NTCA Medicine - Reptiles Flashcards

1
Q

What if one of the more common issues reptiles present with?

A

Anorexia

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2
Q

Detail Anorexia in reptiles

A
  • CLS nor dx
  • Many causes
  • Need full investigation -> History, CE, Vloods, Faecal analysis, Imaging, infectious testing
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3
Q

What initial treatment for Reptiles with anorexia?

A
  • Warm, rehydrate the initial feeds 0.5-1% of BW
  • Reptoboost, Emraid Intensive care
  • Syringe feed , oesophagostomy tubes esp in chelonians
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4
Q

What does NSHP stand for?

A

Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

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5
Q

How is NSHP also reffered to?

A

Metabolic Bone dx

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6
Q

How causes NSHP

A

Low levels of dietary calcium causes release fo PTH hormne -> Calium released from bones

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7
Q

What can predispose to NSHP?

A

Low levels of Vit D (UV light) as this enhances calcium absorption

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8
Q

Causes & signs of NSHP in Tortoises?

A
  • Deiatry deficiency of Ca or vit 1, high growth rate
  • Pyramidine of shell, squishy shell, overgrown beaks and claws, dystocia
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9
Q

Diagnosis of NHSP in tortoises?

A

History, CA but X ray will show poor bone density
- Bloods - Ca may be normal due to mobilisation from bone - elevated Phosphate

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10
Q

Prognosis - NHSP torotise?

A

Poor if sheel is very soft )> euthanasia

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11
Q

OTherwise tx for NHSP?

A

Correct husbandry & provie oral calcium

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12
Q

Lizards get HSHP too - what signs?

A
  • Deformities, fractures, limb paralysis, wasting, abnormal flexiblity, pliable jaw, kyphosis , inability to retract tongue, tremors
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13
Q

Who is NSHP more common in (lizards)?

A

Growing or female individuals

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14
Q

Tx for NSHP (lizzard)?

A

Corretc husba,ndry, prive calcium and U, analgesia, euthanasia if advanced

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15
Q

NSHP IN snakes?

A

Uncommon if fed whole prey which contains enough vitD and Ca

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16
Q

Reptiles don’t have a ……? which means they can’t ….?

A

diaphragm … cough

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17
Q

Resp features - snakes?

A

Cnakes only have a right lunc and air sac, except boas and pythons which also have a small left lung

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18
Q

What sign of resp dx in aquatic species (i.e. terrapin)?

A

Reduced buoyancy

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19
Q

What predisp to resp dx?

A

Low temp and humidity, poor hygiene, no quarantine with new animals added to collection

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20
Q

Upper or Lower Resp dx more common in snakes?

A

Lower

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21
Q

What causes of resp dx in snakes?

A

inappropriate temp/humidity, small enclosure, inclusion body disease (IBD, arenavirus), ophidian paramyxovirus

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22
Q

Dx of resp dx in snakes?

A

swab for culture / PCR radiography / CT

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23
Q

Tx of resp dx in snakes?

A

Nebulisation, coupage, ABs on culture , correct husbandry

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24
Q

Upper or lower Resp dx more common in tortoises?

A

Upper

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25
Q

Causes in tortoise resp dx?

A

Herpesvirus and Mycoplasma

Post hibernation or mixing with other tortoises

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26
Q

Signs of resp dx in tortoises?

A

Bilat nasal discharge, ocular discharge, stomatitis, lethargy, anorexia

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27
Q

Dx for resp dx tortoise?

A

Swab for PCR testing - oral or nasal

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28
Q

Tx for resp dx in tortoises?

A

Tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones for Mycoplasma, acyclovir for herpesvirus

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29
Q

Who commonly gets ocular dx ?

A

Common in leopard geckos as they have mobile eyelids

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30
Q

CLS of ocular dx?

A

Retained skin usually inked to low vit D. Odema ulceration, conjunctivitis shed material build up

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31
Q

Tx & prevention for ocular dx?

A

Tx: flush and clean eyes, tooical ntibacterial eye drops and lubricant correct husbandry esp humidity to aid shedding

Px: addition of vit A to diet (gut loading) invertebrates with multivit supp

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32
Q

What ocular dx in tortoises?

A

Often due to mycoplasma

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33
Q

Occular dx in Terrapins

A

hypovit A - swelling of eyelids

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34
Q

Snake occular dx?

A
  • Retained spectacle with dysecdysis
  • Subspectacular abscesses also poss due to infection or trauma - eye will appear opaque and enlarged
    Require advanced care, GA to excise and drain
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35
Q

Describe Dysecdysis (causes)

A
  • Often toes and eyelids in lizards esp leopard geckos
  • caused by inappropriate humidity/ tmep lack of rough surfaces , low vit A (squamous metaplasia), dehydration or ill health in snakes
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36
Q

Tx for dysecdysis?

