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Animal Nutrition > Reptile Nutrition > Flashcards

Reptile Nutrition Flashcards

1
Q

What animal is the general structure of the GI tract in reptiles similar to? Where does enzymatic digestion begin? What is the reptile stomach divided into?

A
  • The general structure of the GI tract in reptiles is generally similar to birds
  • Enzymatic digestion (pepsin) may begin in the distal esophagus
  • Reptile stomachs are divided to fundus and pyloric parts
  • The fundus is the muscular part, similar to gizzard in birds
  • The pyloric part secretes acid and enzymes
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2
Q

What determines the rate of digestion for reptiles? How long does it take a boa constrictor to digest the skeleton of a rodent?

A
  • The rate of digestion for reptiles may vary depending on temperature, hydration, food type, and meal size
  • It takes 120 hours for a boa constrictor to digest the skeleton of a rodent
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3
Q

What is the intestinal length of reptiles related to? What impacts gastric motility? What is the role of the pancreas? What about the liver?

A
  • The intestinal length is related to the diet- herbivores have a longer GI tract than carnivores (takes longer to digest high fiber materials)
  • Gastrointestinal motility is impacted by the presence of ingesta
  • The pancreas has an important role in secreting digestive enzymes
  • In some species it is mixed with the spleen to form ‘splenopancreas’
  • Chitinase is secreted in species that eat insects
  • Amylase is secreted in higher amounts in herbivorous and omnivorous reptiles
  • The pancreas also secrets bicarbonate to alkalinize the intestinal lumen and allow for the activity of enzymes
  • The liver produces bile that is secreted to the duodenum
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4
Q

What is normal in reptiles that is abnormal in other animals?

A

Some bacteria, protozoa and nematodes that you may not expect in a healthy mammal are normal in reptiles

Some can be opportunistic pathogens

  • Oxyurids are very common on fecal exams, and they are mostly nonpathogenic
  • Strongyloid nematodes are found throughout the reptilian GIT
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5
Q

What must you determine in order to treat the reptile for opportunistic pathogens? Why is this important?

A
  • You may need to judge if the clinical signs and findings warrant treatment or not
  • Unwarranted treatment with antimicrobial or antiparasitic medication can do more harm than good
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6
Q

What occurs during hibernation/ Brumination in reptiles? What is the job of the organ with the crucial role during this time?

A
  • Some reptiles would hibernate during the winter
  • During this time, they would not move, feed, drink or defecate and rely on catabolism of fat stores
  • The liver would have a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and protein metabolism and catabolism
  • Its important that the animal is healthy and in good body condition before brumation
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7
Q

What is important in a nutritional assessment of a reptile? Why?

A

• History- what is the diet that is provided?
- How often it is provided Bowls, cleanliness
• Reproductive status-
- Nutritional needs for reproductively active reptiles are higher: females need energy for development of ovarian follicles, oviductal eggs and embryos and require calcium for egg laying
- Male snakes may refuse food during courtship and copulation or during times that seasonally correlate with these activities
- Females may not accept food while gravid

• Health status-
- Sick reptiles may feed differently and may have different requirements

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8
Q

What are important things to know to determine if the reptile has proper husbandry?

A

Housing: Description of cage, substrate, furniture. Frequency / routine for cleaning. Location (indoors, outdoors) Presence of cage mates, type and size of habitat.
Temperature: Measured temp ranges within habitat (should be gradients of temp), position of heat in cage, safety precautions to prevent thermal injury, type of heating ( radiant, ventral sources)
Lighting: Is light filtered by glass or plexiglas ( this filters UV light) , Length of light cycle, positioning of light source, type of lighting provided (incandescent, fluorescent) , natural sunlight

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9
Q

How do you interpret diet history for herbivores?

A

herbivores:
- Is the diet of adequate freshness
- Is there sufficient calcium?
- Does the diet provide enough protein?
- Does the diet provide sufficient vitamin A or vitamin A precursors ?
- Is there sufficient insoluble fiber?

