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Reptiles Flashcards

RM01-05

1
Q

start of RM01

name 4 reasons parasite infections are common in reptiles

A
  1. heavy parasite burdens can build up quickly
  2. same environment for their lifetime
  3. messy feeders
  4. invertebrates can contaminate themselves
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2
Q

name 2 deworming products that are toxic to reptiles

A
  1. Fenbendazole
  2. Ivermectin
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3
Q

name the toxic deworming product (reptiles)

radiomimetic lesions with ulcerated, myelosuppression

A

Fenbendazole

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4
Q

name the toxic deworming product (reptiles)

fatal flaccif paralysis in chelonians - do NOT use!

A

Ivermectin

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5
Q

name 5 common parasites found in faecal samples of reptiles

A
  1. coccidia
  2. roundworms
  3. pinworms
  4. commensal ciliates
  5. cryptosporidium
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6
Q

what is the treatment for coccidia in reptiles

A

toltrazuril or TMPS

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7
Q

what is the treatment for roundworms (ascarids) in reptiles

A

Fenbendazole

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8
Q

what is the treatment for pinworms (oxyurids) in reptiles

A

Fenbendazole

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9
Q

name 3 commensal ciliates that can be found in reptile faeces;
high levels secondary to other disease

A
  1. Balantidium spp
  2. Nyctotherus spp
  3. candida
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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

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11
Q

what type of blood tubes should be used for reptile samples?

A

heparin

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12
Q

how much blood can be removed from reptiles at a time?

A

0.5% BW
(0.5mL per 100g)

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13
Q

name 4 locations for blood sampling in tortoises

A
  1. jugular vein
  2. carotid arteries
  3. dorsal coccygeal vein
  4. subcarapacial sinus

(R side usually more prominent)

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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

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15
Q

name 2 location options for blood sampling snakes

A
  1. ventral tail vein
  2. cardiac
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16
Q

name 4 locations for blood sampling lizards

A
  1. venral tail vein
  2. jugular vein
  3. ventral abdominal vein
  4. cardiac (if desperate!)
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17
Q

what is the lifespan of erythrocytes in reptiles

A

800 days

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18
Q

what are the majority of reptile infections (up to 50%) caused by?

A

anaerobes
(often multi-resistant gram neg anaerobes)

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19
Q

name the 3 standard radiograph views for chelonians

A
  1. dorso-ventral vertical beam
  2. horizontal lateral beam
  3. cranial caudal lateral beam
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20
Q

what is the transit time for barium contrast through the GIT of reptiles

A

21 days
(or up to 28d)

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21
Q

start RM02

what 2 types of bacteria will most reptiles (esp fresh water species) be shedding?

A
  1. Salmonella
  2. Campylobacter
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22
Q

what temperature should a collapsed reptile be kept at?

A

28°C

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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

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24
Q

what is the maintenance fluid rate for reptiles

A

15-30 mL/kg/day

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25
Q

what is the max amount of fluids that should be given to a reptile per day?

A

up to 4% BW per day

(1% BW per bolus)

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26
Q

this will indicate the reptile has rehydrated itself

A

passing of urates

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27
Q

this is an easy single handed technique for giving fluids to chelonians;
brachiocephalic fossa;
absorb from vascular network around the pericardium

A

epicoelomic

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28
Q

what percent of its total BW can a tortoise’s bladder be?

A

up to 25%

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29
Q

what is the approx pH of tortoise urine

A

7.5

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30
Q

what is the normal specific gravity (SG) of tortoise urine

A

1.003-1.012

(>1.034 if dehydrated)

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31
Q

name 4 risks of stomach tube feeding reptiles

A
  1. regurgitation
  2. trauma/perforation
  3. aspiration
  4. access
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32
Q

name 5 benefits of oesophagostomy tubes for tortoises

A
  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
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33
Q

name 3 risks of oesophagostomy tubes for tortoises

A
  1. requires heavy sedation or light GA to place
  2. laceration of jugular or carotid
  3. may be pulled out
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34
Q

describe the 9 steps of placing an oesophagostomy tube in a reptile

A
  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
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35
Q

start of RM03

name 5 reasons why correct light is so important in reptiles

A
  1. promote synthesis of vitamins
  2. activates metabolism
  3. regulating body temp
  4. maintaining bone health
  5. stimulate appetite
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36
Q

name the 2 main causes of metabolic bone disease in reptiles

A
  1. deficient Ca intake
  2. deficient vit D activation
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37
Q

what 2 things are required for synthesis of vitamin D in skin for reptiles

A
  1. UVB light
  2. heat
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38
Q

what are the calcium and phosphate levels like in a reptile with metabolic bone disease?

