Reptiles Flashcards
RM01-05
1
Q
start of RM01
name 4 reasons parasite infections are common in reptiles
A
- heavy parasite burdens can build up quickly
- same environment for their lifetime
- messy feeders
- invertebrates can contaminate themselves
2
Q
name 2 deworming products that are toxic to reptiles
A
- Fenbendazole
- Ivermectin
3
Q
name the toxic deworming product (reptiles)
radiomimetic lesions with ulcerated, myelosuppression
A
Fenbendazole
4
Q
name the toxic deworming product (reptiles)
fatal flaccif paralysis in chelonians - do NOT use!
A
Ivermectin
5
Q
name 5 common parasites found in faecal samples of reptiles
A
- coccidia
- roundworms
- pinworms
- commensal ciliates
- cryptosporidium
6
Q
what is the treatment for coccidia in reptiles
A
toltrazuril or TMPS
7
Q
what is the treatment for roundworms (ascarids) in reptiles
A
Fenbendazole
8
Q
what is the treatment for pinworms (oxyurids) in reptiles
A
Fenbendazole
9
Q
name 3 commensal ciliates that can be found in reptile faeces;
high levels secondary to other disease
A
- Balantidium spp
- Nyctotherus spp
- candida
10
Q
name the reptile parasite
direct lifecycle in lizards and snakes;
regurgitation, anorexia, stomach swelling in snakes;
emaciation due to SI disease in leopard geckos;
cold ZN stain, biopsy, or PCR to diagnose;
resistant to most disinfectants, treatment unrewarding
A
Cryptosporidium
11
Q
what type of blood tubes should be used for reptile samples?
A
heparin
12
Q
how much blood can be removed from reptiles at a time?
A
0.5% BW
(0.5mL per 100g)
13
Q
name 4 locations for blood sampling in tortoises
A
- jugular vein
- carotid arteries
- dorsal coccygeal vein
- subcarapacial sinus
(R side usually more prominent)
14
Q
name the location for blood sampling tortoises
formed by external jugular veins and intercostal vessels;
lymph dilution possible;
trauma possible
A
subcarapacial sinus
15
Q
name 2 location options for blood sampling snakes
A
- ventral tail vein
- cardiac
16
Q
name 4 locations for blood sampling lizards
A
- venral tail vein
- jugular vein
- ventral abdominal vein
- cardiac (if desperate!)
17
Q
what is the lifespan of erythrocytes in reptiles
A
800 days
18
Q
what are the majority of reptile infections (up to 50%) caused by?
A
anaerobes
(often multi-resistant gram neg anaerobes)
19
Q
name the 3 standard radiograph views for chelonians
A
- dorso-ventral vertical beam
- horizontal lateral beam
- cranial caudal lateral beam
20
Q
what is the transit time for barium contrast through the GIT of reptiles
A
21 days
(or up to 28d)
21
Q
start RM02
what 2 types of bacteria will most reptiles (esp fresh water species) be shedding?
A
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
22
Q
what temperature should a collapsed reptile be kept at?
A
28°C
23
Q
name the reptile syndrome
preservation of serum electrolyte balance at times of malnutrition;
feeding results in intracellular uptake along with glucose;
fatal hypophosphataemia and hypokalaemia
A
refeeding syndrome
24
Q
what is the maintenance fluid rate for reptiles
A
15-30 mL/kg/day
25
what is the max amount of fluids that should be given to a reptile per day?
up to 4% BW per day
| (1% BW per bolus)
26
this will indicate the reptile has rehydrated itself
passing of urates
27
this is an easy single handed technique for giving fluids to chelonians;
brachiocephalic fossa;
absorb from vascular network around the pericardium
epicoelomic
28
what percent of its total BW can a tortoise's bladder be?
