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CVNT2 > Exotics > Flashcards

Exotics Flashcards

1
Q

what is considered an ‘exotic’ pet?

A

anything not included in farm, equine, dogs or cats

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2
Q

how long should an exotics consult be?

A

ideally 30min (at least 20)

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3
Q

what should be found out about the exotic patient at time of booking?

A

species of animal to be seen (latin name ideal)

advise on transport

request faecal samples

advise owner to bring in food/supplements/photos of environment

pre-consult questionnaires

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4
Q

how should rabbits/rodents be transported?

A

in a secure box/carrier

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5
Q

how should reptiles be transported?

A

secure box/carrier, provide heating (hot water bottle)

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6
Q

how should snakes be transported?

A

pillow case (duvet cover for larger species)

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7
Q

how should parrots be transported?

A

cage best, avoid small cardboard box if possible

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8
Q

how should birds of prey be transported?

A

travel box or on hand

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9
Q

how should fish be transported?

A

double plastic bag within waterproof box, bring second bag of water

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10
Q

what housing facilities should be provided for birds/reptiles/rabbits?

A 
birds = heated tank (30ºC)
reptiles = vivarium or tortoise table 
rabbits = avoid predators, temp below 22ºC (heat stress)
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11
Q

what special equipment may be needed for exotics consults?

A

good microscope

crop tubes/stomach tubes

fine surgical instruments

ventilator, endoscopy, magnification

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12
Q

what are the features of an appropriate exotics consult room?

A

secure area, no open doors/windows/vents
containers for examining small animals
sensitive scales

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13
Q

what are the common disinfectant methods for exotics consult rooms?

A 
quaternary ammonium (F10 common) 
fogging rooms to disinfect if possible
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14
Q

how promptly should sick birds be seen?

A

emergency - likely to deteriorate quickly

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15
Q

how fast do reptiles tend to deteriorate?

A

slowly, but take a long time to recover

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16
Q

what should be involved in first aid of exotics?

A 
ABC 
stop any haemorrhage 
warmth for birds and reptiles 
oxygen supplementation if required 
rehydration 
pain relief 
antibiotics
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17
Q

why shouldn’t reptiles be given oxygen supplementation?

A

high oxygen levels will discourage breathing

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18
Q

what are the common zoonoses of reptiles?

A

salmonella
campylobacter
cryptosporidia
pentastomids

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19
Q

what are the common zoonoses of birds?

A

chlamydophila
salmonella
mycobacteria
avian influenza

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20
Q

what are the common zoonoses of small mammals?

A 
lymphocytic choriomeningitis 
salmonella 
rat bite fever 
ringworm 
encephalitozoon cuniculi
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21
Q

what is the common zoonosis of fish?

A

mycobacterium marinum

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22
Q

how is salmonella spread?

A

part of normal gut flora in reptiles - intermittently shed in faeces

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23
Q

what is chlamydophila?

A

an intracellular bacteria, carried by a range of birds

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24
Q

how is chlamydophila trasmitted?

A

inhalation of bodily secretions, faeces, feather dust, sneezing

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25
Q

what are the symptoms of chlamydophila infection in birds?

A

lethargy, anorexia, and ruffled feathers

ocular or nasal discharge

diarrhoea, excretion of green urates (liver disease)

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26
Q

what are the symptoms of chlamydophila infection in humans?

A

severe flu like symptoms - fever, muscle and joint pains, non- productive cough, tight chest

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27
Q

how is chlamydophila tested for?

A

pooled faecal sample or swab for DNA/PCR

antibody blood test

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28
Q

how can chlamydophila be treated?

A

responds well to antibiotics in humans

difficult to clear infection with antibiotics in birds

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29
Q

what are the symptoms of mycobacterium spp (fish TB) in humans?

A

local non-healing ulcers
reduced appetite and weight loss
body deformities

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30
Q

how can fish TB be prevented from spreading to humans?

A

cover any open wounds with waterproof bandage and gloves
wash hands well
do not wash nets and equipment in sinks intended for human use

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31
Q

what is dermatophytosis? how is it spread?

A

ringworm

spread by contact

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32
Q

how can rignworm infection be prevented?

A

wear gloves if suspected
wash hands well after handling
(especially hedgehogs)

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33
Q

via what route can exotic mammals be euthanised?

