![]() ![]() When reptile pathogens are treated at higher temperatures the Mean Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) needed to achieve effective treatment significantly decreases. A decrease in ambient temperature with a resultant decrease in body clearance could potentially allow a build up in concentration of the drug to a point where it might reach toxic levels if dosing is not decreased accordingly. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that an increase in ambient temperature tends to increase both the volume of distribution and body clearance of the drug. However, if for some reason treatment must be instigated immediately, it would behoove the practitioner to choose a non-nephrotoxic drug.Īnother important consideration is the ambient temperature of the reptile's environment. ![]() It is the rare case that cannot wait one to two days to assure appropriate hydration prior to treatment. Dehydrated or hyperuricemic patients should be properly rehydrated prior to initiating therapy. A good working knowledge of the more common species of reptiles, their life histories and their peculiarities will help prevent potential disasters during therapy.īefore treatment is initiated the patient should be given a thorough exam including a CBC and serum profile, with a uric acid, to assess hydration status. Since all reptiles are ectotherms, and their metabolism is temperature dependent, they will often react unpredictably to the same drug in different settings. The veterinary clinician must have a thorough understanding of reptile physiology and biology prior to administering medications. The results of microbiological culture and sensitivity testing, the species being treated, physical condition of the patient, frequency of administration, cost of the therapy, owner compliance, and a host of other factors are all important. There are a number of factors that must be considered when choosing an antibiotic. There have been no pharmacokinetic studies done in lizards. So far, all of the studies have been done in snakes, turtles and crocodilians. To date there have been very few pharmacokinetic studies published in reptiles, and with only only limited numbers of antibiotics. ![]()
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