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Exotics > Lizards > Flashcards

Lizards Flashcards

1
Q

What is herpetology

A

Study of reptiles

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2
Q

What is an endotherm

A

A reptile whos metabolism produces its own heat

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3
Q

what is ectotherm

A

a reptile who relies on their environment to maintain their body temperature

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4
Q

What is a POTZ

A

Preferred Optimum Temperature Zone

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5
Q

What are reptiles considered

A

heterothermic (their BT varies)

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6
Q

What does heliothermic mean

A

Species that heats up from a radiant source: diurnal basking

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7
Q

What does thigmothermic mean

A

sits on a preheated surface- nocturnal

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8
Q

What makes a reptile special from an evolutionary point of view

A

Their Skin: Scales (keratinized)

Their Eggs

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9
Q

What are the 4 classes of reptilia

A

Crocodylia
Squamata
Chelonian
Rhyncocephalia

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10
Q

What animals compose crocodylia

A

alligators and crocodiles

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11
Q

what animals compose squamata

A

snakes and lizards

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12
Q

what animals compose chelonian

A

turtles and tortoises

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13
Q

what animals compose rhyncocephalia

A

tuatara

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14
Q

What are the 6 genus’ of Squamata

A 
Agamids
Iguanids
Chameleons
Skinks
Geckos
Varanids
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15
Q

What animals compose the agamids genus

A

chinese water dragon, bearded dragon

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16
Q

What animals compose the genus iguanids

A

Iguana, Basilisks, Horned Lizard, Anole

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17
Q

What animals compose the genus geckos

A

day Geckos, Leopard Geckos, crested geckos

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18
Q

What must husbandry mimick

A

Natural Habitat

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19
Q

What is cites

A

is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals

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20
Q

Are most exotics captive bred or wild caught?

A

captive bred, with selective breeding for color variation

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21
Q

Where do most medical issues with exotics result from

A

inadequate husbandry

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22
Q

what is the goal of husbandry

A

is to recreate Natural Habitat and must fulfill all psychological and physiological needs

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23
Q

What do you need to know about an exotics natural history and habitat

A

Is it arboreal or terrestrial
How does it like to get heat  Heliothermic or thigmothermic
Substrate on floor ?
Hide box
Heating  create a Temperature gradient *POTZ
Humidity requirements
Lighting  light dark cycle( Photoperiod) + UV lights
Water availability and quality-How to Provide it?

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24
Q

How do you find out about husbandry from the client

A

Do a detailed history, and ask for photos of the set up

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25
Q

How do people transport reptiles to the clinic

A

in a pillowcase, a Styrofoam container with heat packs

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26
Q

whats necessary for the cage for an exotic

A 
ESCAPE PROOF
EASY TO CLEAN
POTZ TEMPERATURE RANGE(10o)
HUMIDITY RANGE
VERTICALY Or HORIZONTALLY ORIENTED ( arboreal or terrestrial)
Over all size ??
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27
Q

what are different types of cage material you can use

A

Glass, Wood,

Plastic, Fiberglass

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28
Q

how do you choose a cage material

A

Retain Heat ?
Visual Security?
Ventilation ?

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29
Q

Describe the pros and cons for a glass and plastic cage

A

waterproof but do not retain the heat well  animal may feel insecure if most of the sides are not covered.

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30
Q

describe the pros and cons for a fibreglass cage

A

waterproof but, again, does not retain the heat well, good visual security

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31
Q

describe the pros and cons for a wood cage

A

is heat retaining  provides a sense of security; however,  should have a water-resistant finish –Hard to disinfect

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32
Q

How do you provide ventilation

A

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

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33
Q

How do you adjust lighting for a photoperiod

A

use a timer

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34
Q

What is necessary for the UVB lighting

A

UVB only 6 months-
Some provide heat as well
Reptile must be w/n 12 inches of light source
Always have a guard around lights ( burns)

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35
Q

What does UVA light do

A

Behavioural changes

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36
Q

What are the 3 lighting factors

A

photoperiod
quality UVB+UVA
intensity

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37
Q

Why is UVA exposure necessary

A

exposure is essential for normal behavior including activity, feeding and mating( reptiles can see in UVA)

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38
Q

What is UVB exposure necessary

A

necessary for the production of the vitamin D3

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39
Q

what are the different types of lights

A 
Incandescent,  (provide heat as well)  
Fluorescent,  (UVB- 6 months only
Black light (constant UVB)
Infra red
Ceramic
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40
Q

Why is photoperiod changes necessary

A

Mimicking your seasonal photoperiod is beneficial and the use of a timer is a huge help for making this easier.

