BAC Lab Exam Flashcards
What are Herps?
Collective term for reptile and amphibians
Why study reptiles and amphibians?
Have increased popularity as pets
Have a biology that differs significantly from mammals
Vets are not taught much about exotics in school
What are some features of an amphibian
Moist, permeable, glandular skin
Non-amniotic eggs
Ectothermic (most are heterothermic)
What are the three orders of the class amphibia, and how many species does each order have
Anura (5000+ species) frogs etc
Caudata (500 species) salamanders
Gymnophiona (<200 species) caecilians
What are some features of a reptile
Non-permeable, non-glandular skin
Amniotic eggs
Mostly oviparous
Mostly ectothermic and heterothermic
What are the four orders of reptiles and how many species do they contain
Testudines (<7000 species) snakes/lizards
Crocodilia (23 species) crocodiles
In reptiles and amphibians what are we dealing with? Species or breeds?
Species
What is thermophysiology
How body temperature is maintained
What are some advantages to ectothermy
Lower energy needs (eat less)
Tolerate cooling better (night, seasonal, brumation)
What is the disadvantage of ectothermy
Activity limited by environmental temperature
How do Herps maintain their preferred body temperature
Behavioral thermoregulation
Physiological thermoregulation
What is an integument
The covering or outside of an organism, like skin
Unique in reptiles and amphibians
What is dysecdysis
Retained eye spectacles
Constricted toes, spines, tail tips
What is dysecdysis caused by
Inadequate environmental humidity
Malnutrition and dehydration
Parasitism
What can thermoreceptive organs do:
Can “see” heat
What are boids
Labial heat pads
What are crotalines
Paired rostral heat pits
What is dropping their tails done for
Defense
What must a Herps captive environment do
Fulfill all physiological and psychological needs
Be based on natural habitat
Omit natural dangers
Be easy to access and maintain
What material should a herp enclosure be made out of
Easy to clean and disinfect
Transparent barriers can be problematic
Are cagemates a good idea for Herps?
No
What are ultraviolet A lights used for
Part of visible spectrum for many species
Identification of conspecifics and prey
What does having ultraviolet -a light do to the environment?
Increases social behaviors
Feeding
Basking
Breeding
How do you determine how much uv is needed?
Depends on: Habitat Geographical location Time of year Species activity period
What can you use to measure uv irradiance
A solar meter 6.2
Who needs UVA?
Assume diurnal species need it
What provides UVA?
UVB bulbs
Incandescents
Halogens
In the color rendering index, what is natural sunlight considered?
The best, 100
For diurnal species what is the minimum CRI they should have
80
What must be done to the water dish
Kept clean
Kept appropriately sized (drinking vs soaking/swimming)
What additives must be removed from water?
Chlorine, chloramine, fluoride
Who is most sensitive to water quality
Small reptiles and all amphibians most sensitive
What can inappropriate levels of humidity lead to?
Respiratory and or dermatological disease
What are humidity needs based on
Seasonally depending on wild habit
What are the two categories of substrate
Particulate
Non particulate
What is a particulate substrate and give an example
Made up of lots of small pieces
Ex: sand soil or gravel
What is a non particulate substrate and give an example
Made up of large pieces
Ex: paper towel, carpeting, tile
Is enrichment a necessity or an option
It’s a necessity
Herps are thigmotactic, what does that mean
They must feel the security of a hide on all sides of their body
How big should a Herps hide be?
Just large enough to enter, turn around and exit
Why is food a good enrichment for Herps
Chasing live insect prey
Stimulate foraging behaviors (hidden prey)
What are some good reasons to keep Herps as pets?
Hypo allergic companion animals
May be better suited to your lifestyle
Captive breeding efforts
Hands off display pets
How do you select a species of herp to keep as a pet?
Based on: Adult size Space requirements Diet Hardiness Personality and behavior
What non particulate substrates are good
Paper towel, butcher paper, newspaper
Why are non particulate substrates like paper towel good for animals
Easy observations of stool and urine production
Prey cannot hide easily
What can you do when you find out an animal is eating it’s substrate?
