SC (subcutaneous) Hydration for Lizards

DISCLAIMER: I am not a veterinarian. Performance of this following procedure incorrectly can result in the death or worsening of the reptile condition. I have no experience doing the following procedure on reptiles other then lizards and therefore can not suggest how to do it correctly. The following procedure and supplies used are unrestricted in their nature and legal to perform in most provinces and states, however check your own laws before attempting the procedure. Use of the following equipment and supplies has associated risks to your own and the lizards health. NOTE: I offer this information to the reptile community as I have been requested the procedure repeatedly and it is quite successful. However it should only be viewed at a “life saving procedure” and not performed out of ease or convenience. While dehydration can be fatal it is a symptom not a condition failure to address the causes will not prevent the reoccurance.

SC (subcutaneous) Administration of Fluids:

Assess the reptile. How many of the following symptoms are present? Reptile appears anorexic, and or lethargic. Skin around the neck and sides of the body is wrinkled. Skin is dry, dull or flaky. Skin has reduced elasticity (ie. does not spring back when pinched). Eyes may be recessed. Tongue and mucus membranes may change texture. The mouth may appear pale pink, greyish pink or even blue.If most of these symptoms are not present DO NOT perform this procedure. If the lizard is not showing the loss of condition described above it would be premature to administer SC fluids.

Materials:

1. A clean piece of cloth proportional to the size of the lizard. 2. A box of hypodermic needles and matching syringes, anything smaller then a 28 gauge, ½“ in length. I prefer a 30 gauge especially for very small lizards. This is a typical size diabetics use for insulin injections. They can be purchased at most pharmacies or drug stores. NOTE: Needles are a restricted product in some US states. Syringe size doesn’t matter buy which ever size the pharmacist suggests. A graduation in ml is preferred.3. A bag of IV saline solution. This is available through a medical supply center or a Veterinary Clinic, it too is an unrestricted product which you can purchase without a DVM’s prescription. 4. A plastic jar.

The Procedure:

1. Using a digital scale weigh the lizard in grams. Take 2% of this weight and then convert to ml, this will give your dosage. For example you have a lizard weighing 80g: (80g x 0.02) = 1.6g, 1.6g = ~ 1.6ml. Reweigh the lizard prior to each fluid application. 2. Place the lizards in the center of the cloth and wrap the cloth around the lizard to restrain it. Ensure the anterior dorsal (back and shoulders) are exposed. If you are unable to restrain the lizard with one hand and the cloth you are attempting this procedure too early. Discontinue the procedure now.3. Uncap the needle and puncture the hose extending from the UV bag draw into the syringe the amount of fluid calculated in step 1.4. Grasp the skin over the lizard's ribcage (see diagram) on one side of the spinal column and pull the skin upwards until it forms a tent. Holding the needle parallel to the lizard's body puncture one side of the tent (keeping the needle parallel) but not the other then slowly empty the syringe. While emptying the fluid release the tenting skin. You will notice a small bump appear as you do this. Remove the needle slowly and allow the fluid to be absorbed. 5. Recap the needle and put it in your plastic jar. Disposal of sharps in municipal waste is illegal.6. Repeat this procedure every 24 hours, alternating the site of injection for comfort.

Concerns and problems:

1. Injection sites can be a site of secondary infections. As this procedure is attempted when the lizard in in the worst of body condition this risk is justified. Do not attempt to clean the injection site. The materials commonly used to clean injection sited will damage the reptiles skin and if improperly done can mobilize bacteria around the puncture.2. HYPERHYDRATION: Is a real concern and is often fatal. This is will occur if the procedure is performed on a non-dehydrated reptile. Treatment continues after the lizard has resumed eating or if the dosage was miscalculated.