Study Findings Will Help Veterinarians Prescribe Pain Medication for Bearded Dragons
Veterinarians are aware of the need to manage pain in their reptile patients, but little research has been conducted on this subject. As a result, doses of pain relievers used in reptiles are arbitrary and based on subjective factors rather than scientific information. The researcher’s previous work, also funded by Morris Animal Foundation, showed that various pain relievers are effective in bearded dragons, a commonly kept pet lizard. She also determined that many drugs, particularly antibiotics, move quickly through the bloodstream of bearded dragons. This study showed how long pain relieving drugs remain in the bloodstream of bearded dragons and at what level. Veterinarians can now use this information to appropriately prescribe pain-relieving drugs to bearded dragons. Although information gained will be specific to bearded dragons, it will help all species of reptiles that need pain medication.
Posted by MAFon October 25, 2011.
Categories: Animal health, Veterinary research , Wildlife health
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