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Amphibians and reptilian anatomy and physiology Flashcards

1
Q

Class reptillia- four orders

A

Crocodylia
Squamata
Chelonian
Rhyncocephalia

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2
Q

Class Amphibia - three orders:

A

Gymnophiona
Anura
Caudata

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3
Q

Metabolism of ectothermic animals

A

Reptiles and Amphibians (Herptiles) are ectothermic or “cold- blooded”
Ectothermic animals are unable to generate large amounts of body heat internally.
Body temperature depends on environmental temperature
Some large reptiles can markedly raise body temperatures by muscular contractions
Leatherback Sea Turtle (swimming)
Pythons (shiver when incubating eggs)

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4
Q

Environmental thermoregulation for amphibian and reptiles

A

Herptiles – mainly regulate body temperatures via behavior
Sunbathing, changing skin colour, coiling or uncoiling
Thermoregulation less important if living in hot environments

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5
Q

Ectothermy is

A

Related to energy conservation
Animals metabolism depends on body temperature
Allows many herptiles to survive on very small amounts of food
Depends on access to temperatures within the preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ)

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6
Q

POTZ is

A

Range of temperature in which the animal can perform all necessary metabolic functions
Critical that an ill patient’s environment is at POTZ as well as when administering medications.
Providing a heat source is very important if keeping herps as pets, especially in a colder climate like Saskatchewan

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7
Q

Why is POTZ important for administering

A

This allows proper absorption, metabolism and excretion of the medications
If not, can lead to no response to treatment, lack of healing, overdose or even death

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8
Q

Size of SQ space for reptiles

A

Limited SQ space so it is difficult to administer SQ injections

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9
Q

Dermis of reptiles

A

dense connective tissue
Blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and chromatophores (pigment-containing cells)
Chromatophores allow some lizards to change skin color and pattern
Osteoderms: bony plates within dermis of some lizards and crocodilians

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10
Q

Epidermis on reptiles

A

Epidermis- scales and scutes of reptiles are formed by epidermal folds in most reptiles. They vary in size and shape. The epidermis is keratinized
Other epidermal structures may be present
Crests, tubercles, spines, and dewlaps, keels, horns, barbles
Scale and scute (thick epidermal plates e tortoise) nomenclatures- aids in species identification and medical recording

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11
Q

Ecdysis for reptiles is

A

Shedding of the skin
Occurs with growth and in response to skin injury
Shed in pieces or in one large piece

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12
Q

Exuvia means

A

shed skin of reptiles

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13
Q

Ecdysis is controled by

A

Controlled by the thyroid gland
Cells replicate new epidermis
Enzyme containing lymph secreted between old and new epidermal layers
Skin colour dulls: spectacle opacifies
Lymph- reabsorbed prior to ecdysis
Mechanical rubbing on objects aids in shedding

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14
Q

Dysecdysis is and caused by

A

Abnormal shedding
Usually from poor husbandry
Low humidity, no objects in environment to rub against, malnutrition and dehydration
Can also be due to skin wounds, illness, dermatitis, and parasites
Fix by correcting problem and a 2 hour warm water bath
If not corrected can lead to dyspnea, dermatitis, future shed issues, and loss of toes or tail tips

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15
Q

Amphibian Integument is

A

Extremely permeable
Absorb water directly from environment
“Drink patches”: areas of increased permeability on ventral surfaces

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16
Q

Epidermis of amphibians

A

Single or few layers of keratinized cells
Aquatic amphibians - no keratinized cells
Amphibians regularly shed outer layers of epidermis and usually eat the exuvia

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17
Q

Dermis of amphibians

A

chromatophores and glands
Glands produce secretions which help protect the amphibian’s skin
little subcutaneous space in salamanders and caecilians
Anurans: looser attachments of dermis (more subcutaneous space)

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18
Q

Toxic secretions are produced where by amphibians

A

produced by some glands within dermis and epidermis
Defense mechanisms

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19
Q

Reptile nervous system

A

Depend on spinal segmental reflexes and locomotor centers for control of movement (same in amphibians)
Tongue withdrawal, jaw, pedal and tail reflexes are all present.
When monitoring depth of anesthesia in reptiles other than snakes, you can use corneal and palpebral reflexes.
In snakes, the tongue withdrawal reflex will be maintained at the surgical plane of anesthesia.