A

IV or into liver/kidney

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34
Q

by what route should rabbits be euthanised?

A

ear vein

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35
Q

by what route should rodents and ferrets be euthanised?

A

cranial vena cava

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36
Q

by what route should reptiles be euthanised?

A

IV then pith

check heart has stopped with doppler

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37
Q

how should snakes be euthanised?

A

intracardiac or into liver

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38
Q

by what route should chelonia be euthanised?

A

jugular or subcarapacial sinus

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39
Q

by what route should lizards be euthanised?

A

tail vein

cranial vena cava in some small species

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40
Q

by what route should bird be euthanised?

A

gaseous anaesthesia then IV jugular or tibiotarsal vein in larger birds
can inject into liver

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41
Q

by what routes can fish be euthanised?

A

anaesthesia (MS222 or phenoxyethanol) followed by phenobarbitone or severing spinal cord behind gill cover
can use oil of cloves to anaesthetise

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42
Q

which musculoskeletal features are important to consider when examining rabbits?

A

light skeleton, powerful back legs

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43
Q

which respiratory features are important to consider when examining rabbits?

A

nasal breather
larynx not easily visible
relatively small lungs
prone to respiratory disease

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44
Q

which GI features are important to consider when examining rabbits?

A

open rooted teeth
large, thin walled stomach, never truly empty
cannot vomit
small and large intestine designed to digest grass
coprophagia

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45
Q

which urogenital features are important to consider when examining rabbits?

A

males - open inguinal ring, important to close during castration
females - 2 cervices and large thin-walled vagina, often a lot of fat in uterine ligament

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46
Q

which ocular features are important to consider when examining rabbits?

A

prominent forward-facing eyes

large venous plexus at medial canthus - care during surgery

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47
Q

which parameters are important to assess during rabbit consults?

A 
posture 
heart rate 
respiratory rate 
temperature 
weight 
droppings
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48
Q

what is the normal temperature range for a rabbit?

A

38.3-39.4

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49
Q

what should rabbit droppings look like?

A

round and plump, should be produced regularly

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50
Q

which factors are important to consider in the hospitalisation environment of a rabbit?

A 
secure 
non-slip floor 
correct temperature (susceptible to heat stress)
no predators nearby 
check food and water preferences 
consider companions 
out of cage exercise
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51
Q

what are the blood sampling sites for rabbits?

A

lateral saphenous
marginal ear vein - small samples/IV
cephalic
jugular - large volumes

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52
Q

which vein can be used for taking large samples of blood from a rabbit?

A

jugular vein

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53
Q

which vein is most common for placing an IV in rabbits?

A

marginal ear vein

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54
Q

what is the maximum volume of blood which can be taken from a rabbit at a time?

A

1ml per 100g (recommend less)

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55
Q

what are the routes of medication in rabbits?

A 
oral - syringe down side of cheek 
subcutaneous 
intramuscular (quadriceps) 
intravenous (marginal ear vein) 
topical (shampoos, creams) 
parasiticides (spot ons)
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56
Q

why is it advised to give rabbits pain relief, even if unsure whether there is pain?

A

rabbits will hide signs of pain very well

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57
Q

can rabbits be put in buster collars?

A

advisable not to - stressful, prevents coprophagia

soft collar preferable and better tolerated

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58
Q

what is the maintenance fluid rate for rabbits?

A

100ml/kg/24hrs

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59
Q

what routes are available for fluid therapy in rabbits?

A

oral (difficult to get adequate volume)
subcutaneous
IV (marginal ear vein or cephalic)
all via drip or by bolus

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60
Q

when might colloids be used in rabbits?

A

to bring up blood pressure or in the case of blood loss

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61
Q

what test should be performed before blood transfusion in a rabbit?

A

side agglutination cross match - not much is known about rabbit blood groups

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62
Q

how much supportive food should be syringed at a time for rabbits?

A

1ml at a time - easy amount for rabbit to eat without spitting out, easier to get small tip into mouth

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63
Q

what are some of the most common parasites in rabbits?

A

mites, fleas

coccidia (faecal flotation or wet prep)

worms (rarely clinically significant)

Cheyletiella parasitivorax

Listrophorus gibbus

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64
Q

what are signs of GI stasis?

