Exotic Animals Flashcards
All information that was taught to me while attending Vanier College's "Animal Health Technology" Program, located in St-Laurent Montreal.
What is herpetology
Study of reptiles
What is an endotherm
A reptile whos metabolism produces its own heat
what is ectotherm
a reptile who relies on their environment to maintain their body temperature
What is a POTZ
Preferred Optimum Temperature Zone
What are reptiles considered
heterothermic (their BT varies)
What does heliothermic mean
Species that heats up from a radiant source: diurnal basking
What does thigmothermic mean
sits on a preheated surface- nocturnal
What makes a reptile special from an evolutionary point of view
Their Skin: Scales (keratinized)Their Eggs
What are the 4 classes of reptilia
CrocodyliaSquamataChelonianRhyncocephalia
What animals compose crocodylia
alligators and crocodiles
what animals compose squamata
snakes and lizards
what animals compose chelonian
turtles and tortoises
what animals compose rhyncocephalia
tuatara
What are the 6 genus’ of Squamata
AgamidsIguanidsChameleonsSkinksGeckosVaranids
What animals compose the agamids genus
chinese water dragon, bearded dragon
What animals compose the genus iguanids
Iguana, Basilisks, Horned Lizard, Anole
What animals compose the genus geckos
day Geckos, Leopard Geckos, crested geckos
What must husbandry mimick
Natural Habitat
What is cites
is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals
Are most exotics captive bred or wild caught?
captive bred, with selective breeding for color variation
Where do most medical issues with exotics result from
inadequate husbandry
what is the goal of husbandry
is to recreate Natural Habitat and must fulfill all psychological and physiological needs
What do you need to know about an exotics natural history and habitat
Is it arboreal or terrestrialHow does it like to get heat Heliothermic or thigmothermicSubstrate on floor ? Hide boxHeating create a Temperature gradient *POTZHumidity requirementsLighting light dark cycle( Photoperiod) + UV lightsWater availability and quality-How to Provide it?
How do you find out about husbandry from the client
Do a detailed history, and ask for photos of the set up
How do people transport reptiles to the clinic
in a pillowcase, a Styrofoam container with heat packs
whats necessary for the cage for an exotic
ESCAPE PROOFEASY TO CLEANPOTZ TEMPERATURE RANGE(10o)HUMIDITY RANGEVERTICALY Or HORIZONTALLY ORIENTED ( arboreal or terrestrial)Over all size ??
what are different types of cage material you can use
Glass, Wood,Plastic, Fiberglass
how do you choose a cage material
Retain Heat ?Visual Security?Ventilation ?
Describe the pros and cons for a glass and plastic cage
waterproof but do not retain the heat well animal may feel insecure if most of the sides are not covered.
describe the pros and cons for a fibreglass cage
waterproof but, again, does not retain the heat well, good visual security
describe the pros and cons for a wood cage
is heat retaining provides a sense of security; however, should have a water-resistant finish –Hard to disinfect
How do you provide ventilation
Good ventilation is essential. To provide an adequate through- flow of air there should be ventilation panels at both the top and bottom. Good ventilation makes it harder to heat and keep humidity up
How do you adjust lighting for a photoperiod
use a timer
What is necessary for the UVB lighting
UVB only 6 months- Some provide heat as wellReptile must be w/n 12 inches of light sourceAlways have a guard around lights ( burns)
What does UVA light do
Behavioural changes
What are the 3 lighting factors
photoperiodquality UVB+UVAintensity
Why is UVA exposure necessary
exposure is essential for normal behavior including activity, feeding and mating( reptiles can see in UVA)
What is UVB exposure necessary
necessary for the production of the vitamin D3
what are the different types of lights
Incandescent, (provide heat as well) Fluorescent, (UVB- 6 months onlyBlack light (constant UVB)Infra redCeramic
Why is photoperiod changes necessary
Mimicking your seasonal photoperiod is beneficial and the use of a timer is a huge help for making this easier.
