Reptile Coeliotomy: a Vital Technique to Master

INTRODUCTION In general, performing surgery on a reptile patient should be approached with the same principles as those used for domestic animals. However, there are some specific anatomical considerations, as well as unique aspects of patient preparation, positioning and equipment with which the reptile clinician should be familiar. Surgical coeliotomy provides access to most of the major internal organs, and therefore is useful for a range of surgical procedures including exploration, biopsy and surgical treatments. The technique is simplest to perform in the uncompartmentalized coelom of most lizards, more difficult in snakes with diffuse fat bodies and fascial planes, and most difficult in chelonians and crocodilians due to their bony integument and/or compartmentalized coelomic cavities. The visceral organs of most reptiles are more delicate and friable than their mammalian counterparts.