A

anorexia
absence of droppings
abdominal pain - quiet, hunched up, may be grinding teeth

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65
Q

what are the common causes of GI stasis?

A

pain, stress, inappropriate diet (high carbohydrates)

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66
Q

how can you treat GI stasis?

A 
pain relief (opiates) 
fluids 
prokinetics 
syringe feeding 
look for underlying cause
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67
Q

which physiological value can be used to assess pain in rabbits?

A

blood glucose

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68
Q

what is a normal blood glucose level for a rabbit?

A

5-10

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69
Q

what does a blood glucose level of <5.0 mean in a rabbit?

A

low due to pathology or inappetence

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70
Q

what does a blood glucose level 10-15 mean in a rabbit?

A

probably just stressed, maybe some pain

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71
Q

what does a blood glucose level of 15-20 mean in a rabbit?

A

significant pain

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72
Q

what does a blood glucose level of >20 mean in a rabbit?

A

very likely to be GI obstruction

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73
Q

why might a rabbit suffer from diarrhoea?

A

true diarrhoea rare - misuse of antibiotics most common cause

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74
Q

why might a rabbit experience faecal clagging?

A

Too much carbohydrate
Obesity
Dental disease
Back pain

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75
Q

are respiratory diseases an emergency in rabbits?

A

yes

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76
Q

what are the common causes of respiratory disease in rabbits?

A

Pasteurella (abscesses, discharge, can cause pneumonia)
Snuffles (upper respiratory disease)
pneumonia (less common, poor prognosis)
neoplasia may be involved

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77
Q

list some of the possible causes of urinary incontinence in rabbits.

A

renal disease

bladder infection

bladder sludge, stone or neoplasia

back pain - can cause urine scalding as cannot position to urinate

neurological (Encephalitozoonosis cuniculi)

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78
Q

what is Encephalitozoon cuniculi?

A

microsporidian parasite, primary pathogen of the kidneys but also affects the central NVS

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79
Q

how is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi spread?

A

shed in the urine, possible zoonosis in immunosuppressed people

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80
Q

what are the symptoms of Encephalitozoon Cuniculi in rabbits?

A

Head tilt

Ataxia, hindlimb weakness

Urinary incontinence, renal failure

Cataracts

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81
Q

what is the treatment for Encephalitozoon Cuniculi?

A

fenbendazole (Panacur 20mg/kg for 4wks)

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82
Q

what are the common skin problems of rabbits?

A 
mites (skin/ear) 
fly strike 
ringworm
abscesses, wounds 
pododermatitis (sore feet) 
otitis
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83
Q

what is otitis?

A

middle ear infection?

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84
Q

what are the common viral diseases of rabbits?

A

myxomatosis

viral haemorrhagic disease

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85
Q

how is myxomatosis spread?

A

biting insects

direct contact with infected animals

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86
Q

what are the symptoms of myxomatosis in rabbits?

A

swelling around eyes and genitals

ocular discharge

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87
Q

how is viral haemorrhagic disease spread?

A

fomites or direct contact

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88
Q

what are the symptoms of viral haemorrhagic disease?

A

sudden death

haemorrhage from mouth, nose and anus

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89
Q

how can viral haemorrhagic disease be prevented?

A

vaccine - current UK vaccine contains a genetically modified Myxoma virus that also protects against rVHD

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90
Q

what are the British wildlife rehabilitation council’s 3 S’s of wildlife rescue?

A

Sure - be sure before you try and rescue an animal
Safety - your own safety comes first
Stress - minimising stress to the animal will maximise its chances of survival

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91
Q

how can you minimise stress to wildlife?

A

warm, dark and quiet conditions

minimum human contact

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92
Q

what are we trying to achieve with wildlife rehabilitation?

A

to alleviate pain and suffering

to restore the animal to a state where it is able to be returned to the wild and able to survive

to attempt to reduce impact where man-made hazards cause wildlife casualties

species conservation

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93
Q

what are advantages of keeping rescued wildlife in permanent captivity?

A

imprinted/disabled but otherwise ‘healthy’ animal is not killed
opportunities for captive breeding may be useful with rare species

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94
Q

what are disadvantages of keeping rescued wildlife in permanent captivity?