A
  • Correct husbandry, soak in warm water and gently pull away
  • Retained spectacle: lubricate inc humidity and leave until next shed
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37
Q

Describe Burns in reptiles

A
  • due to heat without guard heat mats
  • Topical tx e.g. silver sulfadiazine , analgesia, fluids, dressings
  • Paper towel substrate while healing
  • systemic ABs if infected
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38
Q

What is the name of the snake mite?

A

Ophionyssus natricus

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39
Q

Describe snake mite.

A
  • Affect lizzard too eg bearded dragon
  • can be seen by naked eye usually around head
  • can cause dysecdysis, irritation and may transmit oPMV
  • Live in environment too
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40
Q

Treatment for EctoPs

A
  • Treat with fipronil on cloth wiped on animal
  • Treat environment and ventilate
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41
Q

Name of Yellow fungus disease?

A

Chyrsosporium anamorph of Nanniiopsis vriesii (CANV)

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42
Q

Describe Yellow fungus dx?

A
  • Bearded dragons
    Yellow-brown crusting skin lesions
  • Biopsy for culture an dhistopath
  • High mortality
  • systemic and topical antifungals like itraconazole
  • Monitor liver parameters as long tx time
43
Q

What other BACTERIAL derm dx look similar to Yellow Fungus dx?

A

Devriesia agamarum

44
Q

What can cause Neuro dx in snakes?

A
  • oPMV
  • IBD
  • Other viruses emerging
45
Q

How do snakes get oPMV?

A

Transmission via direct contact and snake mites

46
Q

CLS of oPMV?

A

Reduced righting reflex, stargazing, respiratory and GI signs also

47
Q

DX, Tx, Pg oPMV?

A

Dx: PCR oral swab
Tx: Supportive, euthanasia avised
- Prevention, quarantine new individuals and tx of snake mites

48
Q

Describe IBD in snakes

A
  • Common in boas and pythons
  • GI & neuro signs
  • PCR diagnosis via oral swab or blood sample. - - - Inclusion bodies seen on histopath - either biopsy of organs on at post-mortem
    supportive tx
49
Q

What neurological dx do other reptiles get?

A

Adenovirus. & Hypocalcaemia

50
Q

Describe adenovirus

A
  • Bearded dragons
  • Tremors, ataxia, reduced growth, death , GI signs
  • PCR oral or cloacal
  • No tx
51
Q

Describe hypocalcaemia (neurological)

A
  • weakness, seizures, tremors
  • Blood smaple - low ionised calcium
  • calcium gluconate injections or oral supplementation
  • Related to NSHP/MBD
52
Q

What other Gastro-intestinal disease do reptiles get?

A
  • Endoparasites
  • Stomatitis and periodontitis
  • Impaction
  • Neoplasia
53
Q

What endoparasites dop reptiles get?

A
  • OXyurid (pinworms)
  • Coccidia
  • Cryptosporidium
54
Q

Describe oxyurids

A
  • Low numbers non-pathogenic
  • If causing D+, weight loss or anorexia then tx needed or if high numbers present
55
Q

Dx & Tx for oxyurids

A

Dx: Saturate salt or zinc sulphate solution for flotation, also seen on direct smear
Tx: fenbendazole

56
Q

Coccidia describe (who and what CLS)

A
  • Pathogenic in bearded dragons and chameleons if moderate amount or younger animals
  • Diarrhoea, weight loss, reduced growth
57
Q

Diagnosis & Tx of coccidia

A

Dx: faecal analysis
Tx: potentiated sulphonamides or toltrazuril

58
Q

Who gets Cryptosporidium,?
What CLS?

A
  • Leopard geckos in intestine
  • Anorexia, weight loss, D+
59
Q

Dx & Tx of crypto?

A

Dx: PCR on faeces
If emaciated- euthanasia
Otherwise tx with paromomycin - variable success - can be carriers

60
Q

Crypto effect on stomach in snakes?

A

Regurg, weight loss, so need gastric lavage

61
Q

Who gets periodontitis?

A

common in acrodoent lizards

62
Q

What causes of periodontitis?

A

older age, poor diet (fruit), obesity or low BCS

63
Q

CLS of Periodontitis?

A

Staining of teeth, tartar, gingivitis, oestomyelitis

64
Q

Dx Periodontitis?

A

Radiography, culture, usually gram-negative bacteria

65
Q

Yx of Periodontitis ?

A

Debride and descale under GA, topical iodine or chlorhexidine, sometimes systemic ABs

66
Q

What can stomatitis be linked to?

A

Periodontitis or due to trauma eg rostral abrasion common in Chinese water dragons housed in glass vivarium

In association with resp dx in snakes

67
Q

Dx and Tx of Stomatitis

A

Dx via clinical exam, culture
Tx similar to periodontitis

68
Q

Impaction - Cause & CLS ?

A
  • Inappropriate substrate or feeding on substrate
  • CLS : Straining, not passing faeces, observed ingestion of substrate
69
Q

Dx & Tx of Impaction?

A

Dx: Coelomic palpation, radiography
Tx: is only a small amount e.g. sand - liquid paraffin , enemas, rehydrate. IF more severe - surgery

70
Q

Prevention of Impaction?

