Midterm Study Guide Flashcards
What is the scientific name for chinchillas?
Chinchilla langier
What is the average lifespan of chinchillas?
10-20 years
Describe the external anatomy of a chinchilla.
They have very dense fur covering their entire body with up to 90 hairs coming from each individual root, short front legs to support and hold food, and large powerful legs designed for jumping.
Describe the external anatomy of a female chinchilla’s reproductive/urinary tract.
The urethra terminates outside of the vagina with no labial folds present.
Describe the external anatomy of a male chinchilla’s reproductive/urinary tract.
They have no scrotum, testicles are considered incomplete.
Define precocial.
Born mobile and relatively well-developed.
Describe the 3 main characteristics of chinchilla husbandry.
Intolerant to heat/humidity, teeth grow constantly so ample objects are needed for gnawing, and daily dust baths (1-2 inches deep, do not leave in cage).
What is the #1 disease in chinchillas?
Dental disease
Describe dental disease in chinchillas, the clinical signs that would be presented, possible causes, and treatment.
Can occur in any teeth, causing ulcers on the buccal mucosa and tongue. Clinical signs include: drooling, pawing at the mouth, wt loss, poor coat, anorexia, decreased stool, constipation, and lethargy. Dental disease can be genetic or may be due to not enough roughage. Teeth trimming and other treatments are TBD by DVM.
Inadequate access to dust baths can cause what in chinchillas?
Skin disease
Improper handling of a chinchilla can lead to what?
Fur slip
When discussing chinchilla care, what is one of the most important factors?
Proper diet
What is the most common penile disorder in chinchillas?
Fur rings, or accumulations of fur wrapped around the penis.
What should be included in physical exams for male chinchillas?
Manually everting the penis from the prepuce.
What temperature should chinchillas NOT be housed and why?
> 80*F with high humidity. They are very prone to heat stroke.
What wire should only be used in a chinchilla’s enclosure?
Welded wire
Should chinchilla’s have flat surfaces in their enclosure for resting?
Yes
Are wire bottoms okay for chinchillas?
Yes, but make sure spacing is appropriate to prevent injury.
How do you properly handle a chinchilla?
NEVER SCRUFF, hold the base of the tail and hind legs in one hand while the other supports the chest and shoulder. Get low to prevent injury if the patient should jump.
Where is the most common venous access in chinchillas?
Jugular/cranial vena cava
Describe the procedure for venipuncture in a chinchilla.
Gather your equipment, pt should be anesthetized, use a 25g needle and insert between manubrium and 1st rib at a 45* angle pointed at the opposite foot. Draw back slowly to avoid collapsing the vein.
How many mLs can be given IM to a chinchilla?
<0.3ml/site
What are the IM injection locations in SA?
Lumbar epaxial, hamstrings, quadriceps, and triceps.
What are the 3 types of chelonians?
Turtles, tortoises, and terrapins
Chelonians are the most _________ group of living reptiles.
Primitive
What are tortoises?
Terrestrial chelonians
What are turtles?
Primarily aquatic chelonians that may spend some time basking/laying eggs.
What are terrapins?
Semi-aquatic & hard shelled chelonians.
How do you determine appropriate floor space size in aquatic turtles?
The combined surface of the turtle’s entire carapace should not exceed 25% of floor space.
How do you determine appropriate water depth in aquatic turtles?
Water needs to be as deep as the width of the shell so it can right itself if flipped over.
Why is difficult to maintain clean water for turtles?
They eat and defecate in the same water.
What is the POTZ for aquatic turtles?
Water AND environment should be between (75-82*F).
What is the “death zone” for aquatic turtles?
Cool water temps
What is the outdoor POTZ for terrestrial chelonians?
65-75*F or above with a shaded area/hiding place (thermal gradient)
What is the indoor POTZ for terrestrial chelonians?
75-90*F with a basking light, or ceramic heater with reflector (thermal gradient)
What are acceptable substrates for terrestrial chelonians?
Cypress mulch, large conifer bark nuggets, alfalfa pellets, newspaper, and indoor/outdoor carpet.
What are unacceptable substrates for terrestrial chelonians?
Sand, fine gravel, cat litter, crushed corn cob, walnut shells, pine, and cedar shavings.
When do you change out a chelonian’s substrate?
Replace regularly according to manufacturers recommendations.
What is metabolic bone disease?
Otherwise called nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, where there’s an abnormality in calcium metabolism causing deformed shells and abnormal scute growth.
What happens if chelonians do not receive sun or UVB light?
They will be unable to convert vitamin D2 to D3, which will not allow dietary calcium to be formed. Blood calcium decreases, stimulating the parathyroid gland to metabolize calcium from bone to keep blood calcium up.
Chelonians deficient in Vitamin A can cause what?