A

quality of life for captive wild animals is a debatable issue - prone to anthropomorphism but impossible to really tell

public display of permanent captive for fundraising can cause further stress

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95
Q

what is the advantage/disadvantage of euthanising injured wild animals?

A

wild animal is not subjected to further stress of captivity

BUT can be viewed negatively by public, particularly individuals who bring in animals

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96
Q

which common species of wildlife are seen in practice?

A 
birds - birds of prey, waterfowl, others 
hedgehogs 
bats 
foxes 
badgers 
deer
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97
Q

what do hedgehogs commonly present with?

A

injuries, dental disease, ringworm, mites, lungworm (in young)

98
Q

why are rescued deer often euthanised?

A

often RTA, have damage to muscles from laying on side for a prolonged period

99
Q

what is the most important aspect of keeping healthy fish?

A

good quality water = healthy fish

fish are open systems - there is constant exchange between the fish and its surrounding environment

100
Q

how can fish be anaesthetised?

A 
inhalational anaesthesia (into water) - phenoxyethanol or MS222 tricaine methane 
gives 5 mins of anaesthesia
101
Q

what diagnostic tests can be carried out on fish?

A 
mucus scraping 
gill and fin preparations 
bacteriology 
blood sampling 
radiography 
ultrasonography
102
Q

via which routes can be give therapeutics to fish?

A

in food
injection (epaxials)
topical

103
Q

what causes ulcer disease in fish?

A

secondary to septicaemia or trauma - need to identify underlying causes

104
Q

how can you treat ulcer disease in fish?

A

GA, debride
clean with iodine and pack
inject antibiotics
correct underlying problem (parasites, water quality)

105
Q

what other problems are common in fish?

A 
swim bladder issues (esp in goldfish) 
gill problems (parasites, bacterial)
106
Q

what first aid advice can you give to clients regarding their fish?

A
  1. test water quality
  2. if low numbers involved, quarantine affected fish
  3. change 30% of tank/pond water with fresh
  4. add salt at rate of 2g/L to reduce physiological stress
  5. stop feeding temporarily
  6. improve aeration
  7. do not add medications indiscriminately - makes it difficult to ascertain what original problem was
107
Q

what are the commonly kept species of amphibians?

A

frogs - tree frogs, mantellas, poison arrow frogs
toads - fire bellied toads
salamanders - tiger salamander, axolotl
newts

108
Q

what are the basic husbandry considerations for amphibians?

A

poikilotherms - provide appropriate temperature

light - most are nocturnal so avoid bright lights

UV light for calcium metabolism

water quality important

high humidity vital but increases risk of bacterial infections

109
Q

what are the common problems presented with amphibians?

A

water quality issues

skin infections (bacterial/fungal)

Chytridiomycosis

foreign bodies - pebble/stone ingestion common

metabolic bone disease (UV)

110
Q

what are the commonly kept species of invertebrates?

A 
giant african land snails 
spiders - care of fangs and barbed hairs 
millipedes 
stick insects
scorpions
111
Q

what are the common problems associated with spiders?

A

shedding difficulties
mites (insecticides will also kill spider)
nematodes
traumatic injuries

112
Q

what should be checked in the pre-operative assessment?

A

respiratory and cardiovascular systems
record an accurate weight
pre-anaesthetic blood samples may be advisable

113
Q

what possible peri-op problems should be pre-empted before surgery?

A

blood loss - place catheter and prepare fluids

heat loss - hot hands, heat pads

apnoea - pre-oxygenation

114
Q

how should small furries be clipped?

A

only clip area required to reduce heat loss

care as skin may cut/tear very easily (esp rabbits)

115
Q

how should exotics be skin prepped before surgery?

A

after clip, prep with clorhex/iodine - avoid alcohol as has cooling effect on body

116
Q

what support is required under GA for small mammals?

A 
prevention of heat loss 
intubation of rabbits and ferrets 
regular monitoring 
raise chest so lungs have space to expand 
mechanical ventilation may be helpful
117
Q

how can you prevent small mammal heat loss during surgery?

A 
bubble wrap
silver foil 
heat mat 
bear hugger 
care not to overheat!
118
Q

which parameters should be monitored during small animal surgery?

