MSK disease in small mammals and exotic species Flashcards
List some possible clinical signs of MSK disease in small mammals
gut stasis
not eating caecotrophs
hunched stance
urine standing
bruxism
aggression or being bullied
weakness
List the possible clinical signs of MSK disease in reptiles
can be subtle even with severe fractures
abnormal stance and gait
often just seem more lethargic
swollen joints
List the clinical signs seen with MSK problems in birds
abnormal or wide stance
may use beak or ipsilateral wing for support
affected leg may feel warmer
bumblefoot on contralateral limb
what is the first line diagnostics for MSK problems in exotics
radiographs
ultrasound
biochem- looking for underlying cause (ionised calcium)
haem- dehydration, infection or blood loss
joint fluid analysis- infection or gout
List 8 common primary MSK problems in rabbits
pododermatitis/ bumblefoot
degenerative joint disease
spinal deformities and injuries
fractures
osteomyelitis
luxation
primary neoplasia
splay leg
List 5 common secondary MSK problems in rabbits
abscesses
metastatic neolasia - e.g. uterine adenocarcinoma
nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
renal failure
encephalitozoon cuniculi (parasitic)–> hindlimb paresis
how does renal failure in rabbits lead to MSK problems
renal failure –> hypercalcaemia —> soft tissue calcification and bone hypercalcification
List 2 risk factors of spinal deformities in rabbits
small cages
lack of exercise
List some possible consequences of spinal deformities
faecal soiling
urine scald
unkempt coat
chayletiella
facial dermatitis
gut stasis due to pain
List 4 common MSK problems that affect rodents
pododermatitis
overgrown claws and keratin horns - guinea pigs
metastatic calcification –> degenerative joint disease in guinea pigs
fractures
List 4 common MSK problems in ferrets
hindlimb paresis
trauma
luxation
abscessation of the spine
describe how hindlimb paresis can occur in ferrets
often due to non-msk disease e.g. hypoglycaemia or cardiomyopathy
List 7 common MSK problems in birds
fractures
pododermatitis
nutritonal secondary hyperparathyroidism
osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
osteoarthritis
tenosynovitis and tendon injury
growth deformities
List 4 common secondary MSK problems in birds
Kidney disease and gout
viral e.g. mareks disease in chickens
egg binding
lead poisoning
Describe pododermatitis in birds and small mammals
Pressure-sore on the plantar surface of foot often due to poor blood circulation.
can allow entry of infection
List some possible causes of pododermatitis
poor perching surfaces or substrates/ flooring
trauma
poor hygiene
obesity
hypo vitamin A
List 4 common primary MSK problems in reptiles
luxation
tendon/ ligament injury or infection
spinal injury
septic arthritis/ osteomyelitis
List 4 common secondary MSK problems in reptiles
fractures due to MBD
gout
pre and post-ovulatory oostasis
urolithiasis ( if they have bladders e.g. tortoises)
escribe gout in birds and reptiles
Renal dysfunction decreases the clearance of uric acid from the blood —> hyperuricemia
Hyperuricemia —> precipitation of insoluble products within the body (urate deposition or urolithiasis).
List the 2 types of gout
visceral urate deposition
articular urate deposition
what is visceral urate deposition
urate deposits in soft tissues
what is articular urate deposition
urate deposits on synovial membranes
—> chronic granulomatous reaction
—> lameness
Describe how to treat MBD (nutritional/ renal secondary hyperparathyroidism)
Surgical fixation contraindicated with NSHP
cage rest
analgesia
supplement calcium and vitamin D
provide UV-B
start correct diet- but do this slow
Describe the general principles of treating MSK disease in exotics
clean dry bedding
clean wounds and perineum (rabbits)
surgical fixation- fractures - except in MBD
ABs e.g. open wounds, joint infection
List 4 fracture repair methods in exotics
cage rest only - pelvis or clavicle
external stabilisation
internal fixation
‘hybrid’ fixation
List some fracture considerations in small mammals
rabbit bone has thin cortices–> shatters easily
fractures heal quickly with appropraite fixation
casts/ splints generally contraindicated
external fixation is useful for most fractures
what does hindlimb amputation increase risk of in exotics
contralateral pododermatitis
what does forelimb amputation increase the risk of in exotics
ipsilateral otitis
List some fracture considerations for birds
main aim to restore function ASAP
higher bone mineral content, so high risk of open, comminuted fractures
avian bones heal very fast- 3-4 weeks
external skeletal fixator + IM pin most useful
When should consider euthanasia regarding bird fractures
Fractures which are compound and/or close to joints carry a poor prognosis for return to normal function/release.
Ocular damage occurs in 80% of impact injuries.
Describe how to treat grade 1-3 pododermatitis
non-surgical
husbandry changes
topical or systemic ABs if needed
pain relief such as NSAID
Describe how to treat grade 4-5 pododermatitis
surgery - debride, remove core and flush
radiographs to assess bone involvement
pain relief such as opiods
List 6 causes of trauma injuries in exotics
incorrect environment
incorrect handling
tethering
poor protection from other animals
unbalanced fight
escaping an enclosure
List 3 causes of metabolic bone disease
incorrect diet +/- supplements
low environmental temps
lack of UV-B light
