SIT DOWN WITH US, INTERVIEWING DR NIKITA SALIAN

A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

An interview by Ishaan Acharya (IVSA WEAN Chair) and Vrinda Borkar

Meet Dr. Nikita Salian is a zoo veterinarian, who has extensive experience with reptiles. After graduating, she started her wildlife career in a zoo in 2015. Here, she got a large amount of exposure with a variety of species, especially with her favourite reptilian species. She has been working with wildlife ever since, and currently works as a reptile veterinarian at a zoo, dealing with critical cases, surgeries and general management of wildlife. She gives us a great overview about reptile medicine and management, sharing critical details about the differences in reptilian, mammalian and avian medicine, and also tells us about some interesting cases she has dealt with. She dives deeper into crocodilians, since they are her favourite species to work with. Join us to know more about her journey, challenges she faced, the intricacies of being a reptile vet, and some advice for those wishing to emulate her achievements. 

Dr. Nikita Salian wildlife veterinarian

Q1. You worked in zoo and now working in a rescue centre. What are the key differences in handling reptiles in a zoo and in a rescue centre?

"While I was working in Bangalore, I was involved with a zoo, a rescue centre, and a safari. A zoo primarily functions to display animals for educational purposes, conservation, and breeding. The animals in zoos are usually born in captivity or transferred from other zoos, so they are somewhat accustomed to human presence. As a result, their stress response to humans is significantly reduced, since they encounter people on a daily basis. Zoos are open to the public and aim so that they can appreciate wildlife, potentially encouraging conservation efforts in the future. In contrast, a rescue centre deals with animals that have come from traumatic or conflict situations. According to Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, these centres are not open to the public for viewing, as their primary goal is rehabilitation rather than display. Many large rescue centres house big cats, such as lions and tigers, rescued from circuses or other exploitative environments. These animals often have negative associations with humans, having been subjected to fear and forced to perform unnatural behaviors. The scientific approach and care protocols in zoos and rescue centres are therefore quite different. In zoos, animals are generally healthier, and routine procedures like vaccinations, deworming, and blood tests are common. However, in rescue centres, animals usually arrive with no medical history. They may suffer from fractures, dental problems, or renal issues, and often there is no record of previous vaccinations or treatments. This is where diagnostics play a crucial role. For example, in a zoo, a tiger that is habitual to the squeeze cage, may not be happy but is familiar with the process, so basic tests like blood sampling can be done with minimal stress. On the other hand, a tiger at a rescue centre, unfamiliar with such procedures, is likely to panic. In these situations, we usually sedate the animal and conduct a full-body check-up to assess its condition thoroughly. While both zoos and rescue centres play important roles in animal welfare, their objectives,  management strategies, and medical approaches differ significantly."

Working in zoo

Q2. What are some of the most interesting reptile cases you have worked on?

"When I was working with the zoos of Karnataka, I encountered several fascinating cases that deepened my interest in the clinical aspects and husbandry of reptiles. These experiences really helped me recognize my ability to handle both the medical and management sides of reptile medicine. I came across common yet critical cases like metabolic bone disease in baby tortoises or respiratory distress in rescued hatchlings. Given the extent of the illegal pet trade, many baby reptiles that end up in zoos are rescues. In such cases, your first response shouldn’t be antibiotics or steroids. Instead, emphasis should be on proper husbandry, basic physiology, and overall management. This basic approach often makes a huge difference. One of my favorite cases was the rescue of a large Marsh Crocodile. Marsh crocodiles are surprisingly social animals, though they can be quite aggressive—especially during the grunt season, which typically starts from winter to early March. This crocodile had a maxillary fracture. It was a clean break, which explained his inappetence. Now, crocodiles not eating isn’t necessarily alarming because they’re usually fed just once a week. However, he was clearly in a lot of pain, so we needed to intervene. Pain management in reptiles—especially crocodiles—isn’t as simple as it is in small animals. We had to capture him once and treated the fracture using “dental cement”, which we set using ultraviolet light. Interestingly, crocodilian skulls are highly vascularized, and because of that, the healing was excellent. He recovered beautifully and is thriving now. Another interesting case at the Bangalore zoo, where we had a 15 kg Rock Python come in with egg binding and associated peritonitis. It was the breeding season, so we were expecting egg laying. Snakes typically don’t eat during ovulation or right before laying, so initial fasting wasn’t a concern—until she began showing signs of straining without any eggs being laid, and her condition started deteriorating. We took radiographs and found one egg tilted in the oviduct, along with fluid accumulation around the eggs. She had popped few eggs, which led to complications. Since conservative management and antibiotic therapy wouldn’t have been sufficient, we operated on her. She was anesthetized using a combination of medetomidine, midazolam, and ketamine, and kept on a ventilator to manage her vitals. We approached the surgery ventrolaterally—carefully, because there is a major vessel running along the lateral line, hence required blunt dissection to avoid complications. We removed about 15 eggs in total, including remnants of the broken ones. The cavity was thoroughly flushed, and we sutured her up. Post-operatively, we administered antibiotics every 72 hours along with appropriate pain management. Both cases were not only rewarding but also reaffirmed how crucial it is to understand the species-specific physiology and management needs in reptile medicine."

