exotics

Question 1

what abx should you avoid in rabbits ?

Answer 1

erythromycin - anything gram + spectrum can mess with the microflora

Question 2

iguana presented with hyperactivity and irritability + large abdomen… whats the top dxx?

Answer 2

gravid female

Question 3

conure presents for right sided lameness. What do you do for diagnostics and why

Answer 3

abdominal rads because you should suspect a renal mass pressing on the ischiatic nerve

Question 4

what is the most common GI tumor of birds?

Answer 4

cloacal papilloma

Question 5

bunnies like to break their backs, where is the favorite place for them to do so?

Answer 5

L7

Question 6

intracellular parasites in birds
Hemoproteus and Plasmodium are intracellular parasites found in the _____cells. While Leukocytozoon is found in _____ bloods cells.

Answer 6

Hemoproteus and Plasmodium are intraerythrocytic parasites found in birds whereas Leukocytozoon is found in white bloods cells.

Question 7

What is the treatment for proliferative bowel disease in ferrets?

Answer 7

The correct answer is antibiotics. Proliferative bowel disease in ferrets is caused by Lawsonia, an intracellular bacterium. The organism is very susceptible to chloramphenicol and has a variable susceptibility to other antibiotics.

Question 8

T/F
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in birds may occur due to congenital pancreatic atrophy or due to end-stage chronic pancreatic disease. Clinical signs include weight loss and large, pale, voluminous droppings often referred to as having a “popcorn” appearance as shown in the photo. Polyphagia is variable.

This is treated by identifying and eliminating underlying causes and converting the bird to a formulated diet supplemented with pancreatic enzymes.

Answer 8

true

Question 9

what causes goiter on budgies?

Answer 9

Goiter is usually a result of dietary deficiency of iodine in budgies. Tx with supplementation

Question 10

What antibiotic is contraindicated for use in guinea pigs?

Enrofloxacin
Streptomycin
Chloramphenicol
Trimethoprim-sulfa

Answer 10

The correct answer is streptomycin. Guinea pigs are particularly sensitive to many antibiotics including penicillin, ampicillin, bacitracin, lincomycin, vancomycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Streptomycin can be directly toxic and result in death and therefore should never be used in this species.

Question 11

In rodents, three of the antibiotics used most commonly are _____, _____ and ______. These antibiotics are the most commonly used because hamsters, guinea pigs, and other rodents are prone to developing enterotoxemia from many other antibiotics that disturb their normal intestinal microflora.

Answer 11

In rodents, three of the antibiotics used most commonly are Enrofloxacin, Chloramphenicol and TMS. These antibiotics are the most commonly used because hamsters, guinea pigs, and other rodents are prone to developing enterotoxemia from many other antibiotics that disturb their normal intestinal microflora.

Question 12

what is Cutaneous xanthomatosis

Answer 12

Cutaneous xanthomatosis is a unique condition of birds caused by excessive accumulation of lipids in the skin. It is a macrophagic inflammatory response, with multinucleated giant cells and cholesterol crystals observed cytologically. A xanthoma is a benign growth and is most prevalent in cockatiels, budgies and cockatoos. They are typically non-aggressive, but at times can become locally invasive causing irritation and self-mutilation of the site. The etiology is unknown but a high fat diet and inactivity may contribute.

Question 13

Proventricular dilatation syndrome signs

Answer 13

Clinical signs of regurgitation, weight loss despite a good appetite, polyuria, and passage of undigested seeds are characteristic, but may also include neurologic signs. The histopathologic lesion is a lymphoplasmacytic ganglioneuritis.

Question 14

Mycobacterium leprae is an acid fast bacillus that is known to cause serious disease in humans. What is the reservoir for this organism in the United States?

 Squirrel
 Skunk 
 Fox
 Sheep
 Armadillo

Answer 14

The correct answer is armadillo. No additional explanation required; just one of those fun facts that is easy to write a question about and therefore, worth knowing.