up to 25%
29
what is the approx pH of tortoise urine
7.5
30
what is the normal specific gravity (SG) of tortoise urine
1.003-1.012
| (>1.034 if dehydrated)
31
name 4 risks of stomach tube feeding reptiles
1. regurgitation
2. trauma/perforation
3. aspiration
4. access
32
name 5 benefits of oesophagostomy tubes for tortoises
1. decr handling and stress
2. other oral meds may be delivered
3. larger volume feeds
4. can eat around it
5. easily done at home
33
name 3 risks of oesophagostomy tubes for tortoises
1. requires heavy sedation or light GA to place
2. laceration of jugular or carotid
3. may be pulled out
34
describe the 9 steps of placing an oesophagostomy tube in a reptile
1. heavy sedation or light GA
2. long handled curved forceps down oesophagus and reflect tissues laterally
3. incise with scalpel over the tip
4. advance forceps
5. grab distal aspect of premeasured feeding tube
6. pull out of mouth
7. reinsert tube down oesophagus
8. pull distal end of tube to straighten
9. suture in place
35
# start of RM03
name 5 reasons why correct light is so important in reptiles
1. promote synthesis of vitamins
2. activates metabolism
3. regulating body temp
4. maintaining bone health
5. stimulate appetite
36
name the 2 main causes of metabolic bone disease in reptiles
1. deficient Ca intake
2. deficient vit D activation
37
what 2 things are required for synthesis of vitamin D in skin for reptiles
1. UVB light
2. heat
38
what are the calcium and phosphate levels like in a reptile with metabolic bone disease?
hpocalcaemia with hyperphosphataemia
39
name 5 reasons for deficient Ca intake in reptiles leading to metabolic bone disease
1. unsupplemented diet
2. imbalance in dietary Calcium and Phosphorous ratio
3. wrong supplementation
4. dusted prey left too long
5. sequestration in Folliculogenesis/parasites
40
name 4 reasons for deficient vit D activation in reptiles leading to metabolic bone disease
1. no UVB light
2. UV bulb old, too far away, behind glass
3. light not on long enough
4. vit A, C, K
41
name 6 signs of metabolic bone disease in reptiles
1. anorexia, weight loss
2. muscle tremors, lameness
3. POOS (follicular stasis), dystokia
4. scoliosis, kyphosis
5. angular limb deformities
6. rubber jaw
42
name 3 ways to diagnose metabolic bone disease in reptiles
1. clinical exam
2. radiography
3. biochemistry
43
what is the dosing for parenteral calcium to treat reptiles with metabolic bone disease
Calcium gluconate
100mg/kg q6h IV/SC/IO
44
name 2 phosphate binders that can be used to address elevated phosphorous in reptiles with metabolic bone disease
1. aluminum
2. magnesium hydroxide
45
what is the ideal calcium:phosphate ratio for reptiles
Ca:P = 1.5-2.1
46
name 4 signs of metabolic bone disease in Chelonia
1. shell pyramiding/deformity
2. anorexia, weight loss
3. POOS, dystokia
4. pseudoarthritis
47
what is the most common ectoparasite of snakes and lizards?
Ophyonissus natricis
(mite)
48
name 4 signs of mites (Ophyonissus natricis) in reptiles, esp snakes and lizards
1. Dysecdysis (abnormal shedding)
2. increased bathing
3. self trauma
4. anaemia
49
name 2 treatment options for mites (Ophyonissus natricis) in reptiles
1. Ivermectin (fatal in Chelonia!!)
2. Fripronil (for environment NOT animal!)
50
what is the Ivermectin dosing for reptiles (NOT chelonia!) to treat mites (Ophyonissus natricis) in snakes and lizards
0.2mg/kg PO/SC/IM,
repeat in 7-14d
51
name 3 parts of treatment for dysecdysis (abnormal shedding) in reptiles
1. improve husbandry
2. baths (big bowl)
3. soaked towel
52
name 3 causes for localised dysecdysis in reptiles
1. surgery, scars, burns
2. skin disease (parasites)
3. rough substrate
53
name 3 causes for generalised dysecdysis in reptiles
1. low humidity
2. tropical species
3. negligence!
54
how to treat skin trauma in reptiles?
(3 parts)
1. debride and flush
2. antibiosis and analgesia
3. treat as open wound initially then attempt closure
55
what type of reptile is most at risk for Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD)
turtles
(& tortoises on grass)
56
name 5 gram negative bacteria that can cause Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) in reptiles
1. Pseudomonas spp
2. Aeromonas spp
3. Salmonella
4. Serratia
5. Proteus
57
name 2 signs of Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) in Chelonia
1. sloughing of scutes
2. shell ulcer
58
how to treat Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD)?
| (4)
1. improve husbandry
2. topical antiseptic (sulfadiazine cream)
3. bandage??