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10
Q

How do you do a physical exam and assess nutritional status?

A

Start the physical exam from a distance, before you disturb the patient
• Review all body systems of the patient
• Pay attention to anything that could indicate nutritional factor
• For example, opacities in the cornea, conjunctivitis, respiratory signs could be related to vitamin A deficiency
• Orthopedic disease, bone deformity could be a sign of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D deficiency
• Mucus membranes should be pink and moist, not pale or yellow (except bearded dragons) and not tacky

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11
Q

What is a sign of dehydration in reptiles ?

A

Enophthalmos ( corneal abrasion?)

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12
Q

What is a sign of dehydration or hypovitaminosis A?

A

Dysecdysis ( incomoplete shed)

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13
Q

What is a sign of hypovitaminosis A?

A

Conjunctivitis

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14
Q

What is the significance of weight loss in a reptile?

A
  • All weight loss in reptiles would include loss of adipose tissue as well as lean body mass
  • As a general rule- acute loss of 10% or more would require intervention
  • Same for chronic loss of 20% or more
  • Loss of lean body mass is accelerated with illness or during recovery from trauma or surgery
  • This takes long to replenish
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15
Q

What diagnostics can be run on reptiles to assess their health? What is important to remember about diagnostic labs?

A

Reptiles may not show signs of illness on physical examination • Diagnostic tests can help identify early signs of illness

• Its important to use a laboratory that is experienced with processing reptile blood

  • Hematocrit tends to be lower • RBCs are fragile
  • Quick analysis is best
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16
Q

What is renal disease in reptiles? What can be seen? What lab values may be affected?

A
  • Renal disease is common in reptiles
  • Many reptiles don’t form much urea
  • Uric acid (rather than creatinine) is used as major indicator of kidney function
  • Uric acid can increase in carnivorous reptiles post prandially
  • Phosphorus may increase
  • Calcium may be decreased
  • Inverse Ca:P ratio
  • These can be early indicators
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17
Q

What can you use radiographs for in terms of assessing nutritional deficiencies/ illness?

A

Radiographs can be helpful to determine bone quality
• Can help detect hypovitaminosis D, calcium, phosphorus

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18
Q

What determins energy requirements for reptiles? What are they?

A

Energy requirements

• Reptiles are poikilothermic

  • There is no energy investment in maintaining body temperature. Therefore, energy requirements are relatively lower than mammals and birds (less than 50% of an mammal of the same size)
  • Ambient temperature affects metabolic rate, activity and digestion
  • Cold temperature will reduce appetite, food intake and can even dangerously slow digestion
  • A temperature gradient would help the reptile find an optimal temperature
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19
Q

What can you see in undernourished reptiles? Overnourished? What can be factors contributing to weight loss or gain?

A
  • Undernourished reptiles may be cachectic, with poor body condition and palpable ribs, vertebral processes and pelvic bones
  • Over-nourished reptiles will become overweight or obese

• Juveniles may grow too fast and develop orthopedic disease

  • Lack of space for physical activity can be an important factor in unwanted weight gain

• Make sure tank size is adequate

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20
Q

What are the water requirements of reptiles? How should you previde them with water? What is a high concern for a reptile without adequate water?

A
  • Water should be provided in sufficient amounts
    • Water should be accessible, in adequate temperature, fresh and clean
  • Most turtles and lizards drink from bowls
  • Some lizards (geckos, anoles, chameleons) may lick droplets from plants if water is misted on the plant
  • The habitat for reptiles that live in high moisture environments in nature should be very high in humidity to avoid chronic dehydration and risk of renal injury
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21
Q

How do reptiles remain hydrated? What routes do they use?

A
  • There are several water systems and misters that can be used to increase humidity
  • Many reptiles benefit from regular soaking as water may absorbed rectally
  • Some reptiles will not drink from plastic containers
  • Try ceramic or stainless steel instead
22
Q

When can dehydration be seen in reptiles? What are the consequences?