Question 15

What is the causative agent of Tyzzer’s disease in hamsters and rabbits?

Clostridium novyi
Clostridium piliforme
Clostridium difficile
Clostridium chauvoei

Answer 15

The correct is Clostridium piliforme. C. novyi causes infectious necrotic hepatitis (Black disease) in livestock. C. chauvoei causes Blackleg in cattle in sheep. C. difficile causes enterocolitis in swine.

Question 16

Iodine deficiency occurs most commonly in which of the following birds?

Canaries
Macaws
Budgerigars
Finches

Answer 16

The correct answer is budgerigars. Iodine deficiency in budgerigars causes goiter or thyroid hyperplasia. Clinical signs are usually respiratory-related due to pressure of the enlarged thyroid on the syrinx. Regurgitation may also occur due to blockage of the thoracic inlet. Treatment and prevention include iodized calcium blocks or specially-iodized seed mixes.

Question 17

rotaviral infection in mice causes…..

Answer 17

diarrhea with obstipation on mice 1-3 weeks of age

Question 18

A person comes to your clinic and asks if it would be okay to regularly bathe their precious 8-foot python in the bathtub. What zoonotic agent would you want to warn her about?

Salmonella
Cryptosporidium
Yersinia pestis
E. coli

Answer 18

The correct answer is Salmonella. All reptiles are considered to be carriers of Salmonella. Therefore, strict hygiene and handling is advised. Also note that reptilian cryptospridium is NOT zoonotic (C. serpentis, host-specific).

Question 19

How many chambers are there in a snake’s heart?

Answer 19

3. All reptiles have 3 chambered hearts except for crocodilians which have 4 chambers. Reptiles have 2 atria and a single ventricle with an incomplete septum. Fish have 2 chambered hearts. Amphibians and reptiles have 3 chambers. Birds and mammals have 4 chambered hearts.

Question 20

Fish have ___chambered hearts. Amphibians and reptiles have ____chambers. Birds and mammals have ____ chambered hearts.

Answer 20

Fish have 2 chambered hearts. Amphibians and reptiles have 3 chambers. Birds and mammals have 4 chambered hearts.

Question 21

The fused lumbosacral region in birds is known as the ___________.

Answer 21

Synsacrum

Question 22

A 6-year old Macaw presents to your emergency clinic with a broken blood feather. What is the best way to stop the hemorrhage?

Answer 22

Blood feathers (pin feathers) are new feathers that are starting to grow and need a large blood supply. A blood feather starts out with a waxy keratin sheath and, when mature, the blood supply will recede, and the waxy sheath will be removed by the bird. Blood feathers can be broken or may accidentally be cut when the wings are trimmed.

Pulling the blood feather is the most appropriate treatment. The bleeding can be temporarily stopped with other means (thermal or chemical cautery), but the feather can easily be re-injured or the clot dislodged due to the slippery keratin of the feather.
Pulling out a feather will cause pain, so be sure you hold the bird firmly, but carefully. Do not jerk on or twist the feather.

If bleeding occurs from the follicle after the feather has been removed, continue to apply pressure to the area for several minutes and monitor the bird for at least an hour.

Question 23

A boa constrictor presents to you for weight loss, vomiting, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and anorexia. The snake is housed with herbivorous turtles, which all seem to be healthy. What pathogen should you be suspicious of?

 Citrobacter spp
 Plasmodium spp
 Aspergillus spp
 Salmonella spp
 Entamoeba spp

Answer 23

The correct answer is Entamoeba spp. Entamoeba invadens is a protozoal organism that causes severe gastrointestinal signs and death in snakes. Turtles act as carriers for the protozoa but are clinically unaffected. Diagnosis is based on identification of trophozoites or cysts in fecal smears or histologic sections. Metronidazole is the treatment of choice. Turtles and snakes should not be housed together.

Question 24

rabbit risk of uterine adenocarcinoma if not spayed ?