How far away should fluorescent UVB bulbs be placed
10-12 inches away and adjacent to the basking heat source
how often do uvb lights need to be replaced
6-10 months
should uvb rays have a barrier between you and your reptile
No, Glass, acrylic and plastic block UVB while screens with grids under 1/2” can obstruct a good portion of UVB rays.
What percentage of fluorescent UVA UVB does the bulb need
5-10% UVB
What temperature gradient does the reptile need
8-10*
What is the general reptile recommendation
daytime 85-95F (100-105 hotspot) w nights 10 o lower Daytime (30-35 C)- hotspot (38-41 hotspot)
What is the temperature gradient for the uromastyx
–UROMASTYX– 105-110 F ( 40-43)Are the heat lovers
How do you provide heat for a reptile
From light source + heating pad underneath
What heating object burns reptiles often
Hot rocks
What is a heliothermic animal
diurnal
What is a thigmothermic animal
nocturnal
What are the acceptable heating methods
Central heating Heating pads under tankHeat tapes / cablesRadiant heatCeramic heaters/ infra red (no light)Incandescent / Halogen bulbs- provide light as well as heat
Why don’t you use hot rocks with a reptile
Hot rocks are not recommended as a heat source for lizards. Their thick skin is without cutaneous sensation, leaving captive reptiles at risk of thermal burns.Basking lizards sense heat on their back Major risk of Thermal burns
What can happen if there is high humidity in a reptiles cage
more problems with bacterial growth, blistering on the skin
what can happen if there is low humidity in the cage
difficulty with sloughing, constipation, dysecdysis
How do you provide humidity to a reptile
spray bottle two or three times daily. dampened peat containers, real plants, or placing a water container on the heater, humidity box, misting device that simulates gentle rainfall
what are the humidity recommendations for an arid species
30-60
what are the humidity recommendations for a temperate species
60-80
what are the humidity recommendations for a tropical rainforest species
80-100
How does a herb obtain water
Many desert species lick dewdrops- so must use mist containerSome prefer only moving waterNot all use a water dishMany reptiles enjoy soaking in water dish
What qualities are you looking for in the cage substrate
Non toxic, easily digestible, absorbable and easy to cleanNot support microbial growthNewspaper and artificial turf goodSand and gravel often result in gastrointestinal impactionMay provide environmental enrichment and allow natural behaviours
What are suitable substrates
Newspaper, carpet, bark chips, +/- abrasive, support bacteriapellets - rabbit pellets are digestiblemulch. +/-In large enclosure can have “Bioactive”i.e. forest floor mulch
What substrates should you avoid
You should avoid gravel, crushed corn cob, kitty litter, wood shavings and other substrates that can be ingested
What does playsand cause
Suppose to be digestive and provide calcium…but often causes impactionFeed reptile away from substrate to avoid ingestion
Why do you use shredded aspen for snakes
Extremely absorbent because of its fine particle size, aspen has virtually no odour of its own made from a hardwood tree that does not contain the irritating oils found in pine or cedar. Hard to maintain humidity with this one
What accessories can you have in your cage
Hide boxes,-food bowls,Branches, rocks etc- Environmental ambience
How many hide boxes should you have
Should have at least 2One in hotter area, one in cooler area
Can you house multiple leopard geckos?
Multiple female leopard geckos can be housed together (if approximately the same size), but sexually mature males are territorial and will fight
What records should you be keeping with your reptiles
What and how they eatFecal and Urine outputTemperature and HumidityWhere does he hang out in the enclosureCan detect illness early by noticing subtle changes
What are iguanidae
Mostly new world.
