Exam 3 Flashcards
Rabbits Medicine Part A
European Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus - Domestic rabbit
Hare: genus Lepus sp. Longer ear, larger foot, precocial young (have hair when born)
Rabbit: Oryctolagus sp. altricial young (no hair when born)
Neonates: kit, kittens = rabbit
Leveret = hare
Describe the characteristics of the rabbit, compare to the rodents based on skull morphology and any distinguishing characteristics
Rabbits
-Elodont & Hypselodont: only one set of teeth throughout their lives, incisors and molars continuous growth
-Hypsodont: no anatomical root, continually growing
Dental formula
Explain the origins of the common rabbit maintained as pets
Describe restraint techniques used for handling pet rabbits
If incorrectly restrained they can become paraplegic on the back legs bc hyperextended
Describe and compare the landmarks for sex identification in the rabbit
Buck
Doe
-Multiple cervices (3)
-Duplex Uterus
-Gestation 30-32 days
List the signs and techniques for treatment of dental malocclusion in rabbits
Malocclusion of the incisor teeth is the most common clinical presentation of dental disease
-Buccal spurs
-Lingual spurs
-Molar erosion
Describe gastrointestinal disease and treatment in the rabbit
GI physiology
-Hindgut fermentors
-Hard pellets vs. Cecotrophs
-Cecotrophs: provide protein, vitamins.
Grass Hay
-Fiber particle length
-Mechanoreceptors stimulate cecum & proximal colon
Water
-Separates fiber layers
-Ferment ingesta
Symbiotic bacterial flora, commensal yeasts
Diseases
- Functional Ileus
-Acute GI stasis
-Ddx: anorexia and/or lack of feces for >8-12 hrs is extensive
-C/S: stomach distended with ingesta, gas present in intestines and cecum
Tx
-Rehydrate SQ, electrolyte
-Analgesia Buprenorphine or meloxicam
-Critical care feeding
-Cerenia, gastric protection
-Exercise when recovering
(Separate from other species due to stress induced)
Motility agents
-Maropitant and lidocaine CRI
-Fiber particle stimulation in hindgut
Non-enteric Disease Causes
-Liver torsions: ALT, ALP, AST
-Mechanical obstruction: TRICHOBEZOAR
Mechanical Obstruction
-Radiographs not always conclusive
-Stomach fluid filled
-Hyperglycemia
-Cecum and descending colon not gas distended
Mucoid Enteritis
-Unknown cause
-Bacterial dysbiosis and hyperacidity
-Antibiotic induced dysbiosis
Bacterial Enteritis
-Enteropathic E. coli
-Lawsonia: tx - macrolide
Clostridium piliforme Tyzzer’s disease, focal necrosis in heart, liver
-Salmonella typhimurium: contaminated food/water
Endoparasites & Viral
-Pinworm: asymptomatic, Passalurus ambiguous
-Coccidia: Emeria spp. <6mts old
Viral Enteritis
-Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 1 Calicivirus, LAGOVIRUS ~100% mortality
-Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 **Lepus spp. **
Rabbits Part B
List the common ectoparasites of the rabbit
Describe the common respiratory diseases of the rabbit and their presentation
“Snuffles”
-Most common presentation
-Typical upper airway infection
Bordetalle bronchiseptica = asymptomatic in rabbits
-Otitis media can occur
-“Wry neck” torticollis
-Conjunctivitis
Give Ddx for head tilt in a rabbit
Torticollis - Head tilt
-Ddx: Encephalitzoon cuniculi
-Intracellular protozoan
Zoonotic potential
-Granulomas in brain
-Uveitis
Integument
Subcutaneous Abscesses
-Thick caseous exudate
-Trauma
-Tooth infection
Tx
-Surgical excision
-Jaw involvement - bone curettage, antibiotics, marsupialization of site
Moist Dermatitis
-Dewlap Slobbers
-Perianally - urine scald
Ulcerative pododermatitis
Dermatophytosis
Zoonotic
-Tricophyton mentagrophytes
-Ectoparsites
Myiasis
-“Warbles”
-Cuterebra spp.
-Fly larvae
Renal Dz
Bladder Sludge
-Rabbits absorb all Ca in diet, Vit D independent process
-Excess eliminated in urine
-May lead to cystitis, bladder distention, UTI
-C/S: incontinence, urine scald, depression, bruxism
Describe the common endocrine and reproductive diseases in the rabbit
Uterine Adenocarcinoma
-Most common neoplasia in female rabbits
->4yr old
-Tx: OHE
Venereal Spirochetosis
-Traponema paraluiscuniculi
Compare the surgical anatomy of orchiectomy and ovariohysterectomy in the rabbit and common pet rodents
Ovariohysterectomy
Rabbits, chinchilla, guinea pig.
