Retrospective evaluation of intravenous catheterization in client-owned lizards at a veterinary teaching hospital: 21 cases (2018-2021)

To assess the prevalence of lizards presenting to a university teaching hospital that had an IV catheter placed, the catheterization sites used, and complications arising with the placement of the catheter both in the short and long term.

Retrospective study.

University teaching hospital.

Twenty-one lizards, including inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps; 15/21), green iguanas (Iguana iguana; 4/21), and veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus; 2/21).

None.

Of 129 lizard consultations performed between September 27, 2018 and September 27, 2021, 21 catheters were placed, resulting in an overall prevalence of 16.3%. Reasons for catheter placement included hospitalization for fluid therapy (10/21 [47.6%]), anesthesia or surgery ± hospitalization (7/21 [33.3%]), computed tomography scan with contrast (2/21 [9.5%]), euthanasia only (1/21 [4.8%]), and CPR only (1/21 [4.8%]). All catheters were placed in the ventral coccygeal vein via a ventral approach. Sedation was used in 6 of 21 (28.6%) of the catheters placed. Seven of the catheters (35%) were used for administration of fluids only, 4 (20%) were used for administering drugs/medications only, and 9 (45%) catheters administered both fluids and drugs/medications. No complications were noticed in any of the lizards that had catheters placed, both in the short and long term.

Based on the retrospective evaluation of medical records at a veterinary teaching hospital, IV catheter placement in lizards is feasible, including in conscious animals, with roughly 1 consultation out of 6 resulting in a catheter placed. The most frequent reason for catheter placement was for administration of fluids.