteristics in laboratory animal medicine, as a text for and common diseases of each species, the veterinary medical students, and as a practical reader will apply the basic clinical principles guide to veterinarians in private practice". To appropriate for other species. accomplish this purpose a chapter is devoted There are three appendices in this book: to each of the following species: mice, rats, Drug Dosages, Normal Values (Reproductive mongolian gerbils, Syrian hamsters, guinea Data, Physiologic Data, Hematologic Data pigs, rabbits, ferrets, nonhuman primates and and Biochemical Data) and Perferred Food of reptiles. Ferrets and reptiles, though not Selected Reptilian Species. The table of Drug widely used as laboratory animals, are in Dosages is an eighteen-page listing of drugs cluded because of their increasing popularity according to species and type of drug (antimi as pets and the lack of information about these crobial, parasiticides, anesthetics and others). species in the traditional veterinary curricu All of the appendices, drug dosages.in partic 1um. ular, provide a concise, accessible reference Each chapter addresses common character that alone justifies the price of the book. istics, biology, husbandry, techniques, dis Eleven pages of references are included as a eases and miscellaneous conditions. It is ap resource for more in-depth reading on any of propriate that considerable information is the species covered. presented on biology and husbandry of each In summary, Clinical Laboratory Animal Medi species, as many animals presented to practi cine is clearly written, inexpensive and well tioners are suffering the consequences of im organized. It provides good basic information proper managen1ent. The diseases and mis on management, common diseases and treat cellaneous conditions discussed are the ments of laboratory animal species. so-called "common" diseases which, while in- - Dr.}. G. Hopper

VOL. 47) No. 1 53