Medication Administration in Amphibia, A Clinical Review
J Herpe Med Surg 10[1]:30-33 Spring'00 Review Article 12 Refs

This review is intended to guide the amphibian practitioner when developing a therapeutic protocol for the hospitalized or outpatient amphibian in need of continuing care. The method of preference will depend on the species, its habitat, tolerance of handling, owner/keeper compliance, and practitioner abilities. Treatment modalities are herein described from least to most invasive with preference given to the least invasive yet most effective method. In the diminutive patient, measuring doses may be difficult. Microliter syringes, designed for use with high-pressure liquid chromatography systems (Hamilton Company, Reno, NV) may be used for oral, topical or injectable administration of drugs in amphibia to circumvent inaccurate, or at best difficult, dilutions. Few pharmacokinetic studies have been done in amphibia, thus the efficacy and safety of many methods of treatment are unknown. The clinical signs of toxicity in amphibia should be communicated to the client or caretaker so immediate action (usually in the form of a well-aerated spring water bath) may be taken at any point during treatment. Signs of toxicity are vague and may include erythema, petechiae, increased mucous production, irritability, agitation, lethargy, dyspnea, convulsions, flaccid paralysis, regurgitation, and diarrhea. In more serious cases of toxicity, more invasive routes of fluid, thermal and nutritional support should be considered.