Medical problems of reptiles Flashcards
What is the most common presenting sign of gastrointestinal problems of reptiles
-Anorexia
What are the 4 major categories of gastrointestinal issues in reptiles
-Anorexia
-Stomatitis
-Nutritional osteodystrophy
-Parasites
What can cause anorexia in reptiles
-Suboptimal temperature, poor husbandry
What causes stomatitis in reptiles
-Gram negative bacteria “mouth rot”
What are the clinical signs of nutritional osteodystrophy in reptiles
-Fractures
-Misshapen spine
-Hindlimb paresis
-Flabby muscles
-Swollen jaw (plump and flabby)
-Anorexia (too weak to chase prey)
-Seizures (hypocalcemic tetany)
What do you see on radiographs with nutritional osteodystrophy in reptiles
-Osteopenia of skeleton
-Thin vortices
-Folding fractures
-Spinal deformities
_”Casper ghost” skeleton, no contrast between skeleton and soft tissue
What is the treatment for nutritional osteodystrophy of reptiles
-Keep at POTZ
-Rehydrate until urinating
-Assisted feeding
-Calcium/vit D (3x per week or less)
-Correct secondary issues (often immunosuppressed)
-Check for parasites
What types of parasites might be found on fecal check of reptiles
-Pinworms (oxyurids)
-Flagellates
-Coccidiosis (bearded dragons)
-Cryptosporidium (causes chronic ill-thrift)
What treatments can you use for parasites in reptiles
-Pinworms (oxyurids): Fenbendazole 50-100 mg/kg
-Protozoans: metronidazole 40mg/kg
-Coccidiosis: sulphonamides 30mg/kg, toltrazuril (suspension only)
How should hibernation go for tortoises and when should you wake them up
-No food for 4 weeks
-Controlled environment (2-9 C)
-Check weekly and weigh
-Wake up if: lose more than 10% BW, if urinates
-Never hibernate unless health checked first
What problems can you get in post-hibernation, and what are some underlying problems that can cause anorexia
-Anorexia
-Stomatitis
-Jaundice
-Blindness
-Underlying problems: fatty liver, follicular stasis, pneumonia, gout
What is the treatment for post-hibernation issues in tortoises
-Hospitalize, blood profile, radiographs, fluids, ABs, vitamin A, assisted feeding, esophagostomy, rehydrate until urinating
Why does exudate build up in reptiles with respiratory disease
-Reptiles can’t cough (no bronchociliary apparatus)
What parts of the physiology and anatomy of reptiles makes them susceptible to respiratory disease
-Physiology: O2/temperature (high O2 reduces respiration), no cough, anaerobic metabolism (hold breath for very long times)
-Anatomy: no diaphragm, forward glottis, poor bronchociliary transport
What are clinical signs of pneumonia in reptiles
-Lethargy
-Anorexia
-Dehydration
-Frothy mouth/nares
-Hyperactivity
-Cyanosis (not blue tongue skin lol)
-Dry docking
-Swimming lopsided
-Weight loss
