Exotics Top Topics - Top 10 Reptile Diseases Part 2 Flashcards
what is the classic case presentation of cryptosporidiosis in reptiles?
mid-body swelling due to gastric mucosal/glandular hypertrophy
emaciation/loss of condition
regurgitation & diarrhea
what is the etiology of cryptosporidiosis?
cryptosporidium serpentes in snakes & c. saurophilum in lizards
how is cryptosporidiosis diagnosed?
fecal float, IFA/PCR on feces/regurgitated slime
contrast rads - thickening of gastric rugae
what is the prognosis of cryptosporidiosis in reptiles?
poor
how is cryptosporidiosis treated in reptiles?
supportive care only - hyperimmune bovine colostrum has shown good results in supportive care & prophylaxis
how is cryptosporidiosis disinfected in the environment?
clean with 5% ammonia solution & allow to dry for a minimum of 3 days
is cryptosporidiosis in reptiles zoonotic?
nope - reptile crypto doesn’t affected mammals
what is the classic case presentation of inclusion body disease in boas?
chronic - chronic weight loss, regurgitation, any secondary disease causing diarrhea, stomatitis, dermatitis, pneumonia, dysecdysis
slowly progressive over 1-2 years with progressive CNS signs (tremors, incoordination, depression) & death
what is the classic case presentation of inclusion body disease in pythons?
more acute & severe - stomatitis, pneumonia, acute neuro signs (head tilt, opisthotonus, absent righting reflex, tremors) leading to rapid death
what is the etiology of inclusion body disease?
arenavirus
what is seen on lab work for inclusion body disease?
leukocytosis (especially lymphocytosis) & normal chem panel, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies on blood smear
what is seen post-mortem in a snake with inclusion body disease?
intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusions in the liver, kidney, stomach, brain off of virus isolation
how is inclusion body disease diagnosed?
biopsy of esophageal tonsils
what is the treatment for inclusion body disease? what is the prognosis?
supportive care - prognosis is very poor
how does inclusion body disease spread?
body fluids from breeding/fighting/etc - snake mites (ophionyssus natricis) may be vectors
what disease should be ruled out in every sick boa?
inclusion body disease
what is the classic case presentation of snake mites?
small black specks on or between scales especially gluttal folds & around eyes
snake spends a lot of time soaking to drown mites - anemia if high burden
what is the etiology of snake mites? how is it diagnosed?
blood feeding ophionyssus natricis
close inspection of skin - scotch tape collection or rub reptile over white paper
how are snake mites treated?
ivermectin/pyrethrins
thoroughly disinfection of enclosure
predatory mites (hypoaspis mites) feed on snake mites & can be used as treatment
what is the prognosis for snake mites?
usually good but can be difficult to eradicate
what other reptiles can carry snake mites?
lizards
what is the classic case presentation of hypovitaminosis A?
young reptile (especially red eared slider) with swollen/closed eyes, may see discharge, dysecdysis, thickened lips, lethargy, depression, weight loss
how is hypovitaminosis A diagnosed?
based on physical, dietary history, & response to treatment
how is hypovitaminosis A treated?
avoid overdosing!!!! signs include anorexia, skin sloughing, & edema
feed carotene-rich foods
abx if secondary infection
what is the prognosis of hypovitaminosis A?
can be good if caught in time
what disease in turtles may be linked to hypovitaminosis A?
aural abscesses
what zoonotic concern is important to remember when handling reptiles with hypovitaminosis A?
they carry salmonella!!!
what is the classic case presentation of amoebiasis?
affects most snakes & lizards - lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, wasting, frank blood in feces due to ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, & death
what is the etiology of amoebiasis?
entamoeba invadens
how is amoebiasis diagnosed?
direct smear & float looking for cysts
what is seen on necropsy from an animal with amoebiasis?
hepatic abscesses & ulceration of the gi tract
how is amoebiasis treated?
metronidazole, fluids, & mucosal protectants
T/F: entamoeba invadens can be normal gut flora in some turtle
true
why not house snakes with turtles?
classic disease in mixed exhibits!!!! pathogenic in snakes (except cobras & eastern king snakes) giant tortoises, & some lizards