4. debridement/surgery if chronic
59
name 5 causes of stomatitis in reptiles
1. poor husbandry
2. suboptimal temp
3. trauma (broken teeth, fracture)
4. parasites (Trichomonas spp)
5. virus (IBD or OPMV)
60
name 4 treatment options for stomatitis in reptiles
1. improve husbandry
2. topical F10 solution, mouthwash
3. topical iodine along with systemics
4. surgical debridement (ideal)
| (Tx for 1 month +)
61
what type of reptile commonly develops periodontal disease due to repetitive trauma leading to gingival recession and exposed bone
acrodonts
(chameleons)
62
what is the 3-part treatment for periodontal disease in reptiles
1. antibiotics
2. analgesics
3. debride
63
name 5 signs of upper resp tract disease in reptiles
1. nasal and ocular discharge
2. dyspnoea
3. resp sounds
4. eyelid oedema
5. caseous oral mucosa
| ('nose and eyes')
64
name 3 common infectious causes of upper resp tract disease in reptiles
1. Mcoplasma agassizii
2. M. testudineum
3. Herpes virus
65
name 2 reasons culture for diagnosis of the cause of upper resp tract disease in reptiles is difficult
1. takes ~6wks
2. specialist lab needed
66
what is the most reliable way to diagnose cause of upper resp tract disease in reptiles in the early acute phase?
PCR
(swab from mouth)
67
name 5 antibiotics that can be used to treat upper resp tract disease in reptiles (caused by Mycplasma)
1. enrofloxacin
2. Marbofloxacin
3. Doxycycline
4. Gentamycin
5. Tylosin
68
How long does a reptile need treatment to improve and how long to eliminate Mycoplasma infection causing upper resp tract disease
6wks to improve;
3mo to eliminate
69
# name the cause of upper resp tract disease in reptiles
transmission via discharges;
Horsefield tortoises;
subclinical carriers common;
recrudescence likely;
Tx: O-tube, systemic enrofloxacin, topical fluoroquinolone, chloramphenicol or F10, nasal flush, nebulise
Mycoplasma agassizzi
70
# name the cause of upper resp tract disease in reptiles
severity depends on strain;
transmission from any secretions;
11-12d incubation;
plaques develop in mouth and on tongue (stomatitis);
rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cervical oedema;
Tx: supportive care, abx for secondary infections, disinfectants, long course Tx needed
Herpesvirus
(Testudinid Herpes Virus - TeHV)
71
# name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)
almost always found in Horsefield tortoises;
low morbidity
TeHV 1
72
# name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)
common in desert tortoises
TeHV2
73
# name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)
affects all Testudo spp. (< spur-thighed);
spreads fast: high morbidity/high mortality
TeHV3
74
# name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)
common in Bowsprit tortoises
TeHV4
75
# start of RM04
name 2 types of reptiles that commonly develop pneumonia
1. snakes
2. chelonia
76
name 3 treatments for pneumonia in reptiles
1. systemic abx
2. nebulisation (F10)
3. analgesia?
| (for 3-4wks)
77
name 5 ways to diagnose Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles
1. palpation (gentle!)
2. radiographs (reduced lung field & no eggs)
3. ultrasound (follicles)
4. CT scan
5. blood (calcium)
78
name 6 causes of Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles
1. wrong husbandry
2. dehydration
3. infection
4. calcium supplementation
5. hypocalcaemia
6. wrong supplementation
79
name 3 signs of Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles
1. progressive slowing down over several summers
2. reduced appetite
3. weak hind limbs
80
name 2 surgical treatments for Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles
1. coeliotomy and spay
2. endoscopic aspiration of follicles
81
name 4 signs of post-ovulatory egg stasis (egg bound) in reptiles
1. progressive slowing down
2. reduced appetite
3. weak hind limbs
4. agitation, attempts to dig
82
3 ways to diagnose post-ovulatory egg stasis (egg bound) in reptiles
1. palpation prefemoral fossa
2. x-ray / ultrasound
3. blood (hypercalcaemia/hyperalbuminaemia)
83
name 4 treatments for post-ovulatory egg stasis (egg bound) in reptiles
1. oxytocin (1-10 IU/kg IM)
2. calcium gluconate (10 mg/kg IM)
3. analgesia
4. surgery if no response
| (repeat Tx every 3-4d)
84
# name the common medical condition in reptiles
common in chelonia and lizards;
due to high fat diets, inactivity, poor husbandry, hyperparathyroidism, lack of reproductive activity;
females have cycles of lipogenesis during folliculogenesis
hepatic lipidosis
85
name 6 signs of hepatic lipidosis in reptiles
1. anorexia
2. reduced faecal output
3. incr BW
4. green urates
5. weakness
6. ascites
86