A
  • Dehydration is common, especially in sick reptiles
  • Water intake is important to allow for normal uric acid secretion in terrestrial species and urea in aquatic species
  • Chronic dehydration may cause long term complications including kidney disease and urolithiasis
23
Q

What is critical in maintenence of an aquatic reptiles? How can their excrement effect their environment? What testing may have to be done frequently?

A
  • Aquatic reptiles are not at risk of dehydration usually, but water quality is critical
  • Bacterial cultures may be a part of the routine water quality assessment
  • Aquatic turtles secrete ammonia that can change water pH and support bacterial growth
24
Q

What must you do to insectivorous reptiles diets to ensure it is comeplete and balanced? What is a way you can make sure they are receiving correct nutrition?

A
  • Make sure the prey provides a complete and balanced nutrition
  • Invertebrate prey may be dusted with a calcium vitamin D powder
  • Although dusting is not always the best way to provide nutrients
  • May cause excess or deficiency, or reduce palatability
  • The chitin exoskeleton is low in calcium
  • Also recommend to ‘gut- load’ [prefeed the prey so its nutritional value is increased]
25
Q

What is important about carnivourus reptile feeding? What is prefered in terms of diet preparation? Why is frozen preferred over live prey?

A

• The nutritional value of the prey changes as it ages

  • The calcium content of a pinky mouse is much lower than an adult mouse
    • Killed, frozen mammalian prey is preferred over live prey
  • Less risk of parasites
  • Less risk for trauma

• Chicks should also be frozen and heated to reduce risk of salmonella

26
Q

What should you avoid for carnivous reptiles that eat fish based diets?

A
  • Wild caught fish for risk of parasites
  • High fat fish for vitamin E depletion
  • Some fish contain thiaminase which breaks down vitamin B1 and can lead to a deficiency [sardines, herring, carp, mackerel, and anchovy may all contain thiaminase]
  • Crayfish are not recommended because they may harbor the bacterium (Beneckia chitonvora) which has been implicated in shell disease in turtles
27
Q

What is important about feeding a carnivorus reptile? What are preferences to note with certain species?

A
  • Reptiles are attracted to prey by smell, movement and temperature

• This can be a challenge transitioning to frozen prey

  • Thaw frozen prey quickly to prevent bacterial growth (‘intestinal bloom’)

• This is usually best done in a bath with hot water

  • Some snakes can be ‘finicky’
  • For example, ball pythons prefer gerbilles that are their ‘natural’ prey
  • Sometimes ‘animating’ the prey can help increase interest
28
Q

What should you keep in mind about the food quality presented to herbivorous reptiles?

A
  • Fruits and vegetables from the grocery store are many times not as nutritious as they natural diet (protein and fiber)
  • Its important to select the correct vegetables
  • For example, good sources of protein: romaine lettuce, collard greens and spinach), alfalfa and mung-bean sprouts, mushrooms and bamboo shoots
  • Avoid excess sugary fruit
29
Q

Are commercial reptile diets preferred? What questions must you ask when selecting a diet?

A
  • Commercial reptile diets exist and are generally recommended
  • Choose a reputable manufacturer, with quality control and expertise
  • If in doubt regarding adequacy, you can send to lab analysis
  • Guaranteed analysis should be specified on the label and allow to calculate ME protein/fat/ carbohydrate
30
Q

What is important to remember about using commercial reptile diets?

A
  • Many times, herbivores will not show interest in pellets unless disguised in other vegetation
  • Avoid using hay that has been stored for long because of beta carotene /vitamin A depletion
31
Q

Is it safe or ideal to feed a reptile cat or dog food? Who should it be avoided in?

A
  • While these are not formulated for reptiles, dog food and cat food can be used temporarily in carnivorous reptiles
  • Herbivores should not be fed these diets as the protein intake is excessive and can promote renal disease
  • Avoid dog and cat food with high fat content since can cause GI signs
32
Q

When may supplements be helpful in reptile diets? Why must you be careful of the supplements you are providing? What is important to remember about vitamin D supplemetation? What is the ratio of vitamin A, D, E in reptiles?