What animals compose iguanidae
anolesiguanidshorned lizardschuckwalla
What are agamids
old world iguanidae
Describe the common iguana
Herbivorous - Males- have larger femoral pores, brighter colorsMales can be aggressiveGrow up to 2 metersLarge crest and dewlap
What type of dentition do iguanidaes have
pleurodont. Get replaced, grow on lingual side
Why would you not recommend iguana ownership?
they’re huge and usually aggressive
what is special about the regal horned lizard
Can squirts blood from eye - as part of its defense mechanism
where is the chuckwalla found
north america-mexico
what do chuckwallas eat
herbivores
what does the green anole eat
insectivorous
describe agamids
Mostly old world and AustraliaSimilar to iguanidsare insectivorous ( + omivore)acrodont dentition
What is an acrodont dentition
Agamid teeth are set along upper edge of jaw, = Acrodont dentition
what animals are part of the agamids
water dragons, bearded dragon, uromastix
Describe the bearded dragon
Australia and New Guinea; arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and arid open woodlands.Omnivore
What does the chinese water dragon look like
the iguana
what does the chinese water dragon eat
insectivorous
describe the chameleon
Specialized tongue for prey catchingSits coiled up in oral cavityHave turret like eyes that move independentlyOpposable digits, prehensile tailChromatophores to change colorsViviparous- live bearer
what does viviparous mean
live bearer
describe the anatomy of the chameleon
Laterally flattened bodiesPrehensile tailFront feet have 2 large toes-Zygodactylous 2 toes and 3 toes fusedEach eye can move independentlyTongue is as long as their bodyChromatophores in integument
Are chameleons characterized by sexual dimorphism
yes. Pardalis chameleon are characterized by brightly colored and larger males. This female Pardalis chameleon is much smaller and duller than the male.
do chameleons make good pets
no, not for the novice herpitologist
describe the gecko
Many geckos and other lizards have tails that possess fracture planes - so it can break off easily autotomize (skinks + iguanas also)A defense mechanismIntegument has chromataphores (as do anoles)Color changes - due to light, heat, social influence, but not surrounding environmental colorToe has fan like adhesive disks
what is special about geckos eyes
Geckos do not have eyelids- have a spectacle similar to a snake
is the leopard gecko a good first pet
yes
describe a crested gecko
From New Caledoniaarboreal nocturnal,Live 15–20 yearsThought to be extinctDo not require live food
What is the ideal husbandry of the crested gecko
Arboreal vertical enclosureObtains water by licking dew drops off leaves misterIdeal temperature range 78-82F (25-28C)Humidity 60-80%– mist oftenDo not require UVBPhotoperiod – 12 hr
What are the only poisonous lizards
Gila MonsterBeaded LizardHave hollow teeth which allow venom to flow from sublingual glands
What causes dysecdydis
low humidity and poor nutrition
describe the ecdysis in most lizards
comes off in pieces, many lizards eat their sheds
describe the integument of lizards
no respiratory function unlike amphibians
what are the two chromatophore lizards
chameleons and anoles
what is special about the integument of geckos
they automotive (skinks and iguanas)
where do the acrodont teeth attach
to masticating surfaces. have no sockets are not replaced.
where do the plurodont teeth attach
attach to the lingual surface of mandible or maxilla, have no socket and are replaced.
Which lizards have acrodont teeth
aramids
which lizards have plurodont teeth
iguanas and monitors
What lizards have tail autotomy
Iguanidae, gekkonidae, scincidae
Describe tail autotomy
transverse cleavage plates. leaf tailed geckos can do this at will.