Conjunctivitis, blepharitis(inflammation of the eyes), swollen eyelids, nasal discharge, dyspnea, and ear abcesses.
Vitamin A toxicity in chelonians can lead to what?
Dry, flaky skin, sloughing (shedding) of the skin, and secondary bacterial infection.
What does SCUD stand for?
Septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease
How can SCUD be treated?
Dry docking, antibiotics, and betadine soaks.
Should you easily give up on a chelonian who suffered a traumatic injury?
NO
Most reptiles don’t have what anatomical structure?
Diaphragm
What is the buoyancy test?
Put a chelonian in water. If they sink or tilt to one side or another, it can indicate pneumonia.
What does gout cause in chelonians?
Uric acid crystals in the visceral organs or the joints.
How can you tell the difference between a penile prolapse and cloacal prolapse?
A penile prolapse will usually appear as a pair of elongated, sometimes forked, structures, while a cloacal prolapse will show a more general mass of tissue from the cloacal lining.
The most common zoonotic disease in reptiles is what?
Salmonella
What size carapace of baby turtles was banned in 1975?
Any length that is 4 inches or less, as they may carry salmonella.
What is the difference between the carapace and the plastron?
The carapace and plastron are the top and bottom sections of a turtle’s shell, respectively.
What are the 3 radiograph views on a turtle?
Lateral, VD, and craniocaudal (CC)
During anesthesia, be careful of a turtle’s ______.
Tongue
Why is inhalant induction not practical in turtles?
They like to hold their breath
What should be used to manipulate a turtle’s tongue and why?
Use a cotton tip applicator as it can be soft and friable.
What is one of the best places to collect blood in turtles?
Jugular vein
What venipuncture site used to be common, but not anymore in turtles?
Subcarapacial vein
Where should an IM injection be administered in a turtle?
Front legs (muscle mass) and pectoral muscles
Where should a subQ injection be administered in a turtle?
Inguinal and ventral neck skin folds
Describe intracoelomic injections.
Administering a substance into the body cavity (coelom) of an animal.
Where is the intracoelomic injection site in chelonians?
Through the prefemoral fossa in the space just cranial to the pelvic limb.
What position should a chelonian be in for an intracoelomic injection and why is the direction of the needle important?
Lateral recumbency so organs fall away from injection site. The needle must be parallel to the plastron. If dorsal, you may inject into the lungs. If medial, you can go into the bladder. It does not have to go in very deep.
_______ stones are fairly common in our desert tortoises.
Bladder
What is the hardest part of a euthanasia in chelonians?
Knowing if they’re dead. Hearts can beat several hours after they have passed.
Rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs don’t typically _____.
Vomit
What are the two main groups of lizards?
Arboreal and terrestrial
What do all lizard enclosures/cages need?
Must be secure from escape, protection from injury, access for cleaning, environmental control of light, heat, and humidity, and food/water availability.
T/F? Glass and plastic aquariums are NOT okay for chameleons.
True
Soil, sand, gravel, and wood chips can cause what in lizards?
Intestinal obstructions
Terrestrial lizards should have _____________ spacious enclosures.
Horizontal
Arboreal lizards should have ___________ spacious enclosures.
Vertically
What lizard species’ commonly require UV-B?
Insectivorous, herbivorous, and omnivorous
What lizard species’ commonly require little to no UV-B?
Carnivorous
________ is better than lightbulbs for lizards.
Sunshine
UV lights should be __-__ inches away from the closest basking surface for lizards.
18-24
What are ectothermic species?
Those that seek microhabitats that meet their POTZ (preferred optimal temperature zone).
You need to know the ____ of every species when you see them. (Hint: look them up!)
POTZ
What do hygrometers measure?
Humidity
How do chameleon and forest species drink water?
They ONLY drink water dripping off of leaves or ornaments.
Why is dangerous to leave live crickets/prey animals in a lizard’s cage?
They can feed on the flesh of the lizard and cause damage.
____ mites are fairly common in lizards brought in to clinics.
Skin
What 2 chemicals should NEVER be mixed together?
Ammonia and bleach
What should you do before giving crickets to lizards?
Dust them with calcium
Is it safe to feed any large reptile by hand?
NO, NEVER. You can be seriously injured and lose a finger.
What is CANV, or Chrysosporium anamorphic of Nannizziopsis vriesii?
A fungal disease in lizards that is contagious with high morbidity.
What are the clinical signs of CANV?
Yellow crusts on the skin and yellow fungus disease.
Define dysecdysis.
Difficulty shedding
What is tail autotomy?
The casting off of a lizard’s tail when threatened.
What are the clinical signs of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in lizards?
Soft mandibles, swollen joints, fractures, tremors, and muscular fasciculation (twitch).
Can a ferret go anywhere it can fit its head into?
