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The objective of this investigation was to assess the usefulness of three different doses of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly in amphibian species. Thirty-two healthy, adult (5–9 years old) captive Spanish ribbed newts (Pleurodeles waltl) were used. Alfaxalone at a dose of 15, 20, and 30 mg/kg was administered into the muscles of the front legs of each newt, with a 4-week washout period between trials. Heart rate and depth of sedation were assessed for each animal prior to the administration of anesthetic (T0), and at 2-minute intervals over the initial 20 minutes, then at 5-minute intervals over 60 minutes, and at 15-minute intervals until a full duration of 120 minutes for each trial. The average induction time was reduced with increasing doses. The recovery period was prolonged with increasing doses. Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone proved a feasible method for immobilization and sedation in Spanish ribbed newts and resulted in loss of both the escape reflex and righting reflex.

This study focuses on the method for sperm extraction and artificial insemination in snakes. Ten adult healthy snakes (4.6) have been included in the study ( Pantherophis guttatus 1.3; Hydrodynastes gigas 1.1; Corallus hortulanus 1.1; and Sanzinia madagascariesis 1.1). Massage of the ventral part of the caudal third of the male snake body for two to three minutes was performed successfully for the semen collection. Both female and male P. guttatus and H. gigas were placed in brumation, with the female snakes being assessed for ovarian activity after emerging from dormancy. Only females showing ultrasonographic evidence of vitellogenic follicles were included in the study. Sanzinia madagascariensis and C. hortulanus were maintained at the same temperature through the year, and the ovarian activity was assessed ultrasonographically prior to artificially inseminating the animal. With the aid of a rigid endoscope the fresh semen was delivered through cloaca into the females′ oviducts using a catheter connected to the syringe. The technique failed in female S. madagascariensis and H. gigas . Two female P. guttatus laid eggs two months after artificial insemination, with hatchlings emerging following two months of development within the eggs. The third female corn snake did not lay an egg. The female C. hortulans produced eggs four months after insemination. The method of sperm collection consisting of manual massage in male snakes and endoscopy-assisted insemination in female snakes may be useful for conservation programs.

A 5-year-old female red-tailed boa ( Boa constrictor imperator ) was presented for abnormal neurologic behavior. Ultrasound examination revealed an enlarged liver, with rounded margins and hypoechoic areas. A complete snake virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) profile was performed together with diagnostic blood testing. The snake virus PCR profile results were negative. Supportive treatment for the patient consisted of fluid therapy and nutritional support, supplemented with carnitine. Lactulose was administered orally every 24 hours. The snake died 3 weeks after the initial presentation. Histopathological examination of the liver showed extensive necrotic degeneration with hepatocytic centrilobular organization and cholestasis. Histopathology of the central nervous system (CNS) revealed a degenerative pattern of neurons, and a hyperplastic aspect of the microglial cells, morphologically similar to Alzheimer type II astrocytes. The postmortem examination results indicate that the neurological signs were a consequence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Reptiles with hepatic disease may show a wide variety of clinical signs. The last stage of liver diseases is often HE. Diagnostic procedures include hematology, serum/plasma biochemistry, echography, and biopsy. The prognosis for a patient that is presented with clinical signs of HE is guarded at best. Recommended treatment for reptile patients that are diagnosed with HE is fluid support and more specific hepatic therapeutic agents, including lactulose, silymarin, and carnitine.