Describe the cardiovascular system of a lizard
2 atria + 1 ventricle Functionally deoxygenated goes to lungsHave large ventral abdominal veinHave a renal portal system
Where do you do venipuncture in a lizard
medial (caudal) tail vein
Describe the respiratory system of lizards
External and internal nares (Choana)Some lizards have salt secreting glandsNo epiglottisMost species do not have vocal chords (except geckos)Lungs not as advanced as mammalsFaveoli instead of alveoliOften lungs have an airsac like componentSome use airsac to puff upNo diaphragm- can not cough- coelomic cavity
Describe the digestive system of lizards
Herbivore, Carnivore, Insectivore, OmnivoreTongue can be specialized- Chameleons- carnivores often have forked tonguesJacobsons organ - Vormeronsal organStomach, small intestine,large intestine-> well developed- Iguana + chuckwalla–> microbial fermentationCoproduem- cloaca- vent
What are the special adaptations of insectivores
Pancreas excrete chitinase to digest the chitin of insectsMost insectivores become omnivorous once adult– (eg water dragron/ bearded dragon)
too much protein in a lizards diet causes what
kidney disease
describe a herbivore diet
-high fiber, low fat and low proteinFresh dark leafy greens and variety of veggies (collard greens, dandelion, escarole, and mustard greens)To high protein will cause renal dseDo Not give dog/cat foodCa: P 1.5:1 to 2:1Do Not give excessive amount of fruitsBananas can become addictive
what is an example of a good herbivore diet
A good diet is a mixture of dark leafy greens, raw green beans, pumpkin, alfalfa pellets and parsley in equal amounts with a small amount of fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, mangos, papaya or cantaloupeBananas can become addictive
describe a carnivore diet
Whole mice and rats, Chickens Quail Guinea pigs Rabbits Gerbils FishIf feeding pinkies, fuzzies – add CalciumMake sure rodents are healthy and have no parasitesFeed killed prey
describe an insectivore diet
Crickets, mealworms, waxworms Superworms, Silkworms , Sweetworms Hissing roaches Night crawler, Fruit flies Appropriate size of the insect- OFT- optimal foraging theoryDo not leave live crickets in enclosures with reptile
How do you increase nutrient value of insects
Importance of GUT LOADINGDusting (shake and bake method)
what is a good gut loading strategies for crickets
Use Tropican baby bird formula powder Give good balance of vitamins and minerals for your reptile when servedwithin a cricketGive slices of fresh sweet potato, yam, or carrotDUSTING ( shake and bake)
How do you feed omnivores
Mix of herbivore,insectivore,carnivore reccomendation
describe the excretory system
Lizards are uricotelic- uric acids instead of ureaRenal portal systemKidney disease or dehydration -> inc. UABUN evaluates hydrationUreters drain into UrodeumMany lizards have a bladder- not sterile, water re-absorption will occur here
What is kidney disease caused by
-caused by hypervitiminosis D–excess P +Protein in diet
How do you prevent bladder stones
Limit protein especially uric acid precursors such as purines that are high in asparagus, mushrooms, offal, anchovies and sardines
Describe the reproductive system of a lizard
Oviparous, ovoviparous, viviparousMost lizards have 2 hemipenesSexual dimorphism in many adultsIguana male- large femoral pores- see p 39 textEggs have soft leathery shellSex determination is chromosomal except **chameleons which are temperature dependant like turtle and crocodiles and alligators
how do you determine the sex of a lizard
Anatomic- sexually dimorphicFind HemipenesCloacal probing-probe goes deeper in maleManual eversion of hemipenesHydrostatic eversion of hemipenesRadiographic – monitors calcified hemipenesSurgery-Endoscopy- look for ovary or testes
Describe the eyes and ears of a lizard
Most lizards have movable eyelids and a nictitating membrane (not gecko)Parietal eye- or third eye - photoreceptor connected to the pineal body in the Tuatara (living fossil)- even has a vestigial lensVomeronasal or Jacobson’s organTympanum ventrocaudal to the eye
where is the parietal eye found
Parietal eye- or third eye – photoreceptor (vestigial lens tuatara)
what are common integumentary disorders
Rostral abrasions- bumping clear glassThermal burns – hot rocksDysecdysis - humidityAscending tail necrosis- dry gangrene
what are the common skeletal system disorders
metabolic bone diseases
What is a common nutritional disease in iguanas
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, iguana. The mandible often becomes decalcified in this condition, and bowing or shortening then occurs. Long bones may concurrently show signs of swelling.