Answer 24

55% of them get it by age 3 ! spay the bunny!

Question 25

Which of the following drugs is toxic to tortoises and turtles but not necessarily other reptiles?

Fluconazole
Ampicillin
Ivermectin
Doxycycline

Answer 25

Ivermectin

Question 26

Which of the following is not a predisposing factor to ulcerative dermatitis (scale rot) in lizards and snakes?

Humid environment
Skin lesions
Inadequate ultraviolet light
Exposure to fecal degradation products

Answer 26

The correct answer is inadequate ultraviolet light. Predisposing factors to scale rot or ulcerative dermatitis in snakes and lizards include a humid environment, fecal contaminated bedding, dermal lesions, and poor hygiene. Clinical signs include erythema, necrosis and ulceration of the dermis, and an exudative discharge. Secondary infections often occur with Aeromonas spp and Pseudomonas spp. Secondary bacterial infections can often lead to septicemia and death. Treatment involves improving hygiene and supplying antibiotics.

Question 27

Why should rabbits and guinea pigs never be housed together?

1) Risk of transmission of Pasteurella from guinea pigs to rabbits
2) The guinea pigs will attack and kill the rabbits until there are none left
3) Risk of transmission of Pasteurella from rabbits to guinea pigs
4) Risk of transmission of Bordetella from rabbits to guinea pigs
5) Risk of transmission of Bordetella from guinea pigs to rabbits

Answer 27

The correct answer is risk of transmission of Bordetella from rabbits to guinea pigs. Bordetella is a normal inhabitant of the oropharynx of rabbits but is pathogenic to guinea pigs.

Question 28

A newly acquired Cockatiel with an unknown history presents for increased respiratory effort. Which of the following is the least likely differential diagnosis for this bird?
Bordetella infection
 Polyoma virus infection 
 Mycoplasma infection
 Chlamydiosis

Answer 28

The correct answer is Polyoma virus infection. The avian Polyoma virus causes delayed feathering, diarrhea, gastrointestinal stasis, ascites, and death. Respiratory difficulty is not a classic clinical sign for Polyoma virus. Mycoplasma infection, chlamydiosis, and Bordetella infection are all respiratory infections in birds that can cause head shaking, sneezing, and rhinitis.

Question 29

On physical examination of a cockatoo, you notice that on both sides of the neck there appears to be a discreet line of feathers, and when parted, you can see the underlying skin, trachea, and jugular vein. You tell the owner:

• This is a normal featherless tract known as the aptera
• This bird has a pathognomonic sign of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)
• The bird is showing early signs of hypothyroidism
• This bird has a genetic feather defect

Answer 29

There are numerous featherless areas or tracts, known as aptera, distributed over the body of most parrot species. They usually go unnoticed unless the feathered areas, called pterylae, are wet or physically parted. The aptera along the lateral neck is a good site to visualize the trachea, muscles and blood vessels of the neck.

Question 30

“Green muscle disease,” a non-infectious condition of acute, infarctive myonecrosis occurring in heavy broiler chickens, usually presents in what group of muscles?

 Quadriceps femoris muscle
 Cervical muscle
 Deep pectoral muscle (supracoracoideus) 
 Superficial pectoral muscle
 Lumbosacral muscles

Answer 30

Deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) is a degenerative muscle disease. It is characterized by atrophy and necrosis of the deep pectoral muscle (the supracoracoideus) which is the primary elevator of the wing. Excessive wing flapping is thought to be the major cause.

Question 31

What is the maximum amount of blood that can be safely drawn from a healthy adult 100 gram Cockatiel?

Answer 31

It is safe to take up to 1% of a bird’s weight in a blood draw (converting grams to ml).

In this case, the bird is 100 grams. 1% of 100 = 1

Question 32

Many rabbits are inapparent carriers of ______ ________. However, ________ ________ causes primary respiratory disease in guinea pigs; therefore, guinea pigs and rabbits should not be housed together.