Q3. What inspired you to specialize in reptile medicine?

"I have always had a passion for reptiles. It might sound a bit silly, but as a child, I used to dream of working with dinosaurs. However, my father explained to me that I could actually work with living creatures, which felt amazing. Reptile medicine has been growing for the past four decades, though in India, it has only been around for 7-8 years. With the increasing demand of exotic animals as a pet, reptile medicine is gaining attention, and its practice is expanding. Literally, it was once an unheard-of field, but now it’s something you can actually study, with many universities offering specialized courses. As knowledge continues to grow, veterinarians across the globe are handling cases they have never seen before—cases that might not even have been described in any research papers. This is one of the things I love most about reptile medicine: it is still evolving and growing, and as a veterinarian, you get to learn something new every day. "

Q4. What are the emergency protocols in reptiles that may not be conventionally applicable in usual cases?

"In reptiles, a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential. Take, for example, water chelonians, some species have larger lung volumes, no diaphragm, and minimally traumatic intercostal muscles. Their ability to hold their breath for extended periods can interfere with the assessment of apnoea or anaesthesia depth. Species like iguanas, geckos, and lizards are prone to tail autotomy. Surgically closing the site may prevent tail regrowth, but if left open and improperly managed, it may result in maggot infestations. Temperament also varies among species; some are more cooperative than others. Being ectothermic, reptiles rely heavily on external temperatures, making thermal support vital during handling, treatment, or hospitalization. Proper temperature management enhances both feed metabolism and drug efficacy. In emergencies, the ABC protocol—Airway, Breathing, and Circulation must be followed. Except for crocodiles, all reptiles lack a diaphragm. Therefore, in cases of collapse, apnoea sets in quickly, necessitating immediate intubation and positive-pressure ventilation (PPV). However, excessive PPV can cause lung collapse due to the presence of air sacs in most species. Intubation techniques vary: from using a catheter for geckos to size 14 or 15 tubes for crocodiles. Hence, preparedness for airway management across sizes is crucial. Circulatory support is equally important. While intravenous bolus therapy is ideal, locating veins in reptiles takes practice. Although the subcutaneous route is acceptable, a patent IV line is preferable in emergencies. Anaesthesia in reptiles is particularly fascinating. Ectothermy plays a vital role. Body temperature significantly affects drug metabolism. Continuous monitoring using a Doppler is essential, as heart rates vary widely across species. For instance, a normal gecko heart rate may appear tachycardic, while a snake's may seem bradycardic. Positive-pressure ventilation is recommended during general anaesthesia due to muscle relaxation and progressive respiratory compromise. Surgical anatomy also varies. In geckos and lizards, organ identification is relatively straightforward. However, in snakes, organs are elongated and elliptical. For example, pythons possess a rudimentary right lung and a long left lung, while in some cobras, the right lung may be absent. Additionally, snakes have four major vessels running along the body, often used for blood sampling, but they require careful navigation during surgery. Ventrolateral approaches, just below the ribs are ideal, depending on the targeted region. As with other reptiles, snakes lack a diaphragm and have a single coelomic cavity. Fluid therapy is crucial in managing hypovolaemia. Establishing an intravenous or intraosseous line is highly beneficial wherever possible. Reptile medicine requires a species-specific and physiology-based approach. From handling and anaesthesia to emergency response and surgery, understanding the unique adaptations of each species ensures accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and better outcomes. Preparation, precision, and respect for their ectothermic nature are key to successful reptile care."

