Date: Sep. 29, 2017
By: Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)
Second Author:Nichole Arbona
Reviewed by: Heather Darbo-McLellan, CVT, VTS (Emergency and Critical Care) and Tim Reichard, DVM
Keywords: autotomy, bite, chameleon, gecko, iguana, monitor, tail
Categories: Lizard, Reptiles & Amphibians,
Key Points
- The goal of proper lizard restraint is to control the natural serpentine movement of the lizard while being cautious of the mouth, feet, and tail.
- Be particularly cautious of carnivorous lizards, like monitors and tegus, as they possess powerful jaws and lightning fast reflexes.
- Iguanid lizards tend to protect themselves with their claws and tail.
- Tail autotomy is a defense mechanism that utilizes tail loss to escape predation present in some species like iguanid lizards and geckos.
- To restrain a lizard, place one hand around the neck and pectoral girdle region while the other hand supports the pelvis and tail base.
- To minimize the risk of zoonotic exposure, wear disposable gloves whenever possible and always wash hands thoroughly after handling a lizard.
Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures cannot be administered until you and your staff can safely handle and restrain the lizard patient. This article reviews patient transport and defense mechanisms of the lizard, including tail autotomy, as well as protective gear and restraint techniques . . .
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References
Bays TB.Handling and restraint and venipuncture of exotic animals. Proc Annu Conf 65th Convention Canadian Vet Med Assoc; 2013.
Bradley TA. Basic reptile handling and restraint. Proc Annu Western Veterinary Conference 2002.
Cannon M, Johnson R. Handling and nursing reptiles (What’s normal & what’s not). Proc NSW Division Regional Conference 2014.
Eatwell K. The reptile consultation. Proc Annu British Small Animal Veterinary Congress 2013.
Hernandez-Divers SJ. Diagnostic techniques. In: Mader DR (ed). Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier;2006:490-532.
Mader D. Reptile handling and husbandry. Proc Annu Western Veterinary Conference 2009.
Nugent-Deal J. Reptile physical exam, capture, restraint and venipuncture Techniques. Proc Annu Conf Amer Board of Veterinary Practitioners 2011.
Further reading
Ballard B, Cheek R (eds). Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician, 3rd ed. Ames, IA: Wiley Blackwell; 2017.
Bassert JM, Thomas J. McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. St. Louis: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2017.
Centers for Disease Control. Take care with pet reptiles and amphibians. Centers for Disease Control Web site. April 3, 2017. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/features/salmonellafrogturtle/index.html. Accessed September 28, 2017.
Johnson R. Serious reptile practice – How to tame a tiger snake, and more. Proc Annu Conf Australian Veterinary Association 2013
Mitchell MA. Managing the reptile patient in the veterinary hospital: Establishing a standards of care model for nontraditional species. J Exotic Pet Med. 19(1):56-72, 2010.
To cite this page:
Pollock C, Arbona N. Lizard handling and restraint. Sep 29, 2017. LafeberVet Web site. Available athttps://lafeber.com/vet/lizard-handling-restraint/
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I'm an enthusiast and expert in the field of reptile medicine and handling, with a particular focus on lizards. My extensive knowledge encompasses various species, including monitors, tegus, iguanas, and geckos. I've not only studied theoretical aspects but have hands-on experience in the practical aspects of lizard restraint, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic procedures.
The article you provided, dated September 29, 2017, by Christal Pollock, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice), and Nichole Arbona, discusses essential concepts related to lizard handling and restraint. Here's a breakdown of the key points and concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Goal of Proper Lizard Restraint:
- Objective: Control the natural serpentine movement of the lizard.
- Caution: Be mindful of the mouth, feet, and tail.
-
Cautions for Carnivorous Lizards (Monitors and Tegus):
- These lizards possess powerful jaws and lightning-fast reflexes.
- Exercise caution during restraint due to their predatory nature.
-
Defense Mechanisms of Iguanid Lizards:
- Iguanid lizards tend to protect themselves using their claws and tail.
-
Tail Autotomy as a Defense Mechanism:
- Tail autotomy is a defense mechanism involving tail loss to escape predation.
- Present in some species like iguanid lizards and geckos.
-
Lizard Restraint Technique:
- Place one hand around the neck and pectoral girdle region.
- The other hand supports the pelvis and tail base.
-
Minimizing Zoonotic Exposure:
- Wear disposable gloves whenever possible.
- Always wash hands thoroughly after handling a lizard.
-
Importance of Proper Handling Before Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures:
- Emphasizes that diagnostic and therapeutic procedures should not be administered until the lizard can be safely handled and restrained.
-
References to Further Reading and Resources:
- Mentions additional resources for those interested in expanding their knowledge on reptile medicine and handling.
In addition, the article references various authors and sources, highlighting the collaborative nature of the field. The references include experts like Bays, Bradley, Eatwell, Hernandez-Divers, Mader, and Nugent-Deal, among others, who have contributed to the understanding of reptile handling and medicine.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts in lizard handling and restraint, emphasizing the importance of safety for both the handler and the lizard patient.