A
  • Supplements may be helpful if fed a non-commercial diet
  • Or if the commercial diet is less than 50% of the total
  • Be careful with using supplements as: Not always needed, Quality control, Can change palatability

If using a vitamin D supplement

  • Use vitamin D3 and not vitamin D2 as its efficacy is unknown Avoid excess
  • Do not rely on the calcium in multivitamins to be sufficient to meet the requirements
  • Usually not enough calcium is added May need to add a calcium supplement
  • As a general rule, vitamin A,D,E should be provided at a ratio of about 100:10:1
33
Q

Are nutritional deficiencies common in reptiles? What are the most common deficiencies? How can you minimize these risks?

A
  • Except for reptiles that consume whole prey, nutritional deficiencies are common in pet reptiles
  • VitaminD3andcalciumareamongstthemostcommonnutritionaldeficiencies in pet reptiles
  • The risk of nutritional deficiencies can be minimized with a complete and balanced diet, gut loaded prey, correct husbandry, nutritious and varied vegetables, and sometimes supplements
34
Q

What is metabolic bone disease? What is vitamin D important for? Why is lighting paramount in prevention of metabolic bone disease?

A
  • Metabolic bone disease is a general name for diseases that result in poor bone mineralization due to deficiency in calcium, vitamin D3 or unbalanced calcium: phosphorus ratio
  • Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium and phosphorus and for their deposition in the skeleton
  • Vitamin D3 in some species is not absorbed as efficiently as it is metabolized by full spectrum UV light
  • Therefore, lighting is paramount in prevention of metabolic bone disease
35
Q

What reptiles are most affected by metabolic bone disease? What other species are?

A
  • Green iguanas are among the most affected pet reptiles presented with this condition
  • Other affected species: bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), Asian water dragons (Physignathus cocincinus), various chameleon species, leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius), uromastyx (Uromastyx spp), Testudo spp, and Geochelone spp.
  • Can happen in any reptile, including snakes
  • Can also occur in amphibians
36
Q

What is the most common form of MBD in reptiles? When is it diagnosed? What causes the condition typically?

A
  • Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism is the most common form of MBD
  • It is usually diagnosed in young/juvenile reptiles

This condition usually stems from poor husbandry:

  • Poor diet with low calcium or vitamin D3 (or both)
  • Low UV light exposure
  • Stress (overcrowding for example)
37
Q

What are the clinical signs of metabolic bone disease in reptiles?

A

• Mandible may be swollen, soft Cheilitis

Stomatitis Gingivitis

Fractures in long bones and spinal fractures

Lethargy

Constipation/ cloacal prolapse/diarrhea

38
Q

How do you diagnose Metabolic bone disease in reptiles?

A

• MDB diagnosis is based on physical exam findings and imaging

  • Ionized calcium: limited data, not simple to analyze (should be analyzed immediately)

Also- reference ranges may not exist in all species

  • In a study evaluating healthy green iguanas, the mean ionized calcium concentration in blood was 1.47 (0.105 mmol/L), with no significant variation by gender or age
  • Markedly low ionized calcium may be an indication of MBD
39
Q

What is UVB? UVA?

A
  • UVB is the wavelength that converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3 in the skin
  • UVA provides additional light that stimulates activity (and also helps with conversion of vitamin D with secondary importance)
40
Q

What is important about reptile enclosures to prevent metabolic bone disease?

A
  • For reptiles in terrariums and tanks, important to provide unfiltered, high quality full spectrum UV light bulb
  • Temperature is critical for reptile metabolism and health
  • Make sure a temperature gradient exist to allow the reptile to find an optimal temperature
  • The UV light should not be filtered by glass or other filters - If the light is placed in the enclosure, be careful of burns
  • Follow a normal day/night cycle
41
Q

What is the treatment for metabolic bone disease?