name 5 treatments for hepatic lipidosis in reptiles
1. liver supplement (milk thistle)
2. O-tube
3. carnitine, choline, methionine daily (improves fat transport)
4. nandrolone weekly
5. ovariectomy
| (improve husbandry)
87
what medical condition can presence uric acid in the plasma of reptiles cause
visceral or articular gout
88
name 2 treatments for renal disease in reptiles
1. allopurinol
2. fluid therapy
89
name the 3 clinical presentation of Ophidian Paramyxovirus (PMV) in reptiles
1. resp disease
2. neuro signs
3. sudden death
90
how long is the incubation period of Ophidian Paramyxovirus (PMV) in reptiles
up to 10 weeks
91
what is the most likely cause of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in reptiles
Retrovirus or Arenavirus
92
name 4 signs of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in Boas
1. pneumonia
2. regurgitation after feeding
3. weight loss
4. chronic: encephalopathy
93
name 6 signs of encephalopathy in Boas
| (assoc. with Inclusion Body Disease)
1. strabismus
2. star gazing
3. head tilt
4. tremours
5. paralysis
6. opisthotonus
94
what are the signs of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in Pythons
early encephalopathy then death
| (much more rapid progression)
95
# start of RM05
name the analgesia for reptiles:
NSAID, should be used as routine;
care in dehydrated patients;
0.1-0.5 mg/kg PO or SC q24-48h
Meloxicam
96
# name the analgesia for reptiles
opioid;
for major trauma or intra-operatively;
3h to take effect;
1-2mg/kg IM or SC q48h;
resp despression, use lowest effective dose
Morphine
97
# name the analgesia for reptiles
sedation and muscle relaxation;
inhibits ascending neural activity and noradrenalin release
alpha2 agonist
98
# name the analgesia for reptiles
non-competitive NMDA antagonist;
prevents spinal sensitisation to pain (wind up)
ketamine
99
reptiles have these instead of alveoli;
they are wider and flatter
ediculi
100
most snakes only have 1 functional lung, which one is it?
right lung
101
how many chambers do reptile hearts have?
3 chambers
(2 atria, 1 ventricle)
102
name the 3 shunts in the reptile heart
1. cavum pulmonae
2. cavum ateriosum
3. cavum venosum
103
how long can read eared sliders survive in a nitrogen environment?
27h
104
what should be used for mechanical ventilation of reptiles during anaesthesia
T-piece
105
how many breaths per minute should be given to a reptile under anaesthesia when ventilating
6 breaths per min
106
what should the HR be for a reptile under anaesthesia
30-40 bpm
107
how to monitor anaesthesia of a reptile?
pinch response
(tail, toe)
108
name 4 reasons recovery from anaesthesia is challenging in reptiles
1. hypoxia elevates RR
2. hypercapnia elevates RR and depth
3. unable to thermoregulate
4. can be prolonged
109
name 3 options for pithing a reptile for euthanasia (important)
1. foramen magnum
2. choana
3. nares
110
name 2 reasons why pithing is important when euthanising a reptile
1. destruction of CNS
2. brain can recieve noxious stimuli after CV shutdown
111
# start of RM06
where to approach for coelioscopy in chelonians
pre-femoral fossa
112
name 2 advantages for pre-femoral fossa approach to coelioscopy in chelonia
1. lung fields, kidneys and muscles avoided
2. central fossa
113
how should muscles and skin be closed following a coelioscopy in a reptile
single horizontal mattress suture
114
where to approach for a coelioscopy in lizards
from left side in sublumbar region
| (behind ribcage)
115
where to enter for a coelioscopy in snakes
right hand side
116
name 4 causes of straining in reptiles that could lead to prolapse
1. foreign bodies
2. parasites
3. eggs
4. bladder stones
117
why should a paramedian approach (just off midline) be used for a coeliotomy in lizards?
large ventral abdominal vein
118
what type of suture pattern should be used when closing reptiles
everting suture patterns!
(eg horizontal mattress)
119
what is the apporach for coeliotomy in chameleons?
lateral approach
| (only one not ventral approach)
120
where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target heart?
22-33% SVL
121
where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target lung field?
35-45% SVL
122
where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target liver ?
45-55% SVL
123
where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target stomach?
55-65% SVL
124
where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target gonads?
60-80% SVL
125
where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target kidneys?
65-85% SVL
126
this type of surgery is required to access coelomic cavity in chelonia;
diamond drill bit attached to Dremmel or sagittal saw
plastronotomy