Ventral midline approach
-Duplex uteri, double cervix
-Transect the vaginal body, proximal to cervixes - removes cervices
Dorsal approach
-Rat, mouse, hamster, gerbil
-Single incision or dual incision
Orchiectomy
-Large fat pad in inguinal rings prevents herniation Do not remove
-Open incision or close with glue or suture
Again and Exotic Animal Medicine: Pet birds
Recognize common pet psittacines
Superfamilies
- Cacatuoidea (cockatoos cockatiels)
- Psittacoidea (true parrots)
- Stringopoidea (New Zealand parrots)
Common pet psittacines
-Australian parakeets aka budgerigars of budgies
-Cockatiels
-African grey parrot
-Love birds
-Cockatoos
-Conures variety
-Amazons
Hyacinth macaw expensive bird
Physical Characteristics
-Brightly colored
-Wide variation in size
-Little to no sexual dimorphism in most species
-Cockatiels males more yellow face
-Upright stance
-Strong curved bill
Zygodactyl feet 4 toes
-Climbing birds
Recognize basic housing requirements
-Many species live 50+ years
Cages
-Big enough ex: 1x1x1 per bird
-Non-toxic caging material
-Galvanized wire and clips contain zinc - toxicosis
-Perching area, keep clean
Enrichment
-Toys, but not to excess
-Cage mates important
-Novel better than many
-Free flight periods ok, careful with trauma risks, scape, etc.
Understand general nutritional concepts
Commercial pelleted feed is the most reliable way to provide a balanced diet
Seed eaters
-May need additional supplements
-Fruits and vegetables added to diet
-Avoid high sugar low value fruits such as grapes or apple
Fruit and nectar eaters
Lories and lorikeets
-Many commercial diets available
-Balance commercial feeds with fresh fruit and vegetables for additional fiber
Be familiar with basic wellness examination
PE
-BCS
-Eyes, nares, ears, oral cavity
-Cataracts or other ocular abnormalities
Pecten present in all birds
-Pecten: comb-like structure of vessels belonging to the choroid
-Skin, feet, bones, joints
-Pododermatitis “bumblefoot”
-Crop and coelomic palpation
-Bloodwork, CBC, plasma chem
-Birds rarely show signs of illness
-Develop a normal reference range for an individual animal
Recognize common sings of illness
Signalment important!
Read up on an species natural history before appointment
-Have owner bring cage or picture of housing area
-Bring diet with label
-History
-Examination: observation before restraining
Signs of illness
-Fluffed up
-Droopy head and wings
-Closed eyes
-Increased respirations
-Isolation
-Anorexia
-Diarrhea
-Feather loss
Be familiar with basic wellness examination
Pet Birds part B
Restraint
Diagnostics techniques
Common diseases
Where to collect blood samples
Locations
-Jugular
-Brachial
-Medial tarsometatarsal
Maximum amount of blood = 1% of BW in grams
How much blood so safely collect
Locations
-Jugular
-Brachial
-Medial tarsometatarsal
Maximum amount of blood = 1% of BW in grams
Understand different restraint methods
Manual vs. general anesthesia vs. sedation
Manual - Pros
-Simple, don’t hold too tight
-Airways intact
Cons
-Increased stress, temperature and RR
-Chance of trauma to bird or handler
General anesthesia - Pros
-Immobilization
-Decreased pain reflex
-Muscle relaxation
Cons
-CV depression
-Decreased airway reflex
-Post-endotracheal tube strictures (uncured ET usually recommended)
-Waste gas exposure
-May not have the equipment
Sedation
-Decreased response to unpleasant procedure
-Decreased morbidity and mortality
Sedation Drugs
-Midazolam, reversible with Flumazenil
-Butorphanol, analgesic, rarely needs reversal
Intra-nasal
-No injection pain, no bruising, no hemorrhage, high client acceptance
-Incomplete drug delivery, large volumes for bigger birds, difficult if nares are plugged
Diagnostic Techniques
-Fecal examination: endoparasites, yeasts
-Cytology: FNA of masses, Choanal and Cloacal swabs, Crop wash (yeast)
-Gram stain of normal fecal flora (+)
PLasma samples
-EDTA or lithium heparin
Radiographs
-Sedate or anesthetize
-Careful positioning
-Laterals, VD, oblique view that highlight kidneys
Sticky paper tape helps
Other
-Endoscopy
-CT
-MRI
-Biopsy
-Ultrasound
Be familiar with common Bacterial disorders
Chlamydiosis
Zoonotic, Reportable
-Asymptomatic chronic carriers
-Upper respiratory disease, bouts of rhinitis +/- diarrhea, lethargy, dehydration
-Dx: conundrum, combination of tests IgM, IgG, Chlamydia DNA (PCR), culture ($$).