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41
Q

How far away should fluorescent UVB bulbs be placed

A

10-12 inches away and adjacent to the basking heat source

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42
Q

how often do uvb lights need to be replaced

A

6-10 months

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43
Q

should uvb rays have a barrier between you and your reptile

A

No, Glass, acrylic and plastic block UVB while screens with grids under 1/2” can obstruct a good portion of UVB rays.

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44
Q

What percentage of fluorescent UVA UVB does the bulb need

A

5-10% UVB

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45
Q

What temperature gradient does the reptile need

A

8-10*

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46
Q

What is the general reptile recommendation

A

daytime 85-95F (100-105 hotspot) w nights 10 o lower

Daytime (30-35 C)- hotspot (38-41 hotspot)

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47
Q

What is the temperature gradient for the uromastyx

A

–UROMASTYX– 105-110 F ( 40-43)

Are the heat lovers

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48
Q

How do you provide heat for a reptile

A

From light source + heating pad underneath

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49
Q

What heating object burns reptiles often

A

Hot rocks

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50
Q

What is a heliothermic animal

A

diurnal

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51
Q

What is a thigmothermic animal

A

nocturnal

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52
Q

What are the acceptable heating methods

A 
Central heating 
Heating pads under tank
Heat tapes / cables
Radiant heat
Ceramic heaters/ infra red (no light)
Incandescent / Halogen bulbs- provide light as well as heat
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53
Q

Why don’t you use hot rocks with a reptile

A

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

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54
Q

What can happen if there is high humidity in a reptiles cage

A

more problems with bacterial growth, blistering on the skin

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55
Q

what can happen if there is low humidity in the cage

A

difficulty with sloughing, constipation, dysecdysis

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56
Q

How do you provide humidity to a reptile

A

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

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57
Q

what are the humidity recommendations for an arid species

A

30-60

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58
Q

what are the humidity recommendations for a temperate species

A

60-80

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59
Q

what are the humidity recommendations for a tropical rainforest species

A

80-100

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60
Q

How does a herb obtain water

A

Many desert species lick dewdrops- so must use mist container
Some prefer only moving water
Not all use a water dish
Many reptiles enjoy soaking in water dish

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61
Q

What qualities are you looking for in the cage substrate

A

Non toxic, easily digestible, absorbable and easy to clean
Not support microbial growth
Newspaper and artificial turf good
Sand and gravel often result in gastrointestinal impaction
May provide environmental enrichment and allow natural behaviours

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62
Q

What are suitable substrates

A 
Newspaper,  carpet, 
bark chips, +/- abrasive, support bacteria
pellets -  rabbit pellets are digestible
mulch. +/-
In large enclosure can have “Bioactive”
i.e. forest floor mulch
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63
Q

What substrates should you avoid

A

You should avoid gravel, crushed corn cob, kitty litter, wood shavings and other substrates that can be ingested

64
Q

What does playsand cause

A

Suppose to be digestive and provide calcium…but often causes impaction
Feed reptile away from substrate to avoid ingestion

65
Q

Why do you use shredded aspen for snakes

A

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

66
Q

What accessories can you have in your cage

A

Hide boxes,-

food bowls,

Branches, rocks etc- Environmental ambience

67
Q

How many hide boxes should you have

A

Should have at least 2

One in hotter area, one in cooler area

68
Q

Can you house multiple leopard geckos?

A

Multiple female leopard geckos can be housed together (if approximately the same size), but sexually mature males are territorial and will fight

69
Q

What records should you be keeping with your reptiles

A 
What and how they eat
Fecal  and Urine output
Temperature and Humidity
Where does he hang out in the enclosure
Can detect illness early by noticing subtle changes
70
Q

What are iguanidae

A

Mostly new world.

