Reptile Medicine

Question 1

What are the ONLY reptiles that should be kept on a sand-type substrate?

Answer 1

Sand boas & sand skinks

(They need to hide in it naturally)

Question 2

For every five degrees outside a reptile’s preferred optimal temperature zone (POTZ), that animal’s immune function is cut by what percentage?

Answer 2

50%

Question 3

What type of bulbs last 12-24 months, as well as provide the reptile with both heat and UV light?

Answer 3

Mercury vapor bulbs

Question 4

What type of bulbs need to be replaced every six months, even if the light is still on, and only provide the reptile with UV light (no heat)?

Answer 4

Fluorescent bulbs

Question 5

Name six causes for nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP).

Answer 5

1) Low dietary calcium
2) High dietary phosphorous
3) Low vitamin D3
4) Lack of UV-B light
5) Improper temperature ranges (enzyme activity)
6) Anything that disrupts the intestine (hypovitaminosis A, parasites, enteritis, liver disease, renal disease)

Question 6

What is the safest and most effective way to treat hypovitaminosis A?

Answer 6

Oral vitamin A supplementation

Pure vitamin A: dose with 2000 U/kg PO q2-3 weeks

Question 7

All ______ diseases in reptiles are preventable.

Answer 7

nutritional

Question 8

The best blood collection site in lizards and small crocodilians is generally where?

Answer 8

Ventral tail vein

Question 9

Is Cryptosporidium serpentis zoonotic?

Answer 9

No

Question 10

Is Cryptosporidium saurophilum/varanii zoonotic?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

Is Cryptosporidium pestis zoonotic?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

Is Cryptosporidium muris zoonotic?

Answer 12

Yes

Question 13

Tuataras, most snakes, and lizards have what structural type of lungs?

Answer 13

Unicameral - one main chamber

Question 14

Iguanas, agamids, and chameleons have what structural type of lungs?

Answer 14

Paucicameral (transitional) - few simple divisions, and possibly air sac projections or dilations caudally

Question 15

Crocodilians, turtles, monitors, gila monsters, beaded lizards, blind snakes, and file snakes have what structural type of lungs?

Answer 15

Multicameral - extensively chambered

Question 16

Which order of reptiles has NOT had a primary fungal pathogen reported in them?

Answer 16

All orders of reptiles have had a primary fungal pathogen reported in them

Question 17

Ivermectin can be given to a corn snake to treat mites. True or false?

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Ivermectin and related drugs are TOXIC to which reptiles?

Answer 18

• Chelonians (turtles, tortoises, terrapins, etc.)
• Skinks
• Crocodilians
• Indigo snakes

Question 19

A newly acquired ball python is presented with respiratory and possible neurological signs. Which of the following viruses are NOT on your rule-out list?

• Ophidian paramyxovirus/ferlavirus
• Filamentous nidovirus/serpentovirus
• Adenovirus
• Inclusion Body Disease/arenavirus

Answer 19

Adenovirus

Question 20

Why should you NOT use colloidal silver as a supplemental treatment for a reptile positive for adenovirus?

Answer 20

Colloidal silver has NOT been shown to be anti-viral. It is only anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It may upset normal flora and worsen the patient’s condition. There is also a risk of agyria with high light exposure.

Question 21

If a female reptile is in follicular stasis, which two medications should you NOT give?

Answer 21

Oxytocin and argenine vasotocin

Question 22

If a female reptile is in dystocia, when is it appropriate to give oxytocin? (four criteria)

Answer 22

1. No misshapen, enlarged, abnormal eggs noted on imaging AND
2. no obstruction or pathology noted on imaging AND
3. animal is stabilized AND
4. has calcium on board

Question 23

What anatomical structure allows crocodilians to perform a right-to-left intracardiac shunt?

Answer 23

Foramen of Panizza

Question 24

Why is a reptile gonadectomy a challenging procedure in a lizard?

Answer 24

1. A midline ventral abdominal vein prevents a midline incision
2. The right gonad is directly adjacent to a prominent blood vessel
3. The left gonad is directly adjacent to an adrenal gland
4. Bearded dragons have a dark serosal pigmentation that makes anatomical identification difficult