Q5. Because of habitat loss and poaching and invasion, lot of native species are suffering. What steps can be taken in zoos for ex situ conservation, how breeding of these species regulated?

"Since we are exclusively talking about reptiles, it's important to note that in India, many species remain undescribed. Even today, new species continue to be identified. One of the biggest threats to our native reptile populations is illegal trade. People often capture and sell them for various reasons, primarily for monetary gain. Reptiles are far less studied compared to mammals. Therefore, it is essential to assess their current populations, conduct regular censuses, and develop national management plans for both in situ and ex situ conservation. A structured and well-researched conservation strategy is urgently needed. The issue is compounded by the fact that only commonly studied species receive attention, while many others remain neglected. When it comes to exotic reptiles, it’s acceptable to keep them as pets—provided that owners are capable of offering proper care and act responsibly. However, exotic species can become invasive if released into the wild. A simple example is the red-eared slider, which has become a serious threat in India. Many people abandon them in local lakes, where they outcompete native species, such as our catfish. Reptile conservation in India demands urgent attention. With many species still undescribed and a growing threat from trade and invasive exotics, there's a critical need for better research, public awareness, and policy-driven management. Conservation must be proactive and responsible ownership should be encouraged, as both are vital for preserving our native reptilian biodiversity"

Q6. Since you are quite familiar to several places related to wildlife and reptiles , so what kind of resources and internships would you recommend for students?

"So since the exotic medicine, especially reptile practice is not very much appreciated in our country so there is not much specific places where you will conventionally learn about the medicine/surgery related to them in hands. 

But you can definitely request the vets in your city who practice exotic medicine to allow you shadow.

Another interesting thing you can try in UG, smallest of the small trials you can conduct like we used to go during Nag Panchami to snake keepers and take samples from their snakes , send them to your respective departments in your university and prepare a paper on maybe the smallest number of samples.

Indian journals are willing to publish them , you should not be skeptical about only publishing in well established international journals only 

You can email people who are already doing "Reptile Medicine" for case reports since it is more of practical self learning 

Like you can utilize your vacations to visit zoos and start asking and watching how the animals there are treated,  fed and all other necessary maintainance taken care of.

For books you can follow the gold standard Reptile Medicine and Surgery by Douglas R. Mader which will give you insights of all baseline data and diagnostic processes.

Then taking up case studies to update yourself to treatment methodology and techniques on specific topics"

Q7. Any Advice for upcoming generation of aspiring wildlife/ reptile Vets?

"You should never consider yourself to be too big or too small for any work. You should be willing to do every sort of work if you decide to work in the field or in the clinic. For example you shouldn't hesitate to pick up a fecal sample and look under the microscope, I can assure among 10 samples you will definitely find at least 1 with infestation.

You should reach out to people  , they will be happy to help. This field is constantly updating , people are constantly learning. Learn Necropsy on exotic animal bodies if you get a chance , spend a lot of time with it , refer to textbooks , never loose the interest to update and learn. Always be ready to learn and  especially for Women you should remember it is never going to be easy , people might judge you in various ways , but you should know you should keep working, no one should be able to put you down.

It has not been easy for me too in 2015 and still now after 10 years it isn't.

Keep working hard and you will get through."

A blog by International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA), India Magazine team in collaboration with International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA) Wild and Exotic Animal Network (WEAN)

An interview by Ishaan Acharya (IVSA WEAN Chair) and Vrinda Borkar

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