Snake Cardiovascular System Anatomy - Reptiles Magazine

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Snake Cardiovascular System Anatomy

HomeSnakesHealth Snake Cardiovascular System Anatomy Douglas Mader, M.S., DVM, DABVP December 1, 2011 7:06 pm

Know your snake inside and out with this snake cardiovascular system anatomy overview.

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Snake Cardiovascular System

The three-chambered reptilian heart is composed of two atria, which receive blood from the lungs and body, and a large ventricle, which pumps blood into arteries. This heart is evolutionarily more basic than the mammalian four-chambered heart, but because of divisions and valves within the ventricle, the snake heart still functions as a four-chambered heart very similar to its mammalian counterparts.

Snakes and other reptiles have an interesting adaptation to their cardiovascular system that mammals lack. It is called the renal portal system. In this type of system blood from the animal’s tail passes through the kidneys first before returning to the general body circulation.

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This may be significant, especially in sick reptiles, because many of the drugs used to treat infections are eliminated from the body through the kidneys. With certain drugs injected into a reptile’s tail or rear legs, the renal portal system may cause the medication to lose some of its effectiveness. Veterinarians must understand the drugs they are using and how best to administer them.

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Health 57 Snakes 163

AUTHOR: Douglas Mader, M.S., DVM, DABVP

Douglas Mader, M.S., DVM, DABVP 's Author avatar

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