A

direct monitoring of heart and respiration
pulse oximeter
capnograph (esp tubed rabbits)
rectal thermometer

119
Q

what are the potential post-op complications of small mammal surgery?

A 
haemorrhage 
hypothermia 
hypoglycaemia 
pain 
gut stasis
120
Q

how can we monitor for haemorrhage in small animals post-op?

A

monitor HR, mm, pulse quality for signs of shock
maintain IV access in case required
monitor wounds for haemorrhage

121
Q

how can we prevent hypothermia in small animals post-op?

A

maintain in an incubator or on heat pad as recovers
monitor rectal temperature regularly
transfer to cooler environment once temperature normal to avoid overheating

122
Q

how can we prevent pain in small mammals post-op?

A

opiate and NSAIDs, difficult to assess to make sure adequate pain relief is given
local blocks for castrates/spays

123
Q

how can you prevent gut stasis post-op?

A

encourage to eat ASAP, syringe feed if required
prokinetics - ranitidine
pain relief
monitor for droppings - may not produce any for 24hrs

124
Q

how can haemostasis be aided during surgery?

A

electro-cautery or radiosurgery

125
Q

how can small mammal surgery be made easier?

A

fine instruments

magnification may help (loops or operating microscope)

126
Q

what suture material is best for small mammal surgery?

A

synthetic monofilament absorbable materials

monocryl, caprosyn

127
Q

what suture material should be avoided in small mammal surgery?

A

catgut - esp rabbits, generates a pyo-granulomatous reaction as it dissolves

128
Q

what type of closure is best for small mammal surgeries?

A

buried skin suture makes less likely to chew out sutures

tissue glue helps secure wounds

129
Q

how else can surgical wounds be protected in small mammals?

A

buster collars may be advantageous in some species

clean dry bedding, avoiding hay and straw initially

130
Q

why might ultrasonography be limited in rabbits and guinea pigs?

A

gas within the bowel may limit views - still possible to gain useful useful information such as GI motility, presence of free fluid, masses etc.

131
Q

what is CT scanning used for in small mammals?

A

mostly teeth and jaw imaging - chinchillas and larger

full anaesthesia required

132
Q

what common surgical procedures are carried out on small mammals?

A 
neutering - spay/castration/vasectomy (ferrets) 
lump/abscess removal 
dentistry 
GI obstruction 
enucleation (care in rabbits) 
liver lobe torsion
133
Q

which small mammals are most prone to dental issues?

A

hystricomorph rodents (chinchillas, guinea pigs, degus) and rabbits

134
Q

which factors may contribute towards molar and incisor malocclusion?

A

inadequate grass/hay

not enough fibre and different chewing action

calcium in diet may also affect bone quality and teeth formation

breeding can also affect teeth

135
Q

with what clinical findings might you suspect dental issues?

A

weight loss
ptyalism
swellings on ventral border of mandible

136
Q

which methods are used to examine rodents teeth?

A

otoscope examination

good skull radiographs

137
Q

can malocclusion be cured?

A

controlled, but rarely cured

138
Q

how can spurs be removed from teeth?

A

using a molar burr with guard

139
Q

how can incisors be reshaped?

A

with a dental burr or a cutting disc - never nail clippers

140
Q

what should be involved in the pre-operative assessment for reptiles?

A

thorough clinical examination

ideally faecal and blood screening

facilities to maintain animal at preferred body temperature are required

fasting unnecessary

141
Q

should exotics be fasted before surgery?

A

no - maybe worth withholding food for a short period in animals that can regurgitate (snakes)

142
Q

how can we support reptiles breathing under GA?

A

IPPV

ventilator e.g. vetronics

143
Q

how can we monitor reptiles under GA?

A

doppler probe to monitor HR useful

capnograph may be helpful on recovery

144
Q

why is it difficult to monitor reptiles under GA?

A

at surgical depths few if any reflexes to monitor, respiration controlled externally

145
Q

how can you prep reptiles for surgery?

A

clorhexadine/iodine used, time left to soak between scales
can use a brush to scrub area
clear plastic drapes enable a sterile field while still being able to visualise the patient

146
Q

why isn’t alcohol used to prep reptiles for surgery?