Answer 32

Many rabbits are inapparent carriers of Bordetella bronchiseptica. However, Bordetella causes primary respiratory disease in guinea pigs; therefore, guinea pigs and rabbits should not be housed together. Clinical signs of bordetella in guinea pigs include respiratory distress, weight loss, and sudden death.

Pasteurella multocida causes respiratory disease (“snuffles”) in rabbits but not guinea pigs. Mycoplasma pulmonis and Sendai virus are part of a complex of organisms that cause respiratory disease in rats. Teflon toxicity causes respiratory disease in birds but has not been reported to affect guinea pigs.

Question 33

Which of the following drugs is toxic to tortoises and turtles but not necessarily other reptiles?

Doxycycline
Ivermectin
Fluconazole
Ampicillin

Answer 33

The correct answer is ivermectin. Ivermectin is highly toxic in turtles and causes paresis, paralysis, and death at low doses due to an ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Question 34

Which of the following is a common isolate in infectious stomatitis in turtles?

 E. coli
 Aeromonas spp 
 Salmonella spp
 Pasteurella spp
 Citrobacter spp

Answer 34

Aeromonas spp

Question 35

When placing an intraosseous catheter in a bird, which bones would be the most appropriate to use?

Answer 35

Intraosseous catheters can be placed in birds in either the ulna or the tibiotarsus. Birds have pneumatized bones, and these must be avoided with IO catheters, since administration of fluids into a pneumatic bone would drown the bird.

Question 36

What are the genotypes of male and female birds?

Answer 36

Male ZZ

Female ZW

Question 37

An African Grey parrot fed an all seed diet develops seizures. Deficiency of which of the following is the likely cause of the seizures?

Magnesium
Phosphorus
Calcium
Vitamin A

Answer 37

CALCIUM

Question 38

Corynebacterium kutscheri causes which of the following in rats?

 Sialodacryoadenitis
 Renal failure
 Pseudotuberculosis 
 Abortion
 Hepatic failure

Answer 38

The correct answer is pseudotuberculosis. C. kutscheri is a gram positive rod that causes caseous purulent foci in the lungs of rats when stressed. The infection is usually subclinical. Clinical signs include dyspnea, oculonasal discharge, rough hair coat, and hunched posture. In mice, lesions in other organs occur as well. Diagnosis is based on impression smears of the lesions showing the characteristic “Chinese character” formation. Culture of the bacteria or serology can diagnose the infection as well. C. kutscheri does not cause abortion, sialodacryoadenitis, hepatic or renal failure.

Question 39

What is the agent responsible for snuffles in the rabbit ?

Answer 39

Pasteurella multocida. This is a common cause of infectious disease in rabbits and is the causative agent of “snuffles”. Of the choices listed, Pasteurella is the only respiratory pathogen. The upper respiratory syndrome is the most common presentation for Pasteurella in rabbits, but it can affect many other systems and can cause enzootic pneumonia, otitis media/interna, conjunctivitis, meningitis, encephalitis, reproductive tract infections, abscesses, and septicemia.

Question 40

A cockatiel presents with a large yellow-orange mass on the tip of its wing and also on its breast. You perform a fine needle aspirate and cytology reveals macrophagic inflammation with multi-nucleated giant cells and cholesterol clefts. What is your diagnosis?

Xanthoma
Feather cyst
Triglyceroma
Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 40

A xanthoma is a benign growth composed of lipids and cholesterol accumulations and is most prevalent in cockatiels, budgies and cockatoos. They are typically non-aggressive, but at times can become locally invasive causing irritation and self-mutilation of the site. The etiology is unknown but a high fat diet and inactivity may contribute.

Question 41

In rodents, three of the antibiotics used most commonly are Enrofloxacin, Chloramphenicol and TMS.

T/F

Answer 41

true

Question 42

What is the average lifespan of a rat?

4. 5 years
5. 5 years
6. 5 years
7. 5 years

Answer 42

2.5 years