Anaesthesia in exotics part 3: reptiles

Anaesthesia in reptiles is slower paced than in other exotic species. However, anatomical differences mean that anaesthesia in these species is not straightforward. Nonetheless, once understood, reptile anaesthesia can be highly rewarding. There are approximately 10 000 known species of reptiles; therefore, this article will focus on the most common wider groups encountered in veterinary practice: snakes, lizards and chelonians. This is the third in a three-part series of articles designed to provide an outline of the principles of anaesthesia in exotics and instil confidence in the veterinary nurse to be an advocate for exotic animal care.