Don’t use that substrate
Feed on dish or elevated perch
Feed snakes in a feeding bin
What are the cons of having a glass aquarium with a screen top for your herps
Transparent barriers can be problematic ( face rubbing)
What are the cons of having a wood enclosure with a screen front or top for your herp
Wood is difficult to sanitize and screen is abrasive if animal rubs against it
How much uv light is transmitted through glass or plastic barriers
0%
What can uv light go through
Mesh/wire/screen
What deformities happen with uv deficiency
Skeletal deformities especially if afflicted during juvenile critical growth period
What is a heliotherm
Any heat producing bulb in a heat lamp fixture
What is a thigmotherm
Any heliospheric device placed over substrate or furniture that retains heat
What is special about the leopard gecko
Possess true eyelids
Lack of adhesive footpads
Tail enlarged with fat deposits
Crested geckos are flattened dorsoventrally
What is special about the Sudan plated lizard
Similar body to skink
Different scalation
What is the major differences between lizards and caudates
Dry scaly skin
Nails/claws
Caudates have a frog like appearance
What is special about snake lung anatomy
Many species only have left lung; right lung is reduced in size or absent
Why is it important to examine shed skin?
Can check for ecto parasites
Check for ecdysis
What is the shell of a turtle?
Living bone
What are some ownership considerations for Owning birds
Time consuming Loud/destructive Messy Require fresh food/water at all times Can be aggressive Very long lifespan
Describe living in the wild for the bird
Predators Diet (variety) Disease Climate change Habitat destruction
Describe life in captivity for a bird
Caging Behavior problems Often inappropriate diet Vet care Increased longevity Hand rearing
How do you sex a bird
DNA
Ultrasound
Color dimorphism
What are a few popular bird species
African grey Amazon Canary Cockatiel Cockatoo Finch Macaw
Describe housing of birds
Safe cage location/position Appropriate size cage Various perches Toys Hiding tents Safe cage liner
Give 4 examples of appropriate perches
Cholla wood
Rope perch
Java wood
Apple wood
Give three examples of inappropriate perches
Rock/stone perch
Sand paper covered perch
Sand paper perch
What is the basic care needed for birds
Monitor appetite, stool/urine, activity Routine weighing Monitor Molting periods Provide foraging activities and toys Training sessions Provide entertainment Regular bath
What is general grooming for birds
Nails (clipping or filing)
Daily baths
Beak (not usually required)
Wings (trimming)
What are the 3 abnormal types of bird beaks
Scissor beak
Overgrown beak
Prognathism
How do you identify birds?
Leg bands
Microchips (in chest)
What should birds be eating?
Vegetables & dark greens Sprouted beans/seeds Fruits Pellets and whole grains Nuts and seeds Animal protein
What are some toxic foods for birds
Avocado Fruit pits/seeds Ground cherries Rhubarb Fat/sugar/salt Onion/garlic Chocolate Coffee Alcohol House plants Moldy foods
What are some toxic products for birds
Metals Paint/varnish Teflon Cleaning products Cigarette smoke Air fresheners
How do you restrain birds?
Hold head and stomach/feet area
Towel
Describe a healthy bird
Perky and alert Posture Bright eyes Clean nose Glossy bright feathers Hydrated skin on feet Nails trimmed Normal stools Good appetite Cloaca
What are the signs of illness in a bird
Puffy feathers Droopy wings Closed eyes Crusty nose Hunched position At cage bottom Loss of appetite Quiet
What are some common avian diseases
Psittacosis Pbfd Polyoma virus Pacheco disease virus Proventricular dilation disease Aspergillosis Candidiasis
What is a common problem with birds feet
Bumble foot
What is a common problem with the feathers of a bird?