A

Appropriate substrate, feed from tongs

71
Q

What is a common reproductive dx in reptiles?

A

Follicular stasis

72
Q

What is follicular stasis?

A

Ovarian follicles produced, enlarge, failure to ovulate or regress, compress organs -> can lead to rupture and sepsis

73
Q

CLs of follicular stasis?

A

lethargy, anorexia, enlarged coelom

74
Q

Dx of follifulcar stasis ?

A

In tortoises pre femoral US, non-progression over 4 weeks. US or sometimes Xray of lizards. If follicles are different sizes - abnormal

Blood sample will usually show leucopaenia, hyperalbuminaemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypercalcemia, elevated ALP

75
Q

Tx for follicular stasis?

A

Bilateral ovariectomy or husbandry improvements if clinically well e.g. provide nesting site, oral calcium

76
Q

What is Dystocia (egg retention) in tortoises due to?

A

Husbandry: hypoCa, inadequate nesting, inadequate temperatures

77
Q

How do we find Dystocia?

A

Can present straining but also can be picked up oni pre-hibernation radiography

78
Q

Tx for Dystocia?

A
  • If well provide nesting site, oral calcium
  • IF no mechanical obstruction then medical management such as injectable Ca gluconate and oxytocin
  • If obstruction -> surgery
79
Q

What kinds of prolapses can we get?

A

Penile, cloacal, bladder, intestinal.

80
Q

What prolapse can be normal?

A

In tortoises intermittent prolapse of genitals can be normal

81
Q

How to manage prolapses?

A
  • Find underlying cause! hypoCa and parasites common
  • Lavage, 50% dextrose; lubricant, reduce under anaethesia, cimple interrupted suture can be placed to hold temporarily
82
Q

If necrotic penile prolapse…?

A

Amputation of phallus using transfixing ligatures

83
Q

Describe Hemipene abscesses

A

Plugs and infections in male h-geckos common
- CLS: swelling & erythema of hemipenes, abscess, crusting, straining

84
Q

Tx & prevention of hemipene abscess?

A

Tx: analgeisa, Ab, express GA sometiems surgery
- Linked to low vit A so prevention with supp

85
Q

Describe bladder stones in reptiles

A
  • Usually uric acid due to chronic dehydration
  • Main C/S straining
  • Dx: x-ray
  • Cystotomy if unable to pass
86
Q

What causes renal dx in reptiles?

A

severe dehydration, diets high in protein, infection, toxins

87
Q

what signs of renal dx in reptiles?

A

non specific signs; anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, oedema, gout

88
Q

What will bloods show if renal dx?

A

elevated uric acid, ideally renal biopsy for diagnosist

89
Q

Tx for renal dx?

A

Fluid therapy, allopurinol if uric acid greater than 600mmol/L

90
Q

What causes GOUT?

A

Failure to excrete uric acid -> buids up in joints and visceral organs

Can lead to chronic end stage renal dx or chronic dehydration

91
Q

Dx and Tx of Gout?

A

Dx: uric acid leels on bloods, joint tap will see urate crystals on microscopy
Tx: Fluids and allopurinol

92
Q

If visceral gout…?

A

poor prognosis

93
Q

Prevention of gout?

A

ensure adequate water intake, avoid nephrotoci drugs

94
Q

What can cause tail rot?

A

sometimes insect bites -> infection due to poor hygiene retained shed causing constriction also

95
Q

CLS of tail rot & Dx?

A

CLS: necrosis fo tail, desicated, thinning, retained shed
Dx: Xray to check for fracture but amputation regardless

96
Q

Describe amputation under GA ?

A
  • Use autotomy plane for gecko and leave to heal by 2nd intention
  • everything sutures in bearded dragon
97
Q

What neoplasia can reptiles get?

A
  • Gatsric neuroendocrine in bearded dragons
  • SCC in bearded dragon & chalameon
  • Lymphoma in snakes
98
Q

Overgrown beak can be linked to …?

A

inappropriate diet (excess protein, hypovit A), lack of abrsive surface to feed on

Tx: correct husbandry & burning with dremel

99
Q

Why do we see Aural abscesses?

A

Ascending infection from mouth so may be linked to stomatitis to resp dx
Hypovit A esp in semi-aquatic species

100
Q

CLS,, Dx, TX of Aural Abscess?

A

CS: swelling of tympanic scute, purulent material in mouth
Dx: cytology, culture
Tx: surgical removal of abscess, analgesia, ABs

101
Q

Where do we blood sample?

A
  • Ventral tail vein in most lizards
  • Tail requires GA in gecko due to tail autonomy; can use jugular
  • Jugular, dorsal tial vein or subcarapacial sinus in chelonians
  • Ventral tail vein in large snakes, cardiac puncture ideally under sedation or GA
102
Q

How much blood?

A

0.5-0.8ml blood/100g

103
Q

How do we do imaging on reptiles?

A
  • Horizontal beam for Xray as no diaphragm to prevent mov of organs