Hanteringsmetoder av reptiler på djursjukhus med hänsyn till stress och skaderisker

Abstract: It is popular to keep reptiles as pets in Swedish households. The number of households reporting reptile ownership is more than 15 000 (SCB, 2006). This means that a veterinary practice should consider how to take care of reptiles as patients. The aim of this study was to examine literature and studies concerning safe handling and restraint of reptiles as well as the effects of acute and long term stress response and to suggest a simplified plan for handling reptiles in a veterinary practice. The result of literary studies is that common recommendations for safe handling and restraint of reptiles is based on old techniques and experiences from safe handling of wild animals. The main concern is safety for the veterinary nurse and for the reptile. Stress studies indicate that acute stress response is not harmful for the animal i long term. On the other hand studies of the effect of prolonged stress are not conclusive. The reaction of an ill or wounded reptile is unpredictable. Therefore it is important to avoid any stress that is not necessary for safety reasons in the handling situation. At the end of this study there is a suggested simplified plan for handling reptiles in a veterinary practice.