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20
Q

Reptile iris look like

A

iris made up of skeletal muscle under voluntary control
Pupillary light reflex: consensual reflexes usually not seen

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21
Q

What does lower eyelids doe for reptile

A

Lower lid usually more mobile than upper

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22
Q

What is unique about some lizards eyelids

A

Some species of lizards have thin, transparent lower lids
Allows for a degree of vision even when lids are closed

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23
Q

Nictitans are

A

well-developed, mobile in many reptiles

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24
Q

What do snake eyelids look like

A

Snakes, some lizards - no true eyelids
Clear, fused scale (spectacle)

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25
Caecilians eyes are
eyes covered with skin Eyelids absent in some aquatic species
26
Reptilian extraocular muscles
poorly developed extraocular muscles Exception - chameleons; eyes move freely and independently of one another
27
Tear film for reptiles and amphibains
between cornea and spectacle in sub- spectacular space Tears drain into mouth through nasolacrimal duct system
28
Chelonians eye ducts
no nasolacrimal ducts; tears spill over the lid margin
29
Lacrimal and harderian glands
present in most reptiles and amphibians Produce secretions that combine to form the tear film
30
Amphibian eyes
often protrude ventrally into the oral cavity when animal swallowing
31
Ossicles are
Ossicles: scleral bones present in most reptiles (except snakes and crocodilians)
32
Lens of reptilian eyes
Lens: more fluid in reptiles than mammals (more rigid in snakes)
33
Vision accomidations in some species
Chelonians - lens is squeezed through the pupil Snakes - lens moves back and forth due to pressure changes within the aqueous and vitreous humors Parietal (rudimentary) eye in some reptiles
34
Hypovitaminosis A is casued by and treatment
One of the most common diseases affecting turtles and tortoises Usually from deficient diet Treated with vitamin A (injectable or dietary supplements) Also need to treat any secondary bacterial infections, etc.
35
Some possible signs of Hypovitaminosis A:
Swollen eyelids Loss of appetite and weight Raw skin with secondary bacterial infections Nasal discharge (runny nose) Abnormal development of the eyes in embryos
36
Ears of reptiles and amphibians
Ears - both sides of head, usually caudal to eyes
37
Ears of snakes
no external ears; columella articulates with quadrate bone Allows snakes to be very sensitive to ground vibrations transmitted through the mandibles Snakes also able to hear aerial sounds
38
Aural Abscess
Middle ear infections are common in chelonians Can be secondary to hypovitaminosis A
39
Cardiovascular system location of heart
Location of the heart varies Chelonians - on midline just caudal to thoracic girdle, ventral to the lungs Most lizards - within thoracic girdle Crocodilians and some lizards - farther back in the coelomic cavity Snakes - usually at junction of the first and second third of the body length Fairly mobile within the coelomic cavity
40
Shape of heart for reptiles
Most reptiles and amphibians have a three-chambered heart with two atria and one ventricle Crocodilians have a four-chambered heart, but it is not like the mammalian or avian heart. No mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
41
Heart rate of reptiels
It is difficult to auscultate reptilian hearts. You may be able to see cardiac movement through the skin. Rate depends on species, size, temperature, activity level, and metabolic function Lizards - vasovagal reflex induces drop in heart rate, blood pressure, and a catatonic state Triggered by applying gentle pressure to both eyeballs through closed lids Lizard recovers with cessation of pressure or mild stimulation
42
Respiratoy system of reptiles
Reptiles capable of surviving long periods without breathing Respiration driven by oxygen levels in blood Lizards tend to experience severe respiratory depression while under anesthetics, so it is important to administer positive pressure ventilation (two to four respirations per minute)
43
What does the glottis look like in reptiels
Glottis of most amphibians and reptiles: rostral portion of oral cavity Glottis very mobile in snakes; protrudes from mouth to allow respiration during ingestion of prey Paired arytenoid cartilages: border glottal opening; open during respiration The visible glottis makes it easy to pass an endotracheal tube for anesthesia and to avoid the trachea when passing a stomach tube for force feeding.
44
Vocalization of reptiles
No vocal cords Only vocalizations possible are hissing, grunting, bellowing Frogs and toads - vocal sacs arise from trachea Glottal keel present in some species of snakes Increases volume of vocalizations (makes intubation difficult)
45
How do reptiles breath