What is a common symptom of metabolic disease in an iguana
lay flat, difficulty in supporting body weight
What is a common sign of fibrous osteodystrophy
enlarged thighs
What are the 3 ways metabolic bone disease can occur
light no UVB– no Vit DHeat no POTZ- metabolism does not work Nutrition Ca, Ca:P ratio
Describe pneumonia in reptiles
Usually a secondary bacterial infection subsequent to poor husbandry
what are the clinical signs of pneumonia in reptiles
dyspnea, oral secretions
how do you diagnose a reptile with pneumonia
X-rays, transtracheal wash
how do you treat pneumonia in a reptile
antibiotics
What are common digestive disorders in lizards
AnorexiaInfectious Stomatitis- mouth rotConstipation, Obstruction,ImpactionCloacal Prolapse
What are common reproductive disorders in lizards
DystociaEggbound- IguanaParaphimosis- proplapsed hemipene
Describe surgery and anesthesia of a reptile
Low Oxygen stimulates breathing centerHigh CO2 has no effectUse premeds and iso- as with mammalsEasy to intubate if big enoughSpontaneous ventilation is suppressed with high oxIPPV commonly used- 2-4 bpm use Pulse oximeter Prolonged recovery times
what are common surgical procedures on a lizard
ovariosalphingectomy, salphingectomy Ovariectomy, orchiiectomy, enterotomy
How do you take a complete history and physical exam on a lizard
Information on Husbandry and nutritionBCS (body condition score)- dorsal tail +pelvisHydration- eyes have a sunken appearanceOral Exam :use rubber spatula– look atChoana- clear of exudateDentition- no erythema or exudateGlottis- observe through several resp. cyclesMucus membranesPalpate firmness+ symmetry of mandible
How do you use the oculovagal reflex to your advantage with a lizard
use vet wrap around the eyes
What is important about observing the lizards stance and palpating its limbs
In a new area, such as a consulting room, a healthy lizard will stand so that it is supporting its bodyweight (for a quick getaway if an opening appears)Inability to do this suggests a problem
What are common parasites of lizards
Mites and Ticks - tx animal + environmentEntamoebaCryptosporidiumCoccidiaRoundwormsHookwormspinworms
What are the possible zoonoses with lizards
Salmonella Psuedomonas, Aeromonas,
What are some steps to prevent disease transmission to people
Buy only captive bred reptiles. • Wash your hands with a disinfectant after handling a reptile • Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning the cage. • Do not kiss a reptile • Do not clean cage furnishings or prepare food items in your bathtub or kitchen sink. • If bitten or scratched by a reptile, thoroughly clean the affected area with a disinfectant and hot water and consult your physician. • Have reptiles examined by a veterinarian on a regular basis.
What are some reptile nursing techniques
force feeding, intravenous, intraossus catheter
What are some various diagnostic procedures in a lizard
Cloacal- colonic washTranstracheal washVenipuncture
where do you perform venipuncture in a reptile
caudal tail veinventral abdominal vein
How do you handle iguanas
Handling: Iguanas have sharp claws so it is advisable to be wary of this prior to lifting. Do not grab around the neck or midsection from above. Iguanas do not enjoy being held by the body with the legs dangling. Support the body with one hand ventral to the thorax and the other dorsal to the pelvis, catching the legs between the fingers. Avoid excessive pressure on the limbs as fractures can occur quite easily.
How do you sex iguanas
Obvious sexual dimorphism exists in iguanas. Compared to a mature female green iguana, mature males have: 1. A more robust body build. 2. Larger head, neck, dewlap, and jowls. 3. More highly developed femoral pores. 4. Bilateral hemipenal bulges on the underside of the tail. 5. More vivid colouration during the mating season.
Describe feeding instructions for iguanas
Iguanas are herbivorous. A Ca:P ratio of 2:1 is essential for effective bone growth and maintenance and so a diet of high Ca, low PO4 is recommended. This is extremely important. Metabolic bone disease is the most frequently diagnosed illness in iguanas and results from poor nutrition. Good choices include Brassica leaves, dandelion, nasturtium, hibiscus, and mulberry leaves and flowers. Small amounts of fruit, beansprouts, grass, hay, and alfalfa may also be offered.
