MSK disease in small mammals and exotic species Flashcards

1
Q

List some possible clinical signs of MSK disease in small mammals

A

gut stasis
not eating caecotrophs
hunched stance
urine standing
bruxism
aggression or being bullied
weakness

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2
Q

List the possible clinical signs of MSK disease in reptiles

A

can be subtle even with severe fractures
abnormal stance and gait
often just seem more lethargic
swollen joints

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3
Q

List the clinical signs seen with MSK problems in birds

A

abnormal or wide stance
may use beak or ipsilateral wing for support
affected leg may feel warmer
bumblefoot on contralateral limb

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4
Q

what is the first line diagnostics for MSK problems in exotics

A

radiographs
ultrasound
biochem- looking for underlying cause (ionised calcium)
haem- dehydration, infection or blood loss
joint fluid analysis- infection or gout

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5
Q

List 8 common primary MSK problems in rabbits

A

pododermatitis/ bumblefoot
degenerative joint disease
spinal deformities and injuries
fractures
osteomyelitis
luxation
primary neoplasia
splay leg

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6
Q

List 5 common secondary MSK problems in rabbits

A

abscesses
metastatic neolasia - e.g. uterine adenocarcinoma
nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
renal failure
encephalitozoon cuniculi (parasitic)–> hindlimb paresis

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7
Q

how does renal failure in rabbits lead to MSK problems

A

renal failure –> hypercalcaemia —> soft tissue calcification and bone hypercalcification

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8
Q

List 2 risk factors of spinal deformities in rabbits

A

small cages
lack of exercise

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9
Q

List some possible consequences of spinal deformities

A

faecal soiling
urine scald
unkempt coat
chayletiella
facial dermatitis
gut stasis due to pain

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10
Q

List 4 common MSK problems that affect rodents

A

pododermatitis
overgrown claws and keratin horns - guinea pigs
metastatic calcification –> degenerative joint disease in guinea pigs
fractures

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11
Q

List 4 common MSK problems in ferrets

A

hindlimb paresis
trauma
luxation
abscessation of the spine

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12
Q

describe how hindlimb paresis can occur in ferrets

A

often due to non-msk disease e.g. hypoglycaemia or cardiomyopathy

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13
Q

List 7 common MSK problems in birds

A

fractures
pododermatitis
nutritonal secondary hyperparathyroidism
osteomyelitis and septic arthritis
osteoarthritis
tenosynovitis and tendon injury
growth deformities

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14
Q

List 4 common secondary MSK problems in birds

A

Kidney disease and gout
viral e.g. mareks disease in chickens
egg binding
lead poisoning

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15
Q

Describe pododermatitis in birds and small mammals

A

Pressure-sore on the plantar surface of foot often due to poor blood circulation.
can allow entry of infection

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16
Q

List some possible causes of pododermatitis

A

poor perching surfaces or substrates/ flooring
trauma
poor hygiene
obesity
hypo vitamin A

17
Q

List 4 common primary MSK problems in reptiles

A

luxation
tendon/ ligament injury or infection
spinal injury
septic arthritis/ osteomyelitis

18
Q

List 4 common secondary MSK problems in reptiles

A

fractures due to MBD
gout
pre and post-ovulatory oostasis
urolithiasis ( if they have bladders e.g. tortoises)

19
Q

escribe gout in birds and reptiles

A

Renal dysfunction decreases the clearance of uric acid from the blood —> hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia —> precipitation of insoluble products within the body (urate deposition or urolithiasis).

20
Q

List the 2 types of gout

A

visceral urate deposition
articular urate deposition

21
Q

what is visceral urate deposition

A

urate deposits in soft tissues

22
Q

what is articular urate deposition

A

urate deposits on synovial membranes
—> chronic granulomatous reaction
—> lameness

23
Q

Describe how to treat MBD (nutritional/ renal secondary hyperparathyroidism)

A

Surgical fixation contraindicated with NSHP
cage rest
analgesia
supplement calcium and vitamin D
provide UV-B
start correct diet- but do this slow

24
Q

Describe the general principles of treating MSK disease in exotics

A

clean dry bedding
clean wounds and perineum (rabbits)
surgical fixation- fractures - except in MBD
ABs e.g. open wounds, joint infection

25
List 4 fracture repair methods in exotics
cage rest only - pelvis or clavicle external stabilisation internal fixation 'hybrid' fixation
26
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
27
what does hindlimb amputation increase risk of in exotics
contralateral pododermatitis
28
what does forelimb amputation increase the risk of in exotics
ipsilateral otitis
29
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
30
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.
31
Describe how to treat grade 1-3 pododermatitis
non-surgical husbandry changes topical or systemic ABs if needed pain relief such as NSAID
32
Describe how to treat grade 4-5 pododermatitis
surgery - debride, remove core and flush radiographs to assess bone involvement pain relief such as opiods
33
List 6 causes of trauma injuries in exotics
incorrect environment incorrect handling tethering poor protection from other animals unbalanced fight escaping an enclosure
34
List 3 causes of metabolic bone disease
incorrect diet +/- supplements low environmental temps lack of UV-B light