No true diaphragms Action of intercostal muscles and parts of axial musculature used for respiration So do not restrain them too tightly!
46
Amphibian respiratory system
Simple saclike lungs Some salamanders have no lungs Cutaneous respiration Pulmonary ventilation results from pumping of buccal cavity and pharynx Gas exchange can also occur across mucous membranes of buccal cavity, pharynx, and cloaca Gills may also be present, particularly in young amphibians
47
Feeding strategies for reptiles
Reptiles can be carnivorous, omnivorous or herbivorous Snakes, crocodilians, and adult amphibians are strict carnivores Some diets are very specialized
48
Oral cavity of snakes and lizards
deeply forked tongues Function as particle delivery system for vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) organ (accessory olfactory organ) Allow for detection of particle gradients
49
Oral cavity of chameleons
specialized projectile tongues designed for capturing prey from long distances Sticky end which the prey items stick to
50
Oral cavity of turtles and tortises
typically thick, fleshy, relatively immobile tongues
51
Oral cavity of crocodilians
mmobile tongue attached to intermandibular space Muscular flaps from base of tongue and dorsal pharynx allow for opening of mouth while submerged without ingesting or inhaling water
52
Amphibian oral cavity
Tongue used to capture prey (most amphibians) Anurans, most terrestrial salamanders: tongue is flipped to prehend food (lingual flipping)
53
Salivary galnds of reptiles
Numerous salivary glands Venom glands (some snakes, lizards) - modified salivary gland
54
Dentition of turtles and tortoises
Turtles and tortoises No teeth Tomia (keratinized beaks)
55
Dentition of snakes
Snakes have 6 rows of teeth: two mandibular, two maxillary, two on palantine/pterygoid bones Snakes without venomous fangs are called Aglyphous snakes
56
Caecilians and salamanders dentition
both maxillary and mandibular teeth Palatal teeth in some species
57
Dentition of amphibians
most have teeth
58
Odontoid process:
cutting plates on rostral mandibles of some frogs
59
Esophagus of reptiles
thin and distensible Unique morphology reflects type of prey
60
Esophagus of amphibians
Amphibian esophagus very short and wide, especially in anurans
61
Reptile stomach
- variable size and shape Snakes - highly distensible Crocodilians - thick muscle comparable to avian gizzard
62
Amphibian stomach
anurans capable of prolapsing stomach through the mouth Used for emptying the stomach if they ingest something undesirable Gastric prolapse is a terminal event in dying animals Can be seen with some methods of anesthesia
63
Foreign bodies with amphibians and reptiles
Just like dogs and cats, reptiles and amphibians are known to consume objects that they shouldn’t. Foreign body consumption and the associated gastrointestinal upsets are just as common in these animals as in our warm-blooded patients.
64
Reptilian Intestinal Tract
Varies according to diet Herbivores - longer intestinal tracts than carnivores Snakes - relatively straight intestinal tracts Colon - large and complex in herbivores Hindgut fermentation for digestion Cecae - site of hindgut fermentation in herbivorous lizards and chelonians Liver - usually large and bi-lobed
65
Cloaca is
Common outflow tract for GI and urogenital tracts (all reptiles and amphibians)
66
Reptile Kidney
Reptiles, like birds, have a renal portal system arising from the veins of the pelvic limbs and tail. Avoid administering injections in the caudal half of the reptile.
67
Amphibian Kidney
Some amphibians excrete ammonia as a nitrogenous waste product; others excrete urea, some excrete uric acid No ability to concentrate urine Urinary bladders and cloacal anatomy similar to reptiles
68
Reptile Reproductive System of males
Males have internal testes located in dorsal coelomic cavity Ductus deferens leads from testes to dorsal wall of the urodeum They possess a copulatory organ such as a phallus or paired hemipenes. Most also have a sexual portion to the kidney tubules Develops in response to high levels of circulating sex hormones and provides secretions that contribute to the seminal fluid Copulatory organs vary in structure Crocodilians and chelonians - phallus of erectile tissue rising from floor of cloaca Snakes and lizards - paired hemipenes everted from the tail base through the vent
69
Female reproduction system or reptiles
Females - paired ovaries in dorsal coelomic cavity Paired oviducts lead to cloaca and end at genital papillae in dorsal wall of the urodeum
70
Reptile Reproductive Cycle
In viviparous species, fetuses are retained and nourished in uterine portion of oviduct Oviposition - many reptiles dig nests to lay eggs Without suitable nesting material, female may experience dystocia Chelonians and lizard species may excavate deep holes to deposit eggs
71
What do reptiles do after birth