-Tx: Tetracyclines, >45 days.
-Necropsy: diffuse fibrinous serositis, hepatic foci, elementary bodies.
-Ca supplementation suggested due to tetracyclines calcium chelators
Normal psittacine fecal flora = gram +
Mycobacterial Disease
-M. avian-intracellular complex
-Difficult diagnosis
-Necropsy findings: impression smear, histopathology, acid fast culture
-Fatal, no reliable treatment
Be familiar with common psittacine diseases
Viral avian polyoma virus
-Quarantine and test new birds
#1 “Budgie fledging disease”
-Abnormal feathers grow
-Anorexia, salenitis, nephritis, basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies
-Dx: PCR
-Vaccine and annual boosters
Viral psittacine Herpes virus Hepatitis
-aka “Pacheco’s disease”
-Asymptomatic carriers
-Sudden death, or anorexia, depression, mustard colored diarrhea
-Dx: necropsy, focal hepatic and splenic necrosis, eosinophilic inclusions intranuclear
-Tx: supportive care, rarely successful
-Don’t commingle species in same environment
Viral pro ventricular dilation syndrome
-aka “Macaw wasting syndrome”
-Bornavirus
-Dx: PCR, full thickness biopsy, must get nerve
-Weight loss regurgitation +/- CNS signs
-100% fatal, many asymptomatic
-Celocoxib for inflammation
Common infectious diseases continued
Viral psittacine Beak and Feather Disease
-Circovirus, difficult to kill, horizontal transmission
-<1 week old most susceptible
-Immunosuppression
-Dx: biopsy of affected feathers, basophilic intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions; PCR blood and feathers best
-Tx: supportive, regular beak trims
-Most die within 12 months
-Acute in neonatal African Grey, more chronic in cockatoos
Fungal - Avian gastric yeast - Macrorhabdus ornithogaster
-Large gram (+) in feces, crop, pro ventricular wash, need multiple samples
-“Megabacteriosis”
-Ventriculus hemorrhage, pH <3 to 3-4
-PCR twice as sensitive
-Tx: Acidifying the GI tract, vinegar, sodium benzoate, grapefruit juice ; new study shows
Fungal - Aspergillosis
-Ddx: tuberculosis
-ITRACONAZOLE is TOXIC to African Grey Parrots, Do not use!!
-Secondary to stress, poor diet, immunosuppression
-Respiratory tract - air sacculitis, granulomatous pneumonia
-Weight loss, anorexia, dyspnea, change in voice quality
-Dx: +/- Increased WBC with monocytosis, radiographs, serology, tracheal culture
-Tx: antifungals oral, Terbinaphine, amphotericin B, voriconazole
-Prognosis is guarded
Fungal Candidiasis
-aka “Sour crop”
-Tx: antifungals for Candida, treat underlying condition
-Anorexia, regurgitation, crop stasis, weight loss
-Secondary to antibiotic, crop motility disorder, immunosuppression, systemic disease
Parasitic Disease
Not very common
-Knemidocoptes spp. “scaly face scaly leg mites”
Common Nutritional Disorders
Hypovitaminosis A
-Most common
-Respiratory, GI, urinary
-Tx: vitamin A, oral preferred
Calcium/Phosphorous imbalance
-Rickets, pathologic fractures, egg-binding, etc.
-Tx: calcium supplements and better diet
Hypocalcemia of African Grey parrots
-Not well understood
-Ca/Ph, vitamin D metabolism different
-Tx: Ca injections in acute phase, supplements for life
Obesity
-Sunflower/peanut diets
-Concurrent with vitamins deficiency usually
-Lipomas, enlarged liver
-Tx: diet and exercise
-Nutritional support if toxic
Articular Gout
-Mostly Budgies
-Uric acid crystals in joints = PAIN
-Etiology not understood
Reproductive Disorders
Chronic egg laying
-May lead to Ca depletion
-Tx: environmental changes, GNRH analogs, hysterectomy
Egg-binding, egg retention
-#1 budgies, cockatiels
-Often from hypocalcemia
-Tx: medical, calcium fluids, manual extraction, Surgery.
Cloacal Prolapse
-Can be serious and life threatening
-May occur secondary to egg-laying straining
-Prolapsed tissues are at risk of ischemia, desiccation, infection, trauma
-Tx: depends on source of collapse
Toxicosis
Heavy metal toxicosis
Zinc and Lead
-Toy bell clappers, cheap caging, galvanized metal
-Anorexia, anemia, neurologic dysfunction (drunken sailor)
-Egg binding
-Red urates hematuria or porphyria
-Tx: Chelation CaEDTA
Teflon
-Produces toxic gas
-Respiratory emergency
-Supportive care
-Usually fetal
