A REVIEW OF ANESTHESIA AND CHEMICAL RESTRAINT IN REPTILES

Chemical restraint and anesthesia are often necessary when treating reptiles. The anat omy, physiology, and response of reptiles to various chemical immobilization agents often differs significantly from the mammalian response. A review of anatomy and physiology of reptiles as it pertains to anesthesia is presented. Pre- and postanesthetic management of reptiles are discussed. The response of various reptiles to chemical restraint agents, including preanesthetic medications, tranquilizers, injectable anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and inhalant anesthetics, is reviewed.