Herptiles Abstracts

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Basics of Amphibian Medicine & Rehabilitation
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Ernesto Dominguez, DVM, DACVPM
The Wildlife Center of Virginia, VA

Full Abstract

Amphibians are without a doubt one of the most endangered groups of animals on the planet. Unfortunately, few wildlife rehabilitators know how to handle and rehabilitate this charismatic and uncommon species in wildlife care facilities. This lecture discusses the basics of amphibian anatomy, physiology, and husbandry needs, as well as medical problems that wildlife rehabilitators need to know when receiving amphibians in their facilities.

Introduction to Sea Turtle Rehabilitation

Nina Nahvi, LVT
Sea Turtle, Inc., TX

Full Abstract

This introduction to sea turtle rehabilitation includes a brief overview of sea turtle species and sea turtle rehab efforts worldwide. Sea Turtle, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit sea turtle rehabilitation facility located on South Padre Island that rehabilitates approximately 40-100 sea turtles each year (excluding cold stun events). This lecture highlights the major causes of strandings (hooked, entanglement, boat strikes, stuck in rocks, fibropapillomatosis) and the treatment protocol for each type of injury. Cold stun mass stranding events and treatment are also reviewed.

Wound Management in Reptiles

Karra Pierce, DVM
Wildlife Center of Virginia, VA

Full Abstract

Our scaly patients provide interesting challenges when it comes to wound management. While the principles of wound healing are similar across all species, reptile wound management can be frustrating due to slow progress. Fundamentals are discussed from a specifically reptile perspective, including irrigation, bandaging, and topical therapy options. Indications for wound debridement and wound closure are explored as well as strategies to speed healing.
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Turtles Have Feelings Too: Chelonian Anesthesia & Analgesia

Sarah Reich, DVM
Willowbrook Wildlife Center, IL
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Full Abstract

The field of reptile analgesia and anesthesia is fluctuant; new information and techniques are being discovered every year. This can be challenging when reptiles, especially chelonian species, present for rehabilitation on a regular basis. Other complicating factors include maintaining appropriate equipment and supplies and even recognizing the need for analgesia in these species. As overt signs of pain and discomfort can be masked or not even expressed in turtles, therapy often must be assumed based on clinical findings. Topics covered include anesthetic planning, anesthesia/sedation protocols, and current analgesia options.

Foil Tape: A New Method of Shell Fracture Stabilization

Pam Meier
The Turtle’s Back Inc, CT
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Full Abstract

Shell fractures—perhaps the most common presenting of turtle injuries— have long been considered the realm of surgery, largely because of the time, resources, and level of skill involved. This has resulted in delayed treatment for many animals. The objective of this talk is to empower both rehabilitators and veterinarians alike to quickly and easily treat most shell fractures in house using the foil tape technique developed by the speaker, which has been tested successfully for the past three years. The pros and cons of various methods of shell fracture stabilization are discussed, with a focus on this simple and effective method which allows for immediate primary closure of fresh wounds so the healing process can begin immediately, reducing recovery times, stress, and the potential for secondary infection.

Turtle Euthanasia:
A Multi- step Process

Leslie Reed, DVM
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN, MN

Full Abstract

Euthanizing turtles is a more complex process than euthanizing a bird or mammal. Not only are there challenges with sedation using gas anesthetics, but injected euthanasia solutions act much more slowly. There is also the phenomenon of the chelonian heart to continue beating for several hours after euthanasia solution is administered. An extra step must be performed to ensure that the animal is truly euthanized and that all body systems cease to function. This lecture covers
a protocol demonstrating how to safely and effectively sedate, deeply anesthetize, euthanize, and pith turtles in order to achieve a humane and effective euthanasia.