Feather cysts
Broken blood feathers
What’s a common problem associated with a bird giving birth
Egg binding
What’s a common skin problem in birds
Mites
What a common problem with feeding a bird too much
Obesity
Fatty liver disease
What’s a common problem with birds bones
Fractured
What are some behavioral issues of birds
Screaming Biting Aggression Destruction Over preening Plucking Mutiliation
What is a normal mouth like
Good occlusion
All teeth present
Healthy gums
No foul smell
What is the canine adult dental formula
Incisiors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 4/4 molars 2/3
How many teeth does an adult canine have
42
What is the dental formula of an adult feline
Incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 3/2 and molars 1/1
How many teeth does an adult feline have
30
Teeth problems are the most frequent health problem in pets older than ___ years
6
___-____% of pets examined have some sort of periodontal disease
80-85
What does periodontal disease cause
Systematic problems as well as local ones
Why do dental problems typically lead to euthanasia
Because it is expensive to get appropriate dental treatment
What kind of home care can an owner be doing to take care of their pets teeth
Owner exam + odor Food Brushing Water additives Toys
What can a vet/tech do to take care of a pets teeth
Special products
Dental cleaning
Prevention programs
What are the clinical signs of periodontal disease
Halitosis Gingivitis Plaque Pus Loss of teeth Pain
What is the progression of periodontal disease
Plaque Gingivitis Tartar Inflammation Gum destroyed Tooth loss
What are some differences between pediatric animals and adult animals
Anatomy and physiology/immunity Nutrition Activity Behavior/temperament Medical care
What happens at 2-3 days in pediatric development
Umbilical cord dries and falls off
What happens at 5-14 days in pediatric development
Eyelids open
What happens at 6-14 days in pediatric development
External ear canals open
What Happens at 7-14 days in pediatric development
Capable of crawling
What happens at 14-21 days in pediatric development
Walking, urinating and defecating spontaneously
What happens at 8 weeks in pediatric development
Renal function nears that of an adult
What happens in 4-5 months in pediatric development
Hepatic function nears that of an adult
In puppies , when does the incisors erupt from skin
2-3 weeks
In puppies when does the canines erupt from the skin
3-4 weeks
In puppies when do the premolars erupt from the skin
3-6 weeks
At 12-16 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
The adult incisors come in
At 16-20 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
The adult canines come in
At 16-24 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
Adult premolars come in
At 14-20 weeks what happens to a dogs teeth
The adult molars come in
In a kitten when do the incisors erupt from the skin
3-4 weeks
In a kitten when do the canines erupt from the skin
3 weeks
In a kitten when do the pre molars erupt from the skin
4-12 weeks
In a cat what happens to their teeth at 12-16 weeks
Adult incisors come in
In a cat what happens to their teeth at 16-24 weeks
Adult canines come in
Adult premolars come in
In a cat what happens to their teeth at 20-28 weeks
Adult molars come In
When do puppies and kittens stop sleeping together
5-6 weeks of age
How do neonates urinate/defecate
Mother stimulates them
When does the puppy/kitten receive colostrum
Within 2-3 hours up to 24hrs
In the first week how many times does a neonate recieve milk
4-6 times a day
In the second week how many times does a neonate receive milk per day
3 times a day
When is solid food introduced to neonates
3-4 weeks of age
When is a neonate completely weaned off of milk
6-8 weeks
Why is handling neonates often good
Stimulates development and sociability
When is the imprinting period
First 4 months
When is the fear period
8-12 weeks
What is the normal rectal temperature of a neonate in the first week
35.6 approx
What is the rectal temperature of a neonate in the second week
37.0-38.2
When does the temperature of a neonate hit adult levels
7 weeks
What is the normal heart rate in the first week of life
220bpm
What is the respiratory rate in the first week of life
10-35 breaths per minute
When does the respiratory rate hit adult level in neonates
4 weeks
What are three things to remember about pediatrics and why do they occur
- Hypothermia: greater surface area and less fat
- Hypoglycemia: high energy requirement and small stomach
- Immature hepatic and renal function: May react unpredictably to drugs
What are common neonatal diseases
Trauma and maternal neglect Hypothermia Dehydration Infectious diseases Septicemia Swimmers Hypoglycemia