A

will lead to cooling

affects oils on skin

147
Q

what should be considered when positioning reptiles for surgery?

A

need to try and minimise pressure on the lungs from other organs - lift chest slightly if possible

148
Q

how can we stimulate reptiles to breathe spontaneously post-op?

A

gradually reduce respiration rate (1 breath/min) - breathing stimulated by low O2 rather than high CO2

149
Q

what analgesia is given to reptiles post-op?

A

NSAID - meloxicam (metacam)

opioids - butorphanol

150
Q

where are surgical incisions made in reptiles?

A

between scales rather than through if possible

151
Q

with which material are surgical wounds closed in reptiles?

A

non-absorbable monofilament material

152
Q

which technique should be used to close surgical wounds in reptiles?

A

everting suture pattern such as horizontal mattress sutures

153
Q

when are sutures removed from reptiles?

A

after 4-6 weeks

154
Q

which suture materials are avoided in reptiles?

A

cat gut and polyfilament - create a lot of tissue reaction

155
Q

can tissue glue be used for reptiles?

A

may be used to aid wound apposition but is not sufficient to close wounds on its own

156
Q

what is a coeliotomy?

A

entry into the coelomic cavity

157
Q

where should the surgical incision be made in snakes?

A

between the 2nd and third row of lateral scales (counting up from the ventral scale) If possible incising between the scales allows for a better closure

158
Q

how should the coelom be entered in chelonia?

A

via a trapdoor in the plastron, made using an oscillating or circular saw

159
Q

what materials can be used for wound care in reptiles?

A

dilute iodine to clean (rinse well afterwards)
adhesive dressings (primapore, op-site)
water-based gels/honey can be used to aid wound healing

160
Q

what are some of the common surgical procedures performed on reptiles?

A

mass/abscess removal
ovariosalpingectomy
GI obstruction
hemipenile amputation

161
Q

how is air drawn into the lungs in reptiles?

A

by muscular body movements - have no diaphragm

162
Q

why is reptile surgery referred to as coeliotomy rather than laparotomy?

A

have a single body cavity (coelom - no diaphragm)

163
Q

which parameters can be monitored fairly easily in reptiles?

A 
weight 
respiration rate (slow and shallow) 
defecating/urinating 
activity 
shedding 
environmental temperatures
164
Q

where is the preferred blood sampling location on a lizard?

A

ventral tail vein

underside of tail - advance to bone and pull back

165
Q

why should care be taken when blood sampling from a lizards tail?

A

lizards display autotomy

166
Q

where is the preferred location for blood sampling on a snake?

A

ventral tail vein
OR
cardiocentesis - use doppler

167
Q

what is the preferred location for blood sampling in chelonia?

A

right jugular vein

can get lymph as well as blood which alters samples

168
Q

what other injection site is useful in chelonia?

A

subvertebral sinus - subcarapacial (under shell) good for anaesthetics
still works if tortoise retracts legs

169
Q

which routes are available for medicating chelonia?

A

topical
oral
injection - subcut, IM, IV, IO

170
Q

why is subcut injection not often performed in reptiles?

A

difficult due to inelastic skin

171
Q

where can snakes be injected IM?

A

epaxial muscles

172
Q

is IO injection of medication often performed in reptiles?

A

yes - as affective as IV
requires GA
bridge used in chelonia

173
Q

what are the available routes of fluid therapy in chelonia?

A 
soaking - esp chelonia 
oral 
intracoelomic 
subcut (not much space) 
IV  (difficult to maintain access) 
IO
174
Q

what rate of fluid therapy is given to reptiles?

A

10-30ml/kg/day - actual requirement unknown

175
Q

what route is used for assisted feeding in reptiles?

A

stomach tube of oesophagostomy tube

176
Q

how do you measure chelonia for a stomach tube?

A

measure from front of plastron to hinge

177
Q

what dose rate of meloxicam is given to reptiles?

A

0.2mg/kg daily/every other day

178
Q

which type of parasites are more common in reptiles?

A

endoparasites

179
Q

how do we test for parasitic infection in reptiles?

A

wet preparation or faecal floatation

180
Q

which parasites are common in reptiles?

A 
worms - ascarids and strongyles 
flagellates 
coccidia 
ciliates 
ticks and mites
181
Q

what are some of the common medical presentations in reptiles?

