pt 15 (reptiles) Flashcards
4 unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of reptiles and amphibians
- 3 chambered heart
- cloaca
- ectothermic (can’t regulate own temp)
- can see UV light
POTZ
preferred optimal temperature zone; range of temps in which it can maintain health bodily function
4 anatomical and physiological characteristics of amphibians only
- require water for reproduction
- vascularized skin with many mucous glands
- eggs laid in water - egg fertilization often external
- transdermal oxygen exchange
how can you tell the sex of snakes, lizards, and turtles
dimorphic
snakes and lizards have hemi-penese
what is unusual about snake anatomy
- one functional lung (right)
- can dis-articulate skull bones
what is the top shell of a turtle called? bottom shell?
carapace; plastron
RBCs in reptiles
heterophils and azurophils
azurophil
increase in bacterial infections
what causes most ailments in R+A
poor husbandry
do all R+A have the same husbandry requirements
no
5 major things that have to be included in proper housing for a reptile
POTZ
full spectrum lighting
hides
water
substrates
correct lighting for a reptile
UVA/UVB
how often should UV bulbs be replaced
every 6 months
which types of R+A are less likely to require UV light
carnivores
why should light and basking sources be separate in most cases
most use morning sun to raise temperature
how do you set up a thermal gradient
you have 2 bearded dragons in a cage - how many hides should you have
multiple - both ends of POTZ
how is a humidity chamber constructed
4 ways water can be provided for R+A
soaking
misting/fogging
drip systems
fountains
swimming areas
3 needs for water other than drinking
bathing
what type of water should be provided to amphibians
what product should not be used as a substrate for R+A
no phenol containing wood products
what are some important needs the animal has that are related to the correct substrate
regulate body temp, hydration, egg laying
what disease could a reptile get from the substrate and how to prevent it
what is the hazard of feeding live prey - what is another disadvantage
can injure animal; often have poor Ca:P
ovivorous
gut loading? are you loading the gut of the R/A or prey? why is it done?
feeding prey a diet high in calcium and vitamins for 24 hours before using them as food; for supplements
what nutrients are commonly supplemented
Ca, D, A
when ordering feed insects, what 2 things should be considered
why is topical administration of medications common in amphibians
transdermal absorption
3 ways to administer PO medications
- gavage/stomach tube/syringe
- hide/inject into prey
- powders or liquids to food surface
renal port system and how does it affect administering medication
blood returning back to the heart goes through the kidney; can cause nephrotoxicity or change pharmacokinetics of drug
why are herps often medicated every third day rather than SID
slower metabolism
chelonian
turtles
coelome
the main body cavity
what drug is toxic to turtles and tortoises
ivermectin
how should you alter the housing of sick R+A
higher environmental temp
why is gas anesthetic induction problematic in reptiles
what do you have to do to maintain a reptile on gas anesthetic
why is an ECG unreliable for monitoring reptile anesthesia
is it ok to euthanize a reptile by putting it in the freezer
which reptiles get hypovitaminosis A? signs? tx?
chelonians and chameleons
NSP and another name for it
nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; metabolic bone disease
3 possible causes of NSP
- improper Ca:P ratio
- inadequate vit D3
- high fat or oxalates interfere with Ca absorption
- inadequate heat
what is the relationship between vitamin D3, UV light, calcium
ideal ratio of Ca:P
2:1
crickets are too high in
P
what are some symptoms of NSP
- bone deformity, features, soft shell, jaw, egg binding
- leg swelling, paralysis, difficulty lifting body
- muscle tremors
- death if not treated
how is NSP treated
- fix deficient husbandry
- calcium and vit D supplements
- injections
- fix fractures
what animals are most at risk for NSP
herbivores and insectivores fed non-Ca supplemented crickets
ectdiesis
shedding
tx for problems with ectdiesis and prevention of those problems
- fix humidity
- soak in water if incomplete shedding
- soak or apply mineral oil to eye for retained eye caps
4 things related to husbandry that can cause medical issues in amphibians
- water quality
- humidity levels
- sphagnum moss creates low pH
- freezing substrates kill infectious organisms
- disinfect humidifiers
which group of parasites are common in amphibians
protozoans
why is it illegal to ship baby turtles for sales as pets
fecal culture is done to screen for and proactively treat