What can occur in iguanas due to dehydration
Visceral or articular gout can occur due to dehydration. A constant supply of fresh water prevents this.
How should you house iguanas
Generally, iguanas should be provided with the largest space affordable and the cage should provide adequate ventilation. A visual barrier of 6-18 inches high is important to provide cover for the animal and to deter escape. The floor should be covered in an easily cleaned substrate such as newspaper or Astroturf. An appropriate broad-spectrum UV light source should be provided. If an artificial source is not used, the iguana should be exposed to natural sunlight. The heat source should be focal, e.g. ceramic bulbs, and separate to the light source. The minimum enclosure temperature should be 23°C. A feeding platform and water pan for drinking/bathing should also be provided.
What are the common snakes kept as pets
king snakes, rat snakes, garter snakes, corn snakes, various pythons (**Royal or Ball Python) and various boa constrictors (especially the common Boa constrictor)Boa Constrictor and various pythons become very big not recommendedRecticulated python
why are captive bred snakes preferred
Wild caught will be more stressed, will have - will not adapt as easily to the type of prey that is offered
Describe the behaviour of snakes
Solitary- house singly
what are the common boas
Common Boa, Rosy BoaNew world
what are the common pythons
Ball, Blood, BurmeseOld world
what are the common colubrids
King, corn, milk, Rat snake (New World)
describe venemous snakes
Injected thru hollow teeth called fangsProduced by modified salivary glandsTriangular heads = large venom sacksOnly 10% of all snakes are venomousVenomous snakes Are considered more evolved…
describe the corn snake
Elaphe (deerskin) guttata (spotted).ColubridNon-venomousOne of the first snakes to be kept and bred in captivity.
describe the ball python
Originates from Africa around equatorAmbush predator- curls up in a ball Prefer open savannahs to forestLive 20-30 yearsWide body snake, about 5 feet longGood eyesight -Have rods, cones– see in UV light + sense infrared (heat pits)
describe the results of a healthy snake exam
Active and alert- eyes brightRun hand down body Should not feel overly skinny- no lumps or bumpsNo mites around eyes or under scales ( tiny black dots that move)Gently open mouth (use soft plastic spatula) mucosa pink w small amount of clear saliva- no mucus
describe the integument of snakes
No skin glands but have paired scent glands at the base of the tailBeta keratin- scalesAlpha keratin b/n scales- injection- is the stretchy part
instead of eyelids what do snakes have
transparent spectacle
what is brille
fused transparent eyelids
what is the function of the labial pits in boiidae
heat sensorsPit vipers can detect changes of .002 ‘ C
what are the function of the lateral spurs of boiidae
lateral spurs which are vestigial remnants of pelvic limbs
describe ecdysis in snakes
14 days b/f shed Eyes become opaque- skin - dull colorEnzymatic lymph fluid is collecting between skin layersSnake may be aggressive ( can’t see well)Skin is more vulnerable Best to Leave alone- do not feed
What causes dysecdysis
Low humidity ( use humidity box)Skin parasites (mites)Old scarsPoor nutritionRetained spectacle is common problem
what can cause a thermal burn in snakes
Wrap themselves around a light bulb
describe the musculoskeletal system of snakes
Snakes have no limbs-except boiidae- spurs- vestigeal limbsNo mandibular symphysis + intramandibular hinge and other skull adaptations to be able to swallow large prey
what are a snakes adaptations to swallow large prey
Mandibular symphysis can separateNo temperomanbibular joint, instead has a quadrate bone–> articulates b/n mandible and the skull–Allows the jaw to dislocate to swallow prey
what is the function of the quadrate bone in snakes
Quadrate bone is also involved in sound transmission
describe handling of snakes
Skull articulates with only one occipital condyle- be careful when handling around the headDo not approach head on, but from the side
what are the 6 types of snake locomotion
Sidewinding. Slide pushingLateral undulationConcertinaSaltationrectilinear