A 
anorexia 
impaction 
metabolic bone disease 
shell//scale rot 
trauma - wounds/burns 
abscesses 
retained shed 
mouth rot 
pneumonia 
hypovitaminosis A 
renal disease
182
Q

what is the most common medical presentation in reptiles, and what is the most common cause of it?

A

anorexia

often involves POTZ issues - check lighting and artificial day length

183
Q

what is the most common cause of impaction in reptiles?

A

ingestion of bedding material

184
Q

what is the first line treatment for impactions in reptiles?

A

warm water enema/bath and lactulose

no liquid paraffin!

185
Q

how does metabolic bone disease develop?

A

imbalance between Ca and PO and lack of vitamin D3

186
Q

what are the symptoms of metabolic bone disease?

A 
shell deformity 
fractures 
rubber jaw 
weakness 
muscle tremors 
seizures
187
Q

how is metabolic bone disease treated?

A

UV light

calcium and vit D supplement/injections (£££)

188
Q

which species is especially prone to scale rot?

A

snakes due to time spent on floor

189
Q

what is the most common cause of burns in reptiles?

A

issues with heat supply

190
Q

what are the 2 types of shell rot?

A

dry and wet

191
Q

how is shell/scale rot treated?

A

tissue removal - remove whole area to healthy border

suture in non-chelonia with everting pattern

192
Q

how should trauma to chelonia shell be treated?

A

treat as open wound - flush and cover with absorbent dressing
tape
honey can be used to encourage wound healing

193
Q

how are abscesses treated?

A

usually solid - cannot drain, whole area must be removed

194
Q

what is dysecdysis?

A

an abnormal pattern of shedding

195
Q

why does dysecdysis occur?

A

results from poor husbandry - inadequate humidity

196
Q

how can dysecdysis be managed?

A

provide humidity - shedding chamber

gently ease off retained shed

197
Q

how can mouth rot be managed?

A

mouth swabs for culture
cleaning (iodine)
surgical debride

198
Q

what does hypovitaminosis A present as?

A

eye problems

199
Q

what are the 2 main groups of small mammals based on dental morphology?

A

hystricomorphs - hypsodont molars (guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus)

myomorphs - brachyodont molars (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils)

200
Q

what parameters are fairly easy to assess/monitor in rodents?

A

eating/drinking
droppings
weight
respiratory rate

201
Q

what locations are used for blood sampling in rodents?

A

tail vein
lateral saphenous (guinea pigs)
cranial vena cava

202
Q

how much blood is safe to take from rodents at a time?

A

max 1ml/100gms (but safer to only take 1/2ml)

203
Q

how do you prep the tail before blood sampling from the tail vein?

A

warm tail before sample to cause vasodilation

204
Q

how do you take a blood sample from a guinea pig?

A

lateral saphenous vein
dorsal recumbency, under GA
small gauge needle

205
Q

what routes are available for medicating rodents?

A

oral
injectable - subcut, IM, IV
topical - shampoos, creams, parasiticides

206
Q

how can you assess pain in rats/mice?

A

grimace score

207
Q

why might small mammals require higher dose rates than dogs/cats?

A

higher metabolic rate

208
Q

what analgesia can be given to rodents?

A

NSAIDs or opiates

209
Q

what facial changes in rats/mice indicate pain?

A

orbital tightening
nose/cheek flattening
ear changes
whisker changes

210
Q

what is the fluid therapy maintenance rate for rodents?

A

100ml/kg/day

211
Q

what routes are available for fluid therapy in rodents?

A 
IV is difficult 
intraosseous possible 
subcut 
oral 
intra-peritoneal
212
Q

where do you administer intra-peritoneal fluids to a rodent?

A

lower right of left quadrant of abdomen

213
Q

what are some of the common medical problems rodents present with?

A 
mites (sarceoptes, demodex)
bite wounds --> abscesses 
ringworm 
respiratory problems 
tumours 
fractures
214
Q

how are fractures treated in rodents?

A

little force through limbs so can be left with analgesia only
or amputation/surgery using pins (£££)

215
Q

what medical problems are rats prone to?

