Hello VETAHEADER!

It’s that time again for our monthly newsletter. Today, let’s talk about reptiles!

First, we have a 2023 paper on the Pneumocoelomogram as a novel negative contrast diagnostic imaging technique to evaluate coelomic organs in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). We know how reptilian radiography can be frustrating to evaluate sometimes, and they were counting that contrast radiography would help combat poor coelomic detail encountered in reptilian radiographs.

In study, they tried using room air as a contrast agent, and they described the pneumocoelomography, as a novel negative contrast technique in bearded dragons. They looked into the feasibility of this technique, its tolerance by the bearded dragons, and the quality of the images. It is worth checking the paper for all cool pictures of the technique.

How they did it you ask? They anesthetized six clinically healthy, adult bearded dragons and performed the pneumocoelomogram radiographs, by insufflating 0.2mL/mm coelomic length of room air via an over-the-needle catheter introduced into the coelom.

Another cool detailed is that they performed pre and post CT, using intravenous contrast. Packed cell volume, total protein, and blood films were evaluated at time of imaging and two weeks post procedure to assess potential systemic consequences of this technique.

Good news, the procedures were well-tolerated, showing no negative impacts on health status.

The results: pneumocoelomography consistently revealed gonads in all cases and provided variable improvements in the characterization of other coelomic organs.

There was an inconsistently improved characterization of other coelomic organs: the cardiac silhouette was improved in 4 of 6 cases, trachea in 2 of 6, lungs in 3 of 6, stomach in 3 of 6, cecum in 3 of 6, colon in 5 of 6, and kidneys in 2 of 6. The liver, spleen, and small intestines did not show improved characterization in any case.

The take home message is: Pneumocoelogram in bearded dragons offers insights into visualization of some organs, and is a feasible option for additional organ characterization compared to standard radiographs, yet risks associated with internal organ puncture and air embolism should be considered, with CT remaining the preferred diagnostic tool. No perfect magic trick, CT is still the best, but this technique can have its uses, depending on what you want to see.

Lastly, we have a 2022 study on the Use of alfaxalone in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): optimizing pharmacodynamics and evaluating cardiogenic effects via echocardiography. This study aimed to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of alfaxalone (with preservatives) in bearded dragons, administered via various routes.

Ten adult bearded dragons (P. vitticeps) were individually housed in temperature-controlled enclosures and given a specialized diet. After fasting for 12 hours, the dragons were sedated using a 15 mg/kg dose of alfaxalone via intracoelomic, SC, IM, and IV injection, all thanks to insights from a pilot study.

They dived the study in two parts. On part one, for three months, four sedation episodes per dragon were conducted in a randomized crossover design using intracoelomic, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous routes. Vital parameters such as heart rate and respiratory rate were evaluated. Anesthetic milestones like loss of reflexes and return of purposeful movement were also monitored.

Next, in part two, nine of these dragons underwent echocardiograms before and after sedation to assess their cardiac parameters, using the dose 15 mg/kg (based on a pilot study) and routes identified in part one. Data analysis employed standard statistical methods to evaluate the effects of sedation and the cardiac health of these dragons.

Guess what? Deep sedation was consistently achieved, with significant decreases in heart rate and respiratory rate observed across all routes of administration. Intravenous (IV) administration resulted in the quickest onset of sedation, while sedation quality was most consistent with IV administration at 15 mg/kg, with minimal impact on cardiac function.

The study suggests that alfaxalone can be safely used for sedation in bearded dragons, particularly via IV administration, for procedures such as echocardiography. However, clinicians should be cautious of changes in cardiac parameters, particularly end-systolic volume.

The take home message is: Alfaxalone with preservatives is a reliable option for sedating bearded dragons, providing consistent deep sedation across different administration routes. Intravenous administration at 15 mg/kg is the most effective choice, with minimal impact on cardiac function.

I hope these are useful!

Let us know which one was your favorite!

As always, I will see you next month.