VSPN TECH237-0822: Anesthesia for the Reptile Patient

The real time sessions for this course will be presented via Zoom webinar platform.

Presenter: Jody Nugent-Deal, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia, Clinical Practice-Exotics)
Course Open: August 1-September 8, 2022
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Mondays, August 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2022; 9:00-10:30pm ET (USA)   World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 6
RACE Category: 6 hours Medical

Enrollment is closed.  

Tuition: $132 ($119 early bird special if enrolled by July 18, 2022)
* Students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).
Prices are listed in US dollars.


Course Information:
This course will introduce credentialed veterinary technicians to both basic and advanced anesthesia techniques that can be utilized in common pet reptile species such as snakes, turtles, tortoises, and lizards. Basic anatomy and physiology, special anesthetic equipment, drug protocol selection, monitoring techniques, intravenous and intraosseous catheterization, and intubation techniques will be emphasized.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
  • Illustrate a better understanding of basic reptile anatomy and physiology
  • Discuss common anesthetic drugs used in these unique species
  • Design drug protocols in cooperation with the veterinarian based on the unique individual needs of the patient
  • Deliver and monitor inhalant anesthesia via mask and endotracheal tube
  • Operate and utilize multi-parameter monitoring equipment
  • Discuss information regarding blood pressure monitoring, ECG monitoring, ETCO2 and spirometry readings
  • Analyze case based discussions regarding monitoring these species under anesthesia
  • Discuss performing a proper physical examination in chelonians, lizards, and snakes
  • Examine venipuncture sites and techniques in these species
  • Examine blood sampling procedures
  • Demonstrate placement of intravenous and intraosseous catheters in a variety of sites
  • Describe the technique of intubating various reptilian species and apply the technique with confidence
  • Calculate and deliver analgesic drugs and maintenance fluids
Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate VSPN CE course will be open for enrollment to veterinary technicians/technologists, support staff, veterinary teams, etc. - actively interested in reptile anesthesia.

RACE Accreditation: - “This program has been approved for __6___ hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. This program is approved for veterinary technicians/technologists (#22-43769)

Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session August 8): Overview of Reptilian Anatomy and Physiology and Anesthesia Drugs
During this session, we will discuss basic reptile anatomy and physiology, discuss common anesthetic drugs used in these unique species. We will also discuss drug protocols basic on unique individual needs and how deliver anesthesia via a mask and endotracheal tube.

Week 2 (Real Time Session August 15): Equipment Selection for Anesthesia Delivery and Monitoring
We will discuss monitoring equipment and parameters and then well as case-based discussion regarding monitoring under anesthesia.

Week 3 (Real Time Session August 22): Physical Examination and Venipuncture Techniques
We will discuss how to perform and physical exam, venipuncture sites and collection techniques.

Week 4 (Real Time Session August 29): In-Depth Discussion on IV and IO Catheterization, Fluid Therapy, Intubation, and Post-operative Recovery and Nursing Care
In-Depth Discussion on IV and IO Catheterization, Fluid Therapy, Intubation, and Post-operative Recovery and Nursing Care

Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.


Enrollment is closed.  

Tuition: $132 ($119 early bird special if enrolled by July 18, 2022)
* Students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).
Prices are listed in US dollars.


* Students currently enrolled in an AVMA accredited or CVMA approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status).

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on August 8, 2022 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

Enrollment qualifications:
  1. VIN CE Courses:
    1. VIN CE courses are open to VIN member, VIN student member, and non-member veterinarians.
    2. Veterinary support staff must be VSPN members in order to enroll in a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. VSPN CE Courses:
    1. VSPN CE courses are open to veterinary support staff and veterinarians.
    2. Only VIN and VSPN members can enroll in a VSPN CE course.
    3. Veterinarians will only receive credit for those VSPN CE courses that specify in the Accreditation statement that the course is accredited for veterinarians.
  3. Please check the course Level and Prerequisites, Accreditation, and Tuition before enrolling.
  4. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses.
    1. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  5. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.


Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

VSPN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357