2_Reptiles: History & PE

Question 1

How would you distinguish grossly between male & female tortoises?

Answer 1

The ventrum of female tortoises is flat while male tortoises have a concavity to their ventrum in order to aid in mounting of females.

Question 2

What two significant characteristics of male iguana appearances that help distinguish them from females?

Answer 2

Adult male iguana have large jowls & fat pockets behind the head.

Question 3

T/F: The physical exam of all reptiles should begin with a ‘hands off’ approach in which you observe the animal inside its carrier.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

T/F: A 9 foot snake requires at least 3 people for proper restraint.

Answer 4

True.
The body of a snake should be supported by a hand every three feet. For example, a 5-6 foot snake requires minimum 2 handlers.

Question 5

Describe proper restraint for crocodilians.

Answer 5

Tape mouth shut + hold at tail base.

Question 6

When restraining chelonians, doing what can aid in protection of both handler and animal, while also having a calming affect on the patient?

Answer 6

Covering the head

Question 7

Serial weights of a patient is a good indicator of what?

Answer 7

Hydration status.

Question 8

This order of reptilians is considered to have a ‘pseudo-diaphram’ while all other reptiles do not have a diaphragm.

Answer 8

Crocodilians.

Question 9

T/F: Reptiles have complete tracheal rings similar to birds.

Answer 9

False

Crocodilians & Chelonians = complete tracheal rings

Snakes & Lizards = incomplete tracheal rings

Question 10

T/F: Most snakes have a single lung.

Answer 10

True.

Question 11

Which reptilian order does not have a three chambered heart?

Answer 11

Crocodilians

Question 12

T/F: Reptiles have consensual PLRs

Answer 12

False.

The reptilian iris has skeletal muscle components & has no consensual PLR

Question 13

What is the “Jacob’s Organ?”

Answer 13

A vomeronasal organ that opens directly into the mouth. The tongue of the snake is inserted into the organ when the mouth is closed.

Question 14

This is the deepest layer of the epidermis of reptiles & undergoes mitosis to form the intermediate zone. What is this layer called?

Answer 14

Stratum germinativium

Question 15

What is the outer most & highly keratinized later of the epidermis?

Answer 15

Stratum corneum

Question 16

How often do crocodilians & chelonians shed their skin?

Answer 16

Continuously.

Question 17

T/F: Snakes and chelonians do not have a sternum.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Generally, what volume of blood can be drawn from reptiles safely?

Answer 18

0.5 mL/100 g body weight

Question 19

If you have an 800 gram (healthy) reptilian patient, how much blood can you draw form it safely?

Answer 19

4 mL

Question 20

This anticoagulant should be avoided because it is known to cause RBC lysis in chelonians.

Answer 20

EDTA

Lithium & Sodium Heparin are acceptable anticoagulants for use in reptiles.

Question 21

T/F: The caudal tail vein is an acceptable venipuncture site for snakes, lizards and crocodilians.

Answer 21

True.