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New Method for Measuring Pulse Rates in Reptiles
Measuring heart rates in reptiles can be a challenging task due to their unique anatomy and behaviors. Traditional tools like stethoscopes often fall short as the scales of reptiles interfere with sound transmission. Furthermore, many reptiles instinctively hide their hearts behind their limbs when frightened, making assessment difficult.
Researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine have developed a method to reliably measure pulse rates in various reptile species at an accessible location on the back of the head. This pulse rate has been found to correlate closely with heart rates in healthy reptiles. The technique employs an ultrasonic Doppler flow detector, a standard piece of equipment in most veterinary practices.
While the method for determining a python’s heart rate has been known for some time, an established technique for measuring pulse rate had not previously been documented. According to Dr. Nicola Di Girolamo, an associate professor of exotic animal medicine, “The ability to assess pulse rate enhances the overall cardiovascular evaluation of these animals.” Their research on ball pythons has been published in the journal Veterinary Record under the title, “Temporoorbital Pulse Rate Can Be Obtained in Ball Pythons (Python regius) of Any Size and Age and Agrees With Heart Rate,” dated September 4.
The discovery was sparked by a case involving a sick bearded dragon suffering from an aneurysm, which enlarged the temporoorbital artery. Dr. Di Girolamo explained, “When we placed the Doppler on the area, we could hear the pulse clearly. Initially, we thought this might be unique to this particular case because of the distended vessel. However, further investigations revealed that other healthy reptiles also exhibited a pulse in that location.”
This localized pulse measurement technique was subsequently observed in a variety of reptile species, including leopard geckos, turtles, tortoises, and other snakes. “What began with the bearded dragon led to the realization that this is a viable measurement technique for multiple reptile types,” he noted.
During the study, the team employed a standard veterinary ultrasonic Doppler flow detector to measure both pulse and heart rates in 40 healthy ball pythons of different ages and sizes. They found that both the median pulse rate and heart rate were approximately 60 beats per minute, with only a 1.2-beat mean difference between the two measurements. When assessed simultaneously, pulse rate and heart rate were found to be in sync.
In addition to advancing veterinary practices, Dr. Di Girolamo observed a growing trend among pet reptile owners toward pursuing advanced medical care for their animals. This innovative method not only enhances monitoring during anesthesia but also offers a less invasive option for examining reptiles that may be stressed or defensive. “This approach can reduce stress for the animals during examinations,” he remarked.
More information: Mio Ito et al, Temporoorbital pulse rate can be obtained in ball pythons (Python regius) of any size and age and agrees with heart rate, Veterinary Record (2024). DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4596
Citation: Researchers find a place to take a python’s pulse (2024, September 5) retrieved September 5, 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-python-pulse.html
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phys.org