A

hpocalcaemia with hyperphosphataemia

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39
Q

name 5 reasons for deficient Ca intake in reptiles leading to metabolic bone disease

A
  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
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40
Q

name 4 reasons for deficient vit D activation in reptiles leading to metabolic bone disease

A
  1. no UVB light
  2. UV bulb old, too far away, behind glass
  3. light not on long enough
  4. vit A, C, K
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41
Q

name 6 signs of metabolic bone disease in reptiles

A
  1. anorexia, weight loss
  2. muscle tremors, lameness
  3. POOS (follicular stasis), dystokia
  4. scoliosis, kyphosis
  5. angular limb deformities
  6. rubber jaw
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42
Q

name 3 ways to diagnose metabolic bone disease in reptiles

A
  1. clinical exam
  2. radiography
  3. biochemistry
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43
Q

what is the dosing for parenteral calcium to treat reptiles with metabolic bone disease

A

Calcium gluconate
100mg/kg q6h IV/SC/IO

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44
Q

name 2 phosphate binders that can be used to address elevated phosphorous in reptiles with metabolic bone disease

A
  1. aluminum
  2. magnesium hydroxide
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45
Q

what is the ideal calcium:phosphate ratio for reptiles

A

Ca:P = 1.5-2.1

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46
Q

name 4 signs of metabolic bone disease in Chelonia

A
  1. shell pyramiding/deformity
  2. anorexia, weight loss
  3. POOS, dystokia
  4. pseudoarthritis
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47
Q

what is the most common ectoparasite of snakes and lizards?

A

Ophyonissus natricis
(mite)

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48
Q

name 4 signs of mites (Ophyonissus natricis) in reptiles, esp snakes and lizards

A
  1. Dysecdysis (abnormal shedding)
  2. increased bathing
  3. self trauma
  4. anaemia
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49
Q

name 2 treatment options for mites (Ophyonissus natricis) in reptiles

A
  1. Ivermectin (fatal in Chelonia!!)
  2. Fripronil (for environment NOT animal!)
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50
Q

what is the Ivermectin dosing for reptiles (NOT chelonia!) to treat mites (Ophyonissus natricis) in snakes and lizards

A

0.2mg/kg PO/SC/IM,
repeat in 7-14d

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51
Q

name 3 parts of treatment for dysecdysis (abnormal shedding) in reptiles

A
  1. improve husbandry
  2. baths (big bowl)
  3. soaked towel
52
Q

name 3 causes for localised dysecdysis in reptiles

A
  1. surgery, scars, burns
  2. skin disease (parasites)
  3. rough substrate
53
Q

name 3 causes for generalised dysecdysis in reptiles

A
  1. low humidity
  2. tropical species
  3. negligence!
54
Q

how to treat skin trauma in reptiles?
(3 parts)

A
  1. debride and flush
  2. antibiosis and analgesia
  3. treat as open wound initially then attempt closure
55
Q

what type of reptile is most at risk for Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD)

A

turtles
(& tortoises on grass)

56
Q

name 5 gram negative bacteria that can cause Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) in reptiles

A
  1. Pseudomonas spp
  2. Aeromonas spp
  3. Salmonella
  4. Serratia
  5. Proteus
57
Q

name 2 signs of Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) in Chelonia

A
  1. sloughing of scutes
  2. shell ulcer
58
Q

how to treat Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD)?

(4)

A
  1. improve husbandry
  2. topical antiseptic (sulfadiazine cream)
  3. bandage??
  4. debridement/surgery if chronic
59
Q

name 5 causes of stomatitis in reptiles

A
  1. poor husbandry
  2. suboptimal temp
  3. trauma (broken teeth, fracture)
  4. parasites (Trichomonas spp)
  5. virus (IBD or OPMV)
60
Q

name 4 treatment options for stomatitis in reptiles

A
  1. improve husbandry
  2. topical F10 solution, mouthwash
  3. topical iodine along with systemics
  4. surgical debridement (ideal)

(Tx for 1 month +)

61
Q

what type of reptile commonly develops periodontal disease due to repetitive trauma leading to gingival recession and exposed bone

A

acrodonts
(chameleons)

62
Q

what is the 3-part treatment for periodontal disease in reptiles

A
  1. antibiotics
  2. analgesics
  3. debride
63
Q

name 5 signs of upper resp tract disease in reptiles

A
  1. nasal and ocular discharge
  2. dyspnoea
  3. resp sounds
  4. eyelid oedema
  5. caseous oral mucosa

(‘nose and eyes’)

64
Q

name 3 common infectious causes of upper resp tract disease in reptiles

A
  1. Mcoplasma agassizii
  2. M. testudineum
  3. Herpes virus
65
Q

name 2 reasons culture for diagnosis of the cause of upper resp tract disease in reptiles is difficult

A
  1. takes ~6wks
  2. specialist lab needed
66
Q

what is the most reliable way to diagnose cause of upper resp tract disease in reptiles in the early acute phase?