After oviposition or parturition, reptiles not involved with care of eggs or offspring Exceptions - crocodilians protect their nests and young for a period of time following hatching Pythons and cobras - protect their nests until hatching
72
Egg incubation of reptile eggs
Development and hatching requires proper temperature, humidity, and gas composition of nest Incubation time and temperature varies Reptile eggs should not be rotated during incubation
73
Sex Determination in Reptiles
Determined by genotype or temperature at which eggs are incubated Sex chromosomes: Females are heterozygous (ZW) and males are homozygous (ZZ) Some species do not have sex chromosomes Higher incubation temperatures produce males in crocodilians and lizards Opposite occurs in chelonians Temperature range within the nest allows for production of a mixed clutch of hatchlings
74
Secondary Sex Characteristics of reptiles
Snakes - no real sexual dimorphism In some species, pelvic spurs can be larger in males Pelvic spurs: remnants of pelvic limbs; provide tactile stimulation to females Male chelonians may have concave plastron and more distally located vent Allows closer apposition of the cloacas when the male mounts the female Some lizards show obvious dimorphism Example: the male Jackson’s chameleon has three well-developed horns on its face
75
Sexual dimorphism in some species of amphibaisn
Poison dart frog males have enlarged toe pads Large tympanic membranes in some male anurans Prominent cloacal glands in male salamanders
76
Amphibian Reproduction
Paired gonads in dorsocaudal coelomic cavity Most caecilians (serpentine amphibians) are viviparous Most anurans and salamanders are oviparous Amplexus - Male frogs and toads fertilize eggs as they are laid while grasping the female Spermatophores - packets of sperm deposited onto substrate by male salamanders Picked up by the female salamander’s cloaca Spermatotheca - pocket in cloaca of female salamanders where sperm can be stored
77
What do amphibains do after laying eggs
Eggs are usually deposited in or near water Some parental care of eggs and/or young in anurans and most salamanders Larval anurans (tadpoles) have completely aquatic lives prior to metamorphosis Tadpole metamorphosis- usually complete within 90 days Metamorphosis by thyroid hormones
78
Reptile Musculoskeletal System
Snake skulls -extremely mobile Mandibular symphysis is connected by ligaments that allow jaws to move independently of each other
79
Tail anatomy or reptiles
Tail autonomy - defensive mechanism Some lizards and salamanders Discarded tail usually continues to wiggle and distract predator The species capable of tail autonomy have “fracture planes” along which tails break Little to no blood loss Lost tail can regenerate; regenerated tail stiff and cartilaginous
80
Metabolic Bone Disease is
Caused by an imbalance of calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin D3 Proper diet, temperature and lighting will prevent MBD Symptoms include swollen mandible, curvature of the tail and possibly the spine and decreased bone density on radiographs.
81
How to restrain a snake
control the head Grasp just behind the head, then support the rest of the body with your other hand/arm; or allow body to rest on the same arm so one hand is free Must support at least 2 points
82
How to restrain a lizard
depends on the type of lizard Support the body and give something for feet to rest on
83
How to restrain a iguana
Iguanas – very large tails that can thrash (wear long sleeves); may bite; very fast
84
How to restrain a geckos
may lose their tail if handled roughly (avoid handling tail if possible) Always warn owners of this possibility prior to handling/blood collection
85
How to restrain a chelonians
support the shell May bite Can use a block in front of face to keep their heads retracted into shell (ie. Tongue depressor)
86
Where to collect blood from a snake
Cardiocentesis (only if anesthetized) Tail vein
87
Where to take a lizards blood
tail vein
88
Where to take chelonians blood
jugular vein
89
Reptile Radiographs goal
Goal is similar views as for mammals for most reptiles At least one lateral and a VD/DV Often easier said than done Sometimes, you have to get creative Very helpful to have a mobile X-ray tube Can use dental x-ray for very small reptiles (tiny lizards, pediatrics, etc.) Often, anesthesia (or at very least sedation) may be required
90
Radiograph for a snake
Can manually hold the section you want to X-ray “Snake in a box” can give a nice whole-body DV view
91
How to xray a chelonian
Extra view required “Craniocaudal view” as well as lateral and DV From head to tail
92
Chambers of the cloaca
Three chambers: coprodeum, urodeum and proctodeum
93
What are crocodylia
aligators and crocodiles
94
What are squamata
Snakes and lizards
95
What are chelonians
Turtles and tortoises
96
What are Rhyncocephalia
tuataras
97
What are gymnophiona
Caecillians Worm/snake like amphibian
98
What are anura
frog and toads
99
What are caudata
salamanders and newts
100

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