Exotic Animal Neurology Flashcards
How reliable are reflex response tests in small mammals?
Not very reliable- because they are prey animals its common for them to freeze up and therefore could be absent
What is Encephalitozoon cuniculi?
obligate intracellular fungus that infects rabbits
How is Encephalitozoon cuniculi spread?
spores are shed in the urine and ingested or inhaled by other animals
can also spread in utero from mother to foetus
What are the common clinical signs of a Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection and why do these signs arise?
head tilt, urinary incontinence and urine scalding
arise because the spore infect cells and cause cell rupture and granulomatous inflammation
What clinical sign is specific to rabbit infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi in utero?
Ocular lesions such as Uveitis and Cataract formation because the fungi causes the lens capsule to rupture
How do we diagnose a Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection?
Serological testing- at Day 17 high IgM levels are detectable, then from Day 21-28 IgG levels are detectable
Spore is undetectable before day 17 and is excreted at 3-5 weeks where it cannot be detected
In a serology test for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a negative IgM and positive IgG indicates…
Exposure to Encephalitozoon cuniculi
[remember, a majority of the rabbit population has been exposed so this result is not significant!]
In a serology test for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a positive IgM and positive IgG indicates…
An active infection
Which is the only diagnostic method that provides a definitive diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi?
Post Mortem- changes in brain and kidney as well as PCR testing of tissues
How is Encephalitozoon cuniculi treated?
Fenbendazole once daily for 28 days
NSAIDs depending on renal function
How can we prevent Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections?
Some recommended preventative Fenbendazole every month but this has little supportive evidence- but always give 28 day course when mixing new rabbits
What species differences should we consider when doing an avian neurological exam?
Birds have enhanced vision so can see into the UV spectrum
Iris is comprised of striated muscles so voluntarily controlled- need to use neuromuscular blocking agents to asses them
What is the most common cause of acute neurological disease in birds?
Heavy metal toxicosis
What can chronic heavy metal toxicosis in birds lead to?
can cause immunosuppression leading to secondary infections
How do we diagnose Heavy Metal Toxicosis?
Radiographs to look for metal foreign bodies
Blood tests to assess metal levels in the blood (only for lead and zinc)
What medication is used to treat Heavy Metal Toxicosis?
Chelation (bonding of ions) using Calcium Edetate or Penicillamine
Supportive care
How do we treat Heavy Metal Toxicosis (apart from medications)?
Psyllium treatment (high fibre diet to flush and pass toxin)
Gizzard Flush
Ventriculotomy (cut into ventricles to remove particles manually)
What does Avian Bornavirus cause?
Can cause up to 15 different disease processes including-
Avian Ganglioneuritis
PDD (Proventricular dilation disease)
Encephalomyelitis
Lymphoplasmacytic Ganglioneuritis
What are some clinical signs of Avian Ganglioneuritis?
weight loss, regurgitation, delayed crop emptying and undigested seed in faeces, ataxia, head shaking and cortical blindness
How is Avian Bornavirus diagnosed?
Radiography to view inflammation and dilation of proventriculas (this is better seen using Barium series)
PCR/ Serology
How is Avian Bornavirus disease treated?
Palliative care with pure COX2 NSAID to reduce inflammation such as Celecoxib or Meloxicam
What do we need to consider for efficient reptile neuro exams?
Iris contains some skeletal muscle so voluntary control of eyes
Ectothermic so neuro exam should be performed at the preferred optimal temperature zone
What is the most likely diagnosis for a bearded dragon with neurological and gastrointestinal disease?
How can we confirm our suspicions?
Adenovirus- confirm with a PCR or an oral or cloacal swab
