CHAPTER 5 - AMPHIBIANS

This chapter focuses on the anatomy, physiology, and medicine of amphibians. Amphibian body plans are consistent with those of other vertebrates. However, as with any exotic animal species, knowledge regarding the nuances of species variation for some anatomical and physiological traits can be helpful when developing a diagnostic or treatment plan for an amphibian patient. Amphibians do not have distinct thoracic and abdominal cavities. Instead, they have a single coelomic cavity. A veterinarian should evaluate an amphibian patient from a distance before handling the patient. An initial “hands-off” examination can provide significant information regarding the animal's wellbeing. Items to note include respiration rate and quality, animal posture, and body position, ocular anatomy, and the presence of skin lesions. This may direct how the animal should be handled, if it is to be handled at all. Sloughing skin, large ulcers, fractures, tissue or organ prolapse, and extreme lethargy may warrant not handling the animal by traditional manual restraint methods. Body weight should be recorded at the time of physical exam. Amphibian body weight may fluctuate due to hydration status and the volume of the urine in the urinary bladder. Amphibians patients with reduced muscle mass on the extremities and over the spine suggest a chronic course of disease in them.