Amphibian emergency medicine and care

Amphibians are being kept in increasing numbers as pets and in zoological and research collections. As we learn more about the diseases that affect these animals, our knowledge of emergency medicine has grown. When faced with an amphibian emergency, the rapid collection of a history, appropriate selection and execution of diagnostics, and immediate administration of critical care will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Common emergency presentations of amphibians also will be reviewed, including red-leg syndrome, edema, emaciation, gastrointestinal obstruction and prolapse, neurological disease, and trauma. Copyright 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.