Exotics Flashcards
Should a cuffed or uncuffed ETT be used in birds?
Uncuffed. Birds have complete tracheal rings and the trachea lacks distensibility
What resuscitation drug may not be effective in rabbits?
Atropine. 30-50% of rabbits have endogenous atropinase enzymes, which block the effectiveness of injectable atropine
True or false: rabbits are nasal obligate breathers
True
True or false: rabbits can vomit
False
What microorganisms causes “snuffles” in rabbits?
Pasteurella multocida
What is the most common neoplastic disease seen in adult female rabbits?
Uterine adenocarcinoma
Rabbit abscesses
- Rabbits produce unique granuloatous abscesses that are typically impenetrable to most antimicrobials and require surgical excision with clean margins
- Can try enro, TMS
What is the most common cause of neurological disease in rabbits?
The protozoal parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi, spread through contaminated urine
What are the two most common cause of bacterial enteritis in rabbits?
Enterotoxemia (clostridial bacteria) & colibacillosis (pathogenic E. coli)
What is the blood volume of a rabbit?
50-60ml/kg, similar to cat
What two animals produce cecotrophs?
Rabbits and guinea pigs
Guinea pigs require an outside source of which vitamin?
C
What is the minimum daily vitamin C requirement for g pigs?
10-30mg
Why are gpigs prone to dystocia?
- Pelvic symphysis fuses if not bred by 6 months
- If bred for the first time between 6-9 months, dystocia occurs due to the inability of pelvic symphysis to widen for parturition due to hardening of the 2 halves
What microorganism is the main pathogen for enterotoxemia in gpigs?
Clostridium
What is the most common cause of urinary calculi in rabbits and gpigs?
Excessive dietary Vit C
Can chinchillas vomit?
No
What happens in esophageal choke & bloat?
- Food becomes lodged in esophagus
- If esophagus is obstructed, gas can’t be released orally and gastric distension will occur
- Excess carbs will cause an overproductionn of gas, leading to gastric distension
What is fur ring?
- When excess skin collects around the base of the chinchillas penis. Fur wraps around penis and forms a tight ring
Are chinchillas better suited for hot or cooler temperature?
Cooler - they do not experience temp >80 in the wild
Can gerbils be lifted by the tail?
No - may deglove
Mice yes, rats temporarily at base of tail
What is Tyzzer’s disease, and in what animal is it often seen in?
- Hamster and gerbils most affected
- An infectious disease affecting the GIT caused by Clostridium pilforme
- Mortality high even if treated
- Tetracycline
What is proliferative ileitis/wet tail?
- The most serious hamster GIT dz caused by bacteria Lawsonia intracellularis
- Prognosis guarded
Gerbil epilepsy
- Gerbils have a unique form of hereditary epilepsy triggered by strange environments or stressful situations
- Severity increases with age until ~ 7 months
True or false: rodents are nasal obligate breathers
True
What microorganisms usually cause respiratory conditions in rodents?
- Sendai viruses & mycoplasma pulmonis
What are “red tears”?
- Chromodacryorrhea
- Occurs because of porphyrin pigments secreted by Harderian/Harder’s gland
- Irritant but not blood
Where is an IO catheter usually placed in ferrets?
Proximal femur
What do ferrets have difficult digesting?
Fiber. Obligate carnivores
What diseases are ferrets prone to?
- Helicobacter mustelae - almost 100% are carriers
- Canine distemper - rare thanks for vaccine
- Human influenza - zoonotic human to ferret
What is the most common cardiovascular disease in ferrets?
- DCM
What are the most common neoplasias in ferrets?
- Insulinoma
- Adrenal neoplasia
- Lymphoma
What is a normal BG in a ferret and what level is diagnostic for insulinoma?
Normal >80
Diagnostic for insulinoma <60
Signs seen at 20-40
What is “green slime disease”?
Coronaviral diarrhea syndrome
Why are ferrets susceptible to heat stroke?
Lack of sweat glands. Struggle to tolerate heat >30C
What type of vaccine hypersensitivity can be seen in ferrets?
Type 1
What is the most common hepatic tumor in ferrets?
Lymphoma
What types of uroliths are most common in ferrets?
Cystine
What is ferret estrogen toxicity?
Occurs in intact females due to prolonged estrus, leading to bone marrow suppression and life threatening anemia
In what other exotic species can insulinomas occur?
G.pigs
What can an elevated BGL in a rabbit indicate?
Intestinal obstruction
What microorganisms commonly cause bacterial pneumonia in gpigs?
- Bordetella bronchiectasis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
What is the metabolic rate of sugar gliders?
30% lower than similar sized placental mammals
What are some common gpig toxicoses?
High carb items, avocado, chocolate, oxalate-containing plants
What is the approximate BV of a bird?
10% of BW
How much blood can safely be taken from a bird?
Up to 1% of BW = 1ml/100g
Where should IO catheters never be placed in a bird?
Humerus and femur - pneumatic - communciate directly with air sacs
Where should drugs be administered?
Cranial to kidney because of the renal portal system
What are some common toxicants in birds?
Avocado, chocolate, Allium species
Why are birds sensitive to inhaled toxins?
Their unique physiology - their respiratory system allows for 2 passes of air through respiratory tract with each breath
In what bird is hypocalcemia common?
African greys
Why can PLR be absent in reptiles?
The pupil is striated skeletal muscle and the animal has voluntary control over it
What kind of RBCs do reptiles have?
Nucleated
Does iso or sevo work best in reptiles?
Iso
What clinical sign can be seen in iguanas in vit B/mineral deficiency?
Rear leg paralysis
What effect can >50% oxygen cause in reptiles and amphibians?
Respiratory suppression
What does opisthotonus in a snake look like?
“Stargazing” - the cervical area arches backwards