71
Q

What animals compose iguanidae

A

anoles
iguanids
horned lizards
chuckwalla

72
Q

What are agamids

A

old world iguanidae

73
Q

Describe the common iguana

A 
Herbivorous - 
Males- have larger femoral pores, brighter colors
Males can be aggressive
Grow up to 2 meters
Large crest and dewlap
74
Q

What type of dentition do iguanidaes have

A

pleurodont. Get replaced, grow on lingual side

75
Q

Why would you not recommend iguana ownership?

A

they’re huge and usually aggressive

76
Q

what is special about the regal horned lizard

A

Can squirts blood from eye - as part of its defense mechanism

77
Q

where is the chuckwalla found

A

north america-mexico

78
Q

what do chuckwallas eat

A

herbivores

79
Q

what does the green anole eat

A

insectivorous

80
Q

describe agamids

A

Mostly old world and Australia
Similar to iguanids
are insectivorous ( + omivore)
acrodont dentition

81
Q

What is an acrodont dentition

A

Agamid teeth are set along upper edge of jaw, = Acrodont dentition

82
Q

what animals are part of the agamids

A

water dragons, bearded dragon, uromastix

83
Q

Describe the bearded dragon

A

Australia and New Guinea;
arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and arid open woodlands.
Omnivore

84
Q

What does the chinese water dragon look like

A

the iguana

85
Q

what does the chinese water dragon eat

A

insectivorous

86
Q

describe the chameleon

A 
Specialized tongue for prey catching
Sits coiled up in oral cavity
Have turret like eyes that move independently
Opposable digits, prehensile tail
Chromatophores to change colors
Viviparous-  live bearer
87
Q

what does viviparous mean

A

live bearer

88
Q

describe the anatomy of the chameleon

A 
Laterally flattened bodies
Prehensile tail
Front feet have 2 large toes-
Zygodactylous 2 toes and 3 toes fused
Each eye can move independently
Tongue is as long as their body
Chromatophores in integument
89
Q

Are chameleons characterized by sexual dimorphism

A

yes. Pardalis chameleon are characterized by brightly colored and larger males.
This female Pardalis chameleon is much smaller and duller than the male.

90
Q

do chameleons make good pets

A

no, not for the novice herpitologist

91
Q

describe the gecko

A

Many geckos and other lizards have tails that possess fracture planes - so it can break off easily autotomize (skinks + iguanas also)
A defense mechanism
Integument has chromataphores (as do anoles)
Color changes - due to light, heat, social influence, but not surrounding environmental color
Toe has fan like adhesive disks

92
Q

what is special about geckos eyes

A

Geckos do not have eyelids- have a spectacle similar to a snake

93
Q

is the leopard gecko a good first pet

A

yes

94
Q

describe a crested gecko

A 
From New Caledonia
arboreal 
nocturnal,
Live 15–20 years
Thought to be extinct
Do not require live food
95
Q

What is the ideal husbandry of the crested gecko

A

Arboreal vertical enclosure
Obtains water by licking dew drops off leaves  mister
Ideal temperature range  78-82F (25-28C)
Humidity 60-80%– mist often
Do not require UVB
Photoperiod – 12 hr

96
Q

What are the only poisonous lizards

A

Gila Monster
Beaded Lizard
Have hollow teeth which allow venom to flow from sublingual glands

97
Q

What causes dysecdydis

A

low humidity and poor nutrition

98
Q

describe the ecdysis in most lizards

A

comes off in pieces, many lizards eat their sheds

99
Q

describe the integument of lizards

A

no respiratory function unlike amphibians

100
Q

what are the two chromatophore lizards

A

chameleons and anoles

101
Q

what is special about the integument of geckos

A

they automotive (skinks and iguanas)

102
Q

where do the acrodont teeth attach

A

to masticating surfaces. have no sockets are not replaced.

103
Q

where do the plurodont teeth attach

A

attach to the lingual surface of mandible or maxilla, have no socket and are replaced.