Yes
Is a ferret’s digestive tract short or long?
Short
What is the transit time of a ferret’s digestive tract?
3-4 hours
What is the scientific name of ferrets?
Mustela putorius furo
What organ is commonly large in ferrets?
Spleen
What estrous cycle do ferrets have?
Seasonally polyestrous. They are induced ovulators.
When do ferrets ovulate after copulation?
30-40 hours after copulation.
What is the gestation period for ferrets?
41-42 days.
If ferrets are not bred, what happens to the female?
They remain in estrus and can result in increased bone marrow suppression.
Where are ferret’s adrenal glands located?
Left is medial to kidney, right is more dorsal and attached to the vena cava.
What do you call an adult male ferret?
Hob
What do you call an adult female ferret?
Jill
What do you call a spayed female ferret?
Sprites
What do you call a juvenile ferret?
Kits
What medical condition in common in young ferrets?
GI obstructions
Ferret cages require ________ level(s).
multiple
What is a ferret’s diet?
Obligate carnivore—high protein, high fat, low fiber.
Can ferrets get rabies and canine distemper?
Yes
Can a ferret receive a distemper vaccine?
No, as of 2025 there is no distemper vaccine for ferrets.
What clinical sign is common in ferret’s with an intestinal obstruction?
Bruxism—gnashing teeth side to side.
What is another term for green slime disease?
Epizootic catarrhal enteritis
What is the most common type of tumor in ferrets?
Adrenal
What are the 7 most common diseases in ferrets?
Influenza, canine distemper, intestinal obstructions, tumors, green slime disease, parasites, and cardiomyopathy
What is the new emerging disease in ferrets?
Myofascitis—severe inflammation of muscles and surrounding fascia.
A painful ferret that is fairly young and not doing well most likely has what disease?
Myofascitis
How do you make a ferret yawn?
Scruff them and do the pendulum method
Are ferrets susceptible to heartworm?
Yes
What is the average lifespan of a ferret?
5-8 years
Where are the best sites for venipuncture in ferrets?
Saphenous & cephalic
What is the scientific name for guinea pigs?
Cavia porcellus
Who originally raised guinea pigs and why?
Raised by Incas for food.
What do normal guinea pig teeth look like?
30-degree oblique occlusal plane of cheek pouch.
What kind of breathers are guinea pigs?
Obligate nasal breathers
What is unique to a guinea pig’s reproductive anatomy?
They have open inguinal canals, which means that male guinea pig testicles can retract.
How high can a guinea pig jump and why is it important?
Up to 12-14 inches, enclosures should be at least this height.
Breeding a sow after 7 months can increase the chances of ________.
Dystocia
Describe the external genitalia of female/male guinea pigs.
Females have a Y shape, males have a straight slit.
When do guinea pigs become sexually mature.
2mo in males, 3mo in females
Why is it important to separate male/female guinea pigs from each other from a very young age?
They will most likely get pregnant if mated at 2-3 months of age.
T/F? Guinea pigs are not born precocial.
False
Where do guinea pigs get their antibodies?
Placenta
What nutrient is essential to provide daily to guinea pigs?
Vitamin C
Guinea pig diets lose Vitamin C within __ days of manufacturing.
90
How much Vitamin C should adult guinea pigs received daily?
10mg/kg
How much Vitamin C should pregnant guinea pigs receive daily?
30mg/kg
What should you do while retrieving a history for a guinea pig prior to physical exam?
Observe in cage
What do guinea pigs have that resemble lymphocytes?
Kurloff cells and Kurloff bodies
How long should a guinea pig/rabbit be fasted?
No more than 1-2 hours prior to procedure.
Under anesthesia, how should a guinea pig be positioned?
Head/thorax should be slightly raised to reduce stress of abdomen resting on thorax.
What should you observe post-op in guinea pigs?
Pain (Control with Rx if necessary), appetite, fecal production
What is a post-op complication in guinea pigs?
Perianesthetic ileus (slowdown of gut)—can cause bladder stones and bladder infections.
Vitamin C deficiency can cause what in guinea pigs and why?
Scurvy. Vitamin C, or Ascorbic acid, is essential in collagen synthesis.
What are “lumps” in guinea pigs?
Cervical lymphadenitis—Result from a bite wound or abrasion
What is secondary to bad flooring in guinea pigs?
Pododermatitis
Clostridium difficile causes what in guinea pigs?
Bacterium in the gut that causes inflammation causes gastric dysbiosis—an imbalance of bacteria in the gut.
A guinea pig that fails to produce a pup 30 mins post onset contractions results in ________.
dystocia
Do guinea pigs get bladder stones?
Yes
______ disease is common in guinea pigs.
Dental
If a guinea pig is pruritic, what might they have?
Skin mites
Where should you give IM injections in a guinea pig?
