Neurological disease in exotics Flashcards
What is the general approach to diagnosing health issues in small mammals?
• Detailed history (including husbandry)
• Detailed clinical exam
• Create a prioritised list of differentials
• Discussion with owner
• Diagnostic tests
• Treatment plan
This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the animal’s health.
List some clinical signs observed in small mammals.
• Head tilt
• Weakness
• Paresis
• Swaying
• Tremor
• Seizures
• Circling
• Exophthalmos
• Ocular discharge
• Mydriasis
• Nystagmus
• Urinary incontinence
• Loss of anal tone
• Faecal impaction
These signs can indicate various health issues in small mammals.
What are the clinical signs of vestibular disease in small mammals?
• Nystagmus (vertical or horizontal)
• No Horner’s or facial nerve paralysis
• Can show other CNS signs
Central vestibular disease is characterized by these signs.
What are the differential diagnoses for small mammals presenting with neurological signs?
• Viruses
• Fungal
• Bacterial
• Parasitic
• Degenerative
• Trauma
• Husbandry issues
• Toxicity
• Metabolic
• Other (e.g. neoplasia, hypoxia)
A range of conditions can lead to similar clinical presentations in small mammals.
True or False: Otitis media is more common in lop rabbits.
True
Lop rabbits are predisposed to otitis media due to ear anatomy.
What is Encephalitozoon Cuniculi?
A fungus spread in rabbit urine, with over 50% of healthy rabbits being carriers.
Clinical signs include CNS damage and kidney damage, often leading to severe health issues.
Fill in the blank: The clinical signs of E. cuniculi include _______.
• Hind limb paralysis/weakness
• Torticollis
• Urinary incontinence
• Tremors
These signs indicate CNS damage caused by the pathogen.
What are the clinical signs associated with rabbit Fipronil toxicity?
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Hyperactivity
• Diarrhea
• Hypersalivation
• Hypothermia
• Death 11-14 days post-exposure
Fipronil affects the CNS by blocking GABA receptors.
What are some differential diagnoses for reptiles presenting with neurological signs?
• Viruses
• Fungal
• Bacterial
• Parasitic
• Degenerative
• Trauma
• Husbandry issues
• Toxicity
• Metabolic
• Other (e.g. egg binding)
Similar to small mammals, reptiles can have a variety of underlying causes for neurological symptoms.
What are the neurological signs of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in snakes?
• Head tremor
• Uneven pupils
• Muscle spasms
• Lethargy
• Reduced mental activity
• Poor righting reflex
• Reduced muscle tone
• Constipation
IBD can severely affect the neurological function of affected reptiles.
What is Marek’s disease and its clinical signs?
A viral disease in chickens characterized by:
• Lameness/leg paralysis
• Wing paralysis
• Weight loss/wasting
• Eye changes
• Tumours
Marek’s disease is caused by a herpes virus and can lead to significant health issues in poultry.
What is a common diagnostic test for heavy metal toxicity in birds?
• History and clinical signs
• Blood work
• Radiographs to identify metal in the GIT
A thorough diagnostic approach is essential to confirm heavy metal toxicity.
Fill in the blank: The treatment for E. cuniculi eases symptoms by reducing inflammation, but does not _______.
reverse damage already done
Supportive care is crucial, but recovery may be limited.
What are some general treatment principles for treating animal illnesses?
• Supportive care
• Remove toxins
• Pain relief
• Kill/treat the pathogen/infection
• Euthanasia if necessary
• Prevention is better than cure
Effective treatment often requires a multifaceted approach.
What are the clinical signs of heavy metal toxicity in birds?
• Regurgitation
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Anaemia
• Polydipsia
• Diarrhea
• CNS signs: depression, seizures, head tilt, blindness
Heavy metal toxicity can have serious implications for both the GIT and CNS.
What diagnostic options are available for pathogen testing?
• Antibody testing
• Antigen testing
• PCR, ELISA
• Bacteriology
• Histology
• Samples (blood, urine, swabs, FNA/aspirate, biopsies)
These tests help identify specific pathogens causing illness.
What is the primary method for preventing the spread of parasites in new rabbits?
Quarantine new rabbits and treat with fenbendazole.
Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic used to treat parasitic infections.
How should diet changes be made to prevent hepatic lipidosis in rabbits?
Diet changes should be made slowly over 6 months.
Sudden changes in diet can lead to starvation and fat release from the liver.
What are some liver supplements that can be used for hepatic lipidosis?
Milk thistle, Hepatosyl, lactulose.
These supplements may support liver function.
What is the supportive treatment for heavy metal toxicity in rabbits?
Fluids, warmth, crop feeds.
Supportive care is crucial for recovery.
What is the commonly used chelating drug for heavy metal toxicity?
Calcium EDTA.
It is administered BID until asymptomatic and then twice weekly.
What is the expected passage time for small metal particles in the gastrointestinal tract?
4-5 days.
Larger pieces may require endoscopic or surgical removal.
What is the treatment for Psittacosis in rabbits?
Doxycycline for 45 days.
Psittacosis is a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
What is the recommended approach for viral infections in rabbits?
Supportive care and prevention of spread.
There are no specific treatments for viral infections.
What are the key components of good husbandry for rabbits?
Correct environment and diet, avoid access to toxins, good biosecurity.
Good husbandry practices help prevent disease.
What does good biosecurity entail for rabbit care?
Good hygiene, keep ‘closed’ collections, quarantine and test new animals, prevent wildlife contact.
These measures help control disease spread.