104
Q

Which lizards have acrodont teeth

A

aramids

105
Q

which lizards have plurodont teeth

A

iguanas and monitors

106
Q

What lizards have tail autotomy

A

Iguanidae, gekkonidae, scincidae

107
Q

Describe tail autotomy

A

transverse cleavage plates. leaf tailed geckos can do this at will.

108
Q

Describe the cardiovascular system of a lizard

A

2 atria + 1 ventricle
Functionally deoxygenated goes to lungs
Have large ventral abdominal vein
Have a renal portal system

109
Q

Where do you do venipuncture in a lizard

A

medial (caudal) tail vein

110
Q

Describe the respiratory system of lizards

A

External and internal nares (Choana)
Some lizards have salt secreting glands
No epiglottis
Most species do not have vocal chords (except geckos)
Lungs not as advanced as mammals
Faveoli instead of alveoli
Often lungs have an airsac like component
Some use airsac to puff up
No diaphragm- can not cough- coelomic cavity

111
Q

Describe the digestive system of lizards

A

Herbivore, Carnivore, Insectivore, Omnivore
Tongue can be specialized- Chameleons- carnivores often have forked tongues
Jacobsons organ - Vormeronsal organ
Stomach, small intestine,
large intestine-> well developed- Iguana + chuckwalla–> microbial fermentation
Coproduem- cloaca- vent

112
Q

What are the special adaptations of insectivores

A

Pancreas excrete chitinase to digest the chitin of insects

Most insectivores become omnivorous once adult– (eg water dragron/ bearded dragon)

113
Q

too much protein in a lizards diet causes what

A

kidney disease

114
Q

describe a herbivore diet

A 
-high fiber,  low fat and low  protein
Fresh dark leafy greens and variety of veggies (collard greens, dandelion, escarole, and mustard greens)
To high protein will cause renal dse
Do Not give  dog/cat food
Ca: P  1.5:1  to  2:1
Do Not give excessive  amount of fruits
Bananas can become addictive
115
Q

what is an example of a good herbivore diet

A

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 cantaloupe

Bananas can become addictive

116
Q

describe a carnivore diet

A

Whole mice and rats, Chickens Quail Guinea pigs Rabbits Gerbils Fish
If feeding pinkies, fuzzies – add Calcium
Make sure rodents are healthy and have no parasites

Feed killed prey

117
Q

describe an insectivore diet

A

Crickets, mealworms, waxworms Superworms, Silkworms , Sweetworms Hissing roaches Night crawler, Fruit flies
Appropriate size of the insect- OFT- optimal foraging theory
Do not leave live crickets in enclosures with reptile

118
Q

How do you increase nutrient value of insects

A

Importance of GUT LOADING

Dusting (shake and bake method)

119
Q

what is a good gut loading strategies for crickets

A

Use Tropican baby bird formula powder
Give good balance of vitamins and minerals for your reptile when servedwithin a cricket
Give slices of fresh sweet potato, yam, or carrot

DUSTING ( shake and bake)

120
Q

How do you feed omnivores

A

Mix of herbivore,insectivore,carnivore reccomendation

121
Q

describe the excretory system

A

Lizards are uricotelic- uric acids instead of urea
Renal portal system
Kidney disease or dehydration -> inc. UA
BUN evaluates hydration
Ureters drain into Urodeum
Many lizards have a bladder- not sterile, water re-absorption will occur here

122
Q

What is kidney disease caused by

A

-caused by hypervitiminosis D–excess P +Protein in diet

123
Q

How do you prevent bladder stones

A

Limit protein especially uric acid precursors such as purines that are high in asparagus, mushrooms, offal, anchovies and sardines

124
Q

Describe the reproductive system of a lizard

A

Oviparous, ovoviparous, viviparous
Most lizards have 2 hemipenes
Sexual dimorphism in many adults
Iguana male- large femoral pores- see p 39 text
Eggs have soft leathery shell
Sex determination is chromosomal except
**chameleons which are temperature dependant like turtle and crocodiles and alligators