Large gluteal muscles and lumbar muscles
How much medication can be administered IM to a guinea pig?
0.3ml/site
When other routes aren’t suitable, where should you give an injection to a guinea pig?
IP (intraperitoneal)
What is the preferred method of euthanasia in guinea pigs?
Inhalant (gas) anesthesia—> euthasol IC
How much fluid can be administered subQ in guinea pigs?
5-10ml/site. If you see a big bubble, move to another site!
What are the different classifications of snakes?
Fossorial, terrestrial, arboreal, aquatic, and combination
Squamata includes what 3 types of snakes?
Lacertile (lizards), amphisbaenia (worm lizards), and serpentes (snakes).
How does a snake shed its skin?
Snakes have a specific layer of skin in the epidermis called the oberhautchen that sheds by filling with lymph, enzymatic action, and secreting lubricant.
How do you know when a snake is about to shed?
Their eyes turn opaque or blue in color within 4-5 days of shedding.
The size of a snake enclosure should be how large?
No less than half of the length of the snake.
Snakes need appropriate temperature and humidity, as well as routine _____. Otherwise they will not shed properly.
Soaks
Should you handle a snake while they are shedding?
No
How many chambers does a snake’s heart have? Does their blood mix?
3 chambers, they don’t mix.
Where is the heart located in a snake?
at the cranial 1/3 of the body.
Why is it important to give medications above the cranial 1/3 portion of a snake’s body?
They have a renal portal system.
Do snakes possess lymph nodes?
No
How many functioning lungs do snakes have?
A single right lung, with the posterior 1/3 of the right lung being an air-sac. They also have one small non-functioning left lung.
What does a vomeronasal organ do?
Detect non-aerial, non-volatile particulate odors. They sense a den for hibernating/reproductive behaviors. Also called the Jacobson’s organ.
Venom glands are modified _______ glands.
Salivary
Do snakes have a bladder?
No, they have a cloaca instead (where the G/I, reproductive, and urinary system meet).
Male snakes have a pair of _________.
Hemipenes
Snake eyelids ____ to form a transparent _________.
fuse; spectacle
What is oviparous?
Lay eggs with a hard shell
What is viviparous?
Live birth
A snakes enclosure should have lids that ____ and do not ____.
rest; lock
What should NOT be placed inside a snake’s enclosure?
Heat lamps
Are wood chips effective with under tank heaters? Why or why not?
No, they are an insulator that decrease the effectiveness of under tank heaters.
Name a pro and con of using sand as substrate in a snake enclosure.
Pro - They are more humid and a great source of conductive/convective heat. Con - May cause obstructions and stomatitis (DO NOT FEED IN ENCLOSURE).
T/F? Moist complex substrate increase chances of bacterial and fungus disease.
True
Why are Aspen shavings considered a good substrate for snakes?
They go through a “baking” process to eliminate any parasites and free of toxic oils (DO NOT FEED IN ENCLOSURE).
What is the ONLY type of mulch that is used as an appropriate substrate for snakes?
Cypress
Are carpet and newspaper appropriate liners for snakes?
Yes-but be careful of newspaper, as ink will rub off on snake.
What substrates are not recommended for snakes?
Aquarium gravel, corn cob, and objects collected from outside unless sterilized (via boiling/baking/with dilute bleach solution).
Heat rocks are also known as _____ _____.
Death rocks
Where should a heat pad be located in a snake enclosure?
Outside and under the tank.
What level should a snake’s heat pad be kept on?
Low
What distance should a snake’s heat lamp be?
12-18 inches away from the closest surface.
What cycle should a snake’s light be on?
12-13h a day of “daylight” and 11-12h of darkness for “nighttime”. A species’ natural history should be considered.
Appropriate humidity of a snake’s enclosure should evaporate within ___? If still humid after this point, it can indicate ____ ___________.
24 hours; poor circulation
Before bringing in a new snake to your household, what needs to be done prior to introducing them inside?
Minimum 30 days of quarantine, 90 days preferred
Appropriate sized prey for snakes should be what size?
No larger than the widest part of the snake head.
What is the feeding schedule for snakes?
Once a week for adults, twice a week for juveniles
When might a snake refuse to eat?
Fall/winter months, reproductive cycles, and if they are about to shed.
Where should an IV injection be administered in a snake?
Tail vein or directly into the heart.
Where should a SC injection be administered in a snake?
Placed between scales on the lateral celomic body wall.
Where should an IM injection be administered in a snake?
Given in epaxial and lateral muscle groups between the scales.
Where should an ICe injection be administered in a snake?
Intracoelomic; given in lower quadrant of the celomic cavity, avoid the lung.
What method is used for humane euthanasia for a snake?
Inhalant anesthesia -> IC injection -> leave overnight and check again in the morning to determine death.
