NTCA Medicine - Reptiles Flashcards
What if one of the more common issues reptiles present with?
Anorexia
Detail Anorexia in reptiles
- CLS nor dx
- Many causes
- Need full investigation -> History, CE, Vloods, Faecal analysis, Imaging, infectious testing
What initial treatment for Reptiles with anorexia?
- Warm, rehydrate the initial feeds 0.5-1% of BW
- Reptoboost, Emraid Intensive care
- Syringe feed , oesophagostomy tubes esp in chelonians
What does NSHP stand for?
Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
How is NSHP also reffered to?
Metabolic Bone dx
How causes NSHP
Low levels of dietary calcium causes release fo PTH hormne -> Calium released from bones
What can predispose to NSHP?
Low levels of Vit D (UV light) as this enhances calcium absorption
Causes & signs of NSHP in Tortoises?
- Deiatry deficiency of Ca or vit 1, high growth rate
- Pyramidine of shell, squishy shell, overgrown beaks and claws, dystocia
Diagnosis of NHSP in tortoises?
History, CA but X ray will show poor bone density
- Bloods - Ca may be normal due to mobilisation from bone - elevated Phosphate
Prognosis - NHSP torotise?
Poor if sheel is very soft )> euthanasia
OTherwise tx for NHSP?
Correct husbandry & provie oral calcium
Lizards get HSHP too - what signs?
- Deformities, fractures, limb paralysis, wasting, abnormal flexiblity, pliable jaw, kyphosis , inability to retract tongue, tremors
Who is NSHP more common in (lizards)?
Growing or female individuals
Tx for NSHP (lizzard)?
Corretc husba,ndry, prive calcium and U, analgesia, euthanasia if advanced
NSHP IN snakes?
Uncommon if fed whole prey which contains enough vitD and Ca
Reptiles don’t have a ……? which means they can’t ….?
diaphragm … cough
Resp features - snakes?
Cnakes only have a right lunc and air sac, except boas and pythons which also have a small left lung
What sign of resp dx in aquatic species (i.e. terrapin)?
Reduced buoyancy
What predisp to resp dx?
Low temp and humidity, poor hygiene, no quarantine with new animals added to collection
Upper or Lower Resp dx more common in snakes?
Lower
What causes of resp dx in snakes?
inappropriate temp/humidity, small enclosure, inclusion body disease (IBD, arenavirus), ophidian paramyxovirus
Dx of resp dx in snakes?
swab for culture / PCR radiography / CT
Tx of resp dx in snakes?
Nebulisation, coupage, ABs on culture , correct husbandry
Upper or lower Resp dx more common in tortoises?
Upper
Causes in tortoise resp dx?
Herpesvirus and Mycoplasma
Post hibernation or mixing with other tortoises
Signs of resp dx in tortoises?
Bilat nasal discharge, ocular discharge, stomatitis, lethargy, anorexia
Dx for resp dx tortoise?
Swab for PCR testing - oral or nasal
Tx for resp dx in tortoises?
Tetracyclines or fluoroquinolones for Mycoplasma, acyclovir for herpesvirus
Who commonly gets ocular dx ?
Common in leopard geckos as they have mobile eyelids
CLS of ocular dx?
Retained skin usually inked to low vit D. Odema ulceration, conjunctivitis shed material build up
Tx & prevention for ocular dx?
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
What ocular dx in tortoises?
Often due to mycoplasma
Occular dx in Terrapins
hypovit A - swelling of eyelids
Snake occular dx?
- 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
Describe Dysecdysis (causes)
- 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
Tx for dysecdysis?
- Correct husbandry, soak in warm water and gently pull away
- Retained spectacle: lubricate inc humidity and leave until next shed
Describe Burns in reptiles
- 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
What is the name of the snake mite?
Ophionyssus natricus
Describe snake mite.
- 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
Treatment for EctoPs
- Treat with fipronil on cloth wiped on animal
- Treat environment and ventilate
Name of Yellow fungus disease?
Chyrsosporium anamorph of Nanniiopsis vriesii (CANV)