Emergency care
Veterinary Triage Checklist
When a reptile arrives in crisis, a structured triage protects patient and staff. This checklist covers initial survey, stabilization, documentation, and when to escalate.
Use in:
Clinics, rescue centers, field stations.
Bring:
Gloves, towels, heat/cool packs, oxygen (if available), IV/IO/PO tools.
Primary survey (ABCD)
- Airway: Check mouth for obstructions, foreign bodies.
- Breathing: Observe rate/effort; provide oxygen if labored.
- Circulation: Color of mucous membranes/tongue, capillary refill (if possible), heart rate via Doppler.
- Disability: Mentation, neurologic signs, righting reflex.
Note species-specific normals; some reptiles tolerate slower respiration than mammals.
Stabilization basics
- Provide warmth or cooling to bring patient into normal range.
- Control hemorrhage with pressure; splint obvious fractures.
- Start fluids as indicated (IO/IV/PO), calculate based on weight and dehydration.
- Administer analgesia per protocol; pain slows recovery.
- Minimize handling; use clear tubs and towels to reduce stress.
History & documentation
Capture source (wild/captive), time of injury, environment, and any toxins/exposures. Record weight, temp, visual exam findings, and photos. Assign a unique ID and label containers. Documentation supports legal compliance and continuity of care.
Decision points
- Stable? Move to secondary exam and diagnostics (radiographs, bloodwork).
- Unstable? Continue stabilization, consider referral if resources lacking.
- Poor prognosis with suffering? Consult vet lead on humane euthanasia following guidelines.
Common presentations & tips
- Trauma (road/boat strike): Splint, pain control, broad-spectrum antibiotics, meticulous wound cleaning.
- Thermal burns: Cool water rinse, pain meds, debride cautiously, adjust enclosure heat sources.
- Respiratory signs: Raise ambient temp if hypothermic, provide oxygen, consider nebulization per vet guidance.
- Toxin exposure: Rinse, secure sample of toxin, supportive care, consult poison control if available.
- Prolapse: Keep tissue moist with sterile lube, reduce swelling (sugar/ice), vet reduction asap.
Biosecurity & safety
Use gloves, eye protection if aerosol risk; isolate contagious suspects. Clean/disinfect surfaces and tools between cases. For venomous species, use tubes/hooks and have antivenom plans separate from this checklist. Staff safety is part of triage success.
Aftercare handoff
Summarize stabilization steps, meds, and pending diagnostics for the receiving team. Set monitoring intervals (temp, resp rate, neurologic checks) and feeding hold times. Log everything in a shared system with time stamps.
Mini checklist
- ABCD done; vitals noted.
- Temp normalized; pain managed.
- Fluids started if indicated.
- ID, photos, weight, documentation complete.
- Next steps assigned (diagnostics/transfer/aftercare).
A disciplined triage flow saves lives and prevents errors, especially under pressure.
Equipment checklist
- Clear tubs, towels, gloves, eye protection.
- Stethoscope/Doppler, thermometers (surface + core), pulse oximeter if available.
- Fluid setup (IV/IO/PO), syringes, bandage materials, splints, sterile lube.
- Analgesics/antibiotics per protocol, oxygen source, nebulizer attachments.
- Label printer/markers for rapid ID and chain of custody.
Pre-packed triage kits cut response time; refresh contents monthly and after every deployment.
Communication & documentation
Assign a scribe during triage to capture times, treatments, and vitals while clinicians work. Use a standard intake form; note who found the animal, legal jurisdiction, and any chain-of-custody needs for law enforcement cases. Photograph wounds and environment if safe. Clear communication prevents duplication and keeps legal and medical records defensible.