125
Q

how do you determine the sex of a lizard

A

Anatomic- sexually dimorphic
Find Hemipenes
Cloacal probing-probe goes deeper in male
Manual eversion of hemipenes
Hydrostatic eversion of hemipenes
Radiographic – monitors calcified hemipenes
Surgery-Endoscopy- look for ovary or testes

126
Q

Describe the eyes and ears of a lizard

A

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 lens
Vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organ
Tympanum ventrocaudal to the eye

127
Q

where is the parietal eye found

A

Parietal eye- or third eye – photoreceptor (vestigial lens tuatara)


128
Q

what are common integumentary disorders

A

Rostral abrasions- bumping clear glass
Thermal burns – hot rocks
Dysecdysis - humidity
Ascending tail necrosis- dry gangrene

129
Q

what are the common skeletal system disorders

A

metabolic bone diseases

130
Q

What is a common nutritional disease in iguanas

A

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.

131
Q

What is a common symptom of metabolic disease in an iguana

A

lay flat, difficulty in supporting body weight

132
Q

What is a common sign of fibrous osteodystrophy

A

enlarged thighs

133
Q

What are the 3 ways metabolic bone disease can occur

A

light  no UVB– no Vit D
Heat  no POTZ- metabolism does not work
Nutrition  Ca, Ca:P ratio

134
Q

Describe pneumonia in reptiles

A

Usually a secondary bacterial infection subsequent to poor husbandry

135
Q

what are the clinical signs of pneumonia in reptiles

A

dyspnea, oral secretions

136
Q

how do you diagnose a reptile with pneumonia

A

X-rays, transtracheal wash

137
Q

how do you treat pneumonia in a reptile

A

antibiotics

138
Q

What are common digestive disorders in lizards

A

Anorexia

Infectious Stomatitis- mouth rot

Constipation, Obstruction,Impaction

Cloacal Prolapse

139
Q

What are common reproductive disorders in lizards

A

Dystocia

Eggbound- Iguana

Paraphimosis- proplapsed hemipene

140
Q

Describe surgery and anesthesia of a reptile

A 
Low Oxygen stimulates breathing center
High CO2 has no effect
Use premeds and iso- as with mammals
Easy to intubate if big enough
Spontaneous ventilation is suppressed with high ox
IPPV commonly used- 2-4 bpm
 use Pulse oximeter 
Prolonged recovery times
141
Q

what are common surgical procedures on a lizard

A

ovariosalphingectomy, salphingectomy

Ovariectomy, orchiiectomy, enterotomy

142
Q

How do you take a complete history and physical exam on a lizard

A 
Information on Husbandry and nutrition
BCS (body condition score)- dorsal tail +pelvis
Hydration- eyes have a sunken appearance
Oral Exam :use rubber spatula-- look at
Choana- clear of exudate
Dentition- no erythema or exudate
Glottis- observe through several resp. cycles
Mucus membranes
Palpate firmness+ symmetry of mandible
143
Q

How do you use the oculovagal reflex to your advantage with a lizard

A

use vet wrap around the eyes

144
Q

What is important about observing the lizards stance and palpating its limbs

A

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

145
Q

What are common parasites of lizards

A 
Mites and Ticks - tx animal + environment
Entamoeba
Cryptosporidium
Coccidia
Roundworms
Hookworms
pinworms
146
Q

What are the possible zoonoses with lizards

A

Salmonella

Psuedomonas, Aeromonas,

147
Q

What are some steps to prevent disease transmission to people

A

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.

148
Q

What are some reptile nursing techniques

A

force feeding, intravenous, intraossus catheter

149
Q

What are some various diagnostic procedures in a lizard

A

Cloacal- colonic wash
Transtracheal wash

Venipuncture

150
Q

where do you perform venipuncture in a reptile

A

caudal tail vein

ventral abdominal vein

151
Q

How do you handle iguanas

A

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.

152
Q

How do you sex iguanas

A

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.
153
Q

Describe feeding instructions for iguanas

A

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.

154
Q

What can occur in iguanas due to dehydration

A

Visceral or articular gout can occur due to dehydration. A constant supply of fresh water prevents this.

155
Q

How should you house iguanas

A

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.

Exotics (5 decks)

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