Exotic Animal Formulary5

Snakes
Chelonians
Lizards
Nonvenomous snakes may be restrained by grasping the head just
behind the mandibles and securing the body with the other hand. An
additional handler is needed for every 3-4 feet of snake to support the
spine. Venomous snakes should be restrained only by experts using
snake hooks and tongs to handle and clear plastic tubes for restraint.
Chelonians may scratch with claws or bite. Appropriate handling gear
includes latex gloves. Nonaggressive species may be restrained by
grasping the sides of the shell between the front and back legs. Larger
turtles, especially snapping turtles, require a hand under the caudal
third of the plastron and the other hand grasping the tail or the
caudal carapace. Snapping turtles can extend the head and neck twothirds
their body length caudally. Consider using a toilet plunger over
a snapping turtle’s head to reduce the risk of biting.
Place the index finger and thumb around the base of the mandibles to
secure the head and prevent biting. Use the free hand to restrain the
hind legs and tail. Never grab lizards by the tail, especially in species
with tail autonomy. To calm lizards, a vagal response can be created by
placing cotton balls over the eyes and securing with bandage material.
a
Although this outline is intended to provide general guidelines for the care of injured wildlife, the
veterinarian is strongly encouraged to transfer these animals to experienced rehabilitators as soon as
possible and/or to contact rehabilitators if questions arise. In addition, any individual working with wildlife
should check with state and federal officials on permit requirements.
Table 14-4
Recommendations for Venipuncture Sites in Native Wildlife. 19,22,28,31,35,57,62,65,68,72,75
Topic
Badgers, river
otters,
skunks,
coyotes,
foxes,
raccoons,
bobcats, lynx
Opossums
Rabbits and
hares
Wild rodents
Birds of prey
Notes
Medial saphenous vein, lateral saphenous vein, jugular vein, cephalic
vein, ventral coccygeal vein, femoral vein, cranial vena cava (in otters)
Lateral coccygeal and ventral tail vein/artery, cephalic vein, saphenous
vein, pouch vein in females
Jugular vein, cephalic vein, femoral vein, lateral saphenous vein
Small rodents often require cranial vena cava venipuncture under
anesthesia; larger species have accessible jugular veins, cephalic veins,
and medial and lateral saphenous veins; beavers have accessible tail
vein
Jugular vein (right is larger), basilic vein in either wing, medial metatarsal
890