A 
respiratory infections (mycoplasma) - good hygiene crucial
mammary masses
216
Q

what type of mammary masses do rats typically get?

A

benign adenomas - remove if too large

hormonal component - spaying/hormonal implant wil prevent

217
Q

what medical problems are mice prone to?

A

skin problems - don’t response very well to treatment

218
Q

what medical problems are hamsters prone to?

A

overgrown incisors

cheek pouch impaction

‘wet tail’ (proliferative ileitis) - bacterial

demodex mites

pyometra

219
Q

what medical problems are gerbils prone to?

A

nasal dermatitis
ventral scent gland tumours
tail slip (normal defence)
epilepsy

220
Q

what medical problems are guinea pigs prone to?

A 
dental disease, tongue entrapment 
mites 
scurvy
urolithiasis 
pregnancy toxaemia 
pododermatitis 
cystic ovaries
221
Q

what is pregnancy toxaemia in guinea pigs?

A

related to glucose levels, ketoacidosis

fat is metabolised rather than sugar due to anorexia –> liver damage

222
Q

what is pododermatitis?

A

inflammation/pressure sores of paw due to poor bedding - can get infected

223
Q

what are the symptoms of cystic ovaries in guinea pigs?

A

fur loss

hormonal changes

224
Q

what are the common medical problems in chinchillas?

A 
dental disease (mainly) 
respiratory disease
225
Q

what are the important anatomical features of ferets?

A

compact muscular body with flexible spine - similar to cat

anal scent glands - removal regarded as mutilation

spleen can vary greatly in size

226
Q

how can we assess the ferret?

A

should be alert and inquisitive

pulse/RR/mm assessed as in cat

rectal temperature may be resented - only take if concerned

hydration assessed by skin tenting and moistness of gums

227
Q

how should we house ferrets in clinic/hospital?

A

cat cages fine but will escape through wire mesh - use perspex/fine mesh

temperature below 30°C

may be fearful of dogs and cats
keep away from prey species
more secure with hiding spot

line cage with paper/vet bed

228
Q

how can we provide nutrition for ferrets in hospital?

A 
try to keep on normal diet 
similar bowls/water drinkers as owner 
feline critical care 
oxbow carnivore care designed for ferrets 
prolonged fasting not recommended
229
Q

how long should ferrets be fasted before surgery?

A

max 4 hours - may become hypoglycaemic

230
Q

where can a blood sample be taken from a ferret?

A

jugular - easy if sedated/well-behaved
lateral saphenous
cephalic - small
cranial vena cava (under GA)

231
Q

what injectable routes are available for medicating ferrets?

A

subcut (scruff)
IM - thigh/lumbar
IV - cephalic/lateral saphenous

232
Q

what non-injectable route can be used for medicating ferrets?

A

oral - tablets/suspensions

233
Q

what analgesia can be given to ferrets?

A

NSAIDs (meloxicam) - prone to gastric ulceration, GI protectants may be wise
opiates at similar doses to dogs and cats

234
Q

what routes are available for fluid therapy in ferrets?

A

oral
subcut
intra-peritoneal (caudo-lateral abdomen up to 30ml/kg)
IV

235
Q

what is the fluid maintenance rate for ferrets?

A

100ml/kg/day

236
Q

what are the common medical problems in ferrets?

A 
persistent oestrus 
adrenal disease (tumours)
lymphoma 
insulinoma
inflammatory bowel disease 
dental disease
237
Q

why is persistent oestrus in ferrets considered a medical problem?

A

until mated, increased oestrogen suppresses bone marrow –> anaemia

238
Q

how can persistent oestrus in ferrets be managed?

A

progesterone injection to bring out of season
hormonal implants
mating with vasectomised male
spay

239
Q

which viruses do ferrets present with?

A 
influenza - may pass from owner to ferret 
distemper 
aleutian disease (equivalent of parvo)
240
Q

can ferrets be vaccinated against distemper?

A

no licensed vaccines - can use 1/2 dose of dog vaccine (check with manufacturer)
vaccination uncommon as risk is low

241
Q

what common conditions are seen in African pygmy hedgehogs?

A 
dental disease (calculus) 
obesity - diet in captivity unclear 
wobbly hedgehog syndrome
renal disease 
prone to tumours

CVNT2 (47 decks)

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