A
  • Treatment includes correcting the diet (add calcium as powder or formulated diet, correct Ca:P, adequate vitamin D)
  • Ensure adequate UV lighting
  • Underlying or concurrent disease is common

Consider analgesia/anti-inflammatory medications if needed

Injectable calcium usually not recommended

Salmon calcitonin can be used as long as blood calcium is normal

Fluids may be needed in many cases

42
Q

What is kidney disease in reptiles? Who is more prone to it? What does it result from? What species is it more common in?

A
  • Common in older reptiles, reptiles with poor diet or reptiles with inadequate husbandry
  • Especiallylizards,chameleons,tortoises
  • Chronic kidney disease is insidious, results from poor diet, chronic dehydration
  • Acute kidney injury can occur due to toxins, severe dehydration, infection Can occur in any age
43
Q

What are clinical signs of reptile kidney disease?

A
  • Clinical signs are often non-specific: lethargy, dehydration, inappetence, poor BCS
  • May have bad odor, tail tip necrosis
  • May be constipated due to kidney enlargement
  • Gout tophi may be present
  • With chronic dehydration- urate uroliths may also occur

In some cases- MBD
- Vitamin D activation include the activity of renal 1-alpha hydroxylase. Without this- MBD may ensue

44
Q

What are the causes of CKD in reptiles?

A

• Common causes include

Chronic dehydration/contaminated water

Vitamin D toxicity

Vitamin A deficiency

NSAIDs in dehydrated reptile (meloxicam)

Medications injected in the caudal body (renal portal system)

45
Q

How do you diagnose CKD in reptiles?

A

Diagnosis:
History and physical exam Kidneys may be enlarged Coelomic ultrasound

Biochemistry: elevated plasma phosphorus, calcium (low or high), uric acid and urea sometimes potassium may also be increased

46
Q

What is the treatment for CKD in reptiles?

A
  • Correct husbandry: ensure adequate intake of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D
  • Improve hydration: soaking, humidity, water supply, SQ fluids if needed

• Reducehighphosphorusfooditemsandsupplements

  • For example, in insectivore reptiles make sure to gutload the feeders with high calcium supplements, otherwise they are low Ca:P ratio
47
Q

What is a vitamin A deficiency in reptiles? What are the clinical signs? What can you see in red eared sliders?

A
  • Vitamin A deficiency often occurs in reptiles (lizards and tortoises) fed an un-supplemented diet with vegetables, fruit and insects with low vitamin A or beta carotene content

  • Clinical signs typically include squamous metaplasia which results in conjunctivitis, respiratory disease, and stomatitis
  • In red ear sliders, respiratory disease may make them swim lopsided
48
Q

What is a seconodary issue that would arise from vitamin A deficiency? What is the treamtent?

A
  • Bacterial infections may be secondary complications in these animals

• Usually this would progress to poor hydration, weightloss

Treatment: Correct diet, provide additional vitamin A by mouth or by injection oral administration of vitamin A (200 to 300 IU/kg body weight)

Be careful with injection of over supplementat

49
Q

What are the signs of vitamin A toxicity? What can occur with vitamin A injections in tortoises and box turtles?

A
  • While the exact requirements of vitamin A are unknown, excess can result in toxicity
  • ExcessvitaminAmayresultinconjunctivitisandrespiratorysigns(sometimes difficult to differentiate from hypovitaminosis A), accompanied by multiple organ failure
  • Tortoises and box turtles are very sensitive to injections of vitamin A, these drugs may cause sloughing of the skin resulting in severe skin ulceration
50
Q

What is a thiamin deficiency in snakes? Who is it seen more commonly in? What is the clinical signs and the treatment?

A
  • Seen often in garter snakes and water snakes fed a high raw fish diet
  • This is again caused by thiaminase in the fish
  • Clinical signs: neurological signs- ataxia, seizures, rolling
  • Treatment: diet change to fish low on thiaminase, thiamin hydrochloride (25 mg/kg body weight, per os or intramuscularly)
51
Q
A

Animal Nutrition (27 decks)

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