Capsule Reports

Nine inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were used in a randomized blinded placebo-controlled complete crossover design study. All animals were deemed healthy on physical examination, complete blood count, and blood chemistry evaluation. The animals were housed in glass aquaria at 25-278C (77–80.68F) with a basking spot of 348C (93.28F) and UVB light provided for 12 hours daily. Animals were experimentally dehydrated by administering 10 mg/kg furosemide subcutaneously every 12 h for 4 doses along with withholding water, food, and soaking for 48 h prior to administering fluids. An isotonic electrolyte solution was used as a control solution. 2.5% dextrose in the same isotonic electrolyte solution was administered either subcutaneously or intracoelomically as test solutions. Animals were sedated with 15 mg/kg alfaxalone subcutaneously in the axillary region prior to the trial. 20 ml/kg of each fluid was administered as described above for each trial with a 2-week washout period between trials. Blood was collected from the caudal tail vein prior to fluid administration and at time points 5, 15, 30, 60, and 240 minutes after fluid administration. Subcutaneous fluids were given in the laterodorsal region immediately caudal to the forelimb. Blood glucose was measured using whole blood. Intracoelomic fluids were given immediately lateral to midline with the animal in dorsal recumbency and with direct ultrasound guidance to avoid iatrogenic injury to coelomic structures. Mean baseline blood glucose was 143 mg/dL. The control fluid solution did not result in a change in blood glucose concentration. 2.5% dextrose solutions resulted in an increase in blood glucose concentrations by 60-100 mg/dL for both the intracoelomic group and the subcutaneous group. The intracoelomic group showed a more rapid increase in blood glucose concentration during the first 60 min when compared to the subcutaneous group, but by 60 min, no statistical difference was appreciated.