A

PCR
(swab from mouth)

67
Q

name 5 antibiotics that can be used to treat upper resp tract disease in reptiles (caused by Mycplasma)

A
  1. enrofloxacin
  2. Marbofloxacin
  3. Doxycycline
  4. Gentamycin
  5. Tylosin
68
Q

How long does a reptile need treatment to improve and how long to eliminate Mycoplasma infection causing upper resp tract disease

A

6wks to improve;
3mo to eliminate

69
Q

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

A

Mycoplasma agassizzi

70
Q

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

A

Herpesvirus
(Testudinid Herpes Virus - TeHV)

71
Q

name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)

almost always found in Horsefield tortoises;
low morbidity

72
Q

name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)

common in desert tortoises

73
Q

name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)

affects all Testudo spp. (< spur-thighed);
spreads fast: high morbidity/high mortality

74
Q

name the strain of Testudinid Herpes Virus (TeHV)

common in Bowsprit tortoises

75
Q

start of RM04

name 2 types of reptiles that commonly develop pneumonia

A
  1. snakes
  2. chelonia
76
Q

name 3 treatments for pneumonia in reptiles

A
  1. systemic abx
  2. nebulisation (F10)
  3. analgesia?

(for 3-4wks)

77
Q

name 5 ways to diagnose Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles

A
  1. palpation (gentle!)
  2. radiographs (reduced lung field & no eggs)
  3. ultrasound (follicles)
  4. CT scan
  5. blood (calcium)
78
Q

name 6 causes of Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles

A
  1. wrong husbandry
  2. dehydration
  3. infection
  4. calcium supplementation
  5. hypocalcaemia
  6. wrong supplementation
79
Q

name 3 signs of Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles

A
  1. progressive slowing down over several summers
  2. reduced appetite
  3. weak hind limbs
80
Q

name 2 surgical treatments for Pre-ovulatory ovarian stasis (POOS) in reptiles

A
  1. coeliotomy and spay
  2. endoscopic aspiration of follicles
81
Q

name 4 signs of post-ovulatory egg stasis (egg bound) in reptiles

A
  1. progressive slowing down
  2. reduced appetite
  3. weak hind limbs
  4. agitation, attempts to dig
82
Q

3 ways to diagnose post-ovulatory egg stasis (egg bound) in reptiles

A
  1. palpation prefemoral fossa
  2. x-ray / ultrasound
  3. blood (hypercalcaemia/hyperalbuminaemia)
83
Q

name 4 treatments for post-ovulatory egg stasis (egg bound) in reptiles

A
  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
Q

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

A

hepatic lipidosis

85
Q

name 6 signs of hepatic lipidosis in reptiles

A
  1. anorexia
  2. reduced faecal output
  3. incr BW
  4. green urates
  5. weakness
  6. ascites
86
Q

name 5 treatments for hepatic lipidosis in reptiles

A
  1. liver supplement (milk thistle)
  2. O-tube
  3. carnitine, choline, methionine daily (improves fat transport)
  4. nandrolone weekly
  5. ovariectomy

(improve husbandry)

87
Q

what medical condition can presence uric acid in the plasma of reptiles cause

A

visceral or articular gout

88
Q

name 2 treatments for renal disease in reptiles

A
  1. allopurinol
  2. fluid therapy
89
Q

name the 3 clinical presentation of Ophidian Paramyxovirus (PMV) in reptiles

A
  1. resp disease
  2. neuro signs
  3. sudden death
90
Q

how long is the incubation period of Ophidian Paramyxovirus (PMV) in reptiles

A

up to 10 weeks

91
Q

what is the most likely cause of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in reptiles

A

Retrovirus or Arenavirus

92
Q

name 4 signs of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in Boas

A
  1. pneumonia
  2. regurgitation after feeding
  3. weight loss
  4. chronic: encephalopathy
93
Q

name 6 signs of encephalopathy in Boas

(assoc. with Inclusion Body Disease)

A
  1. strabismus
  2. star gazing
  3. head tilt
  4. tremours
  5. paralysis
  6. opisthotonus
94
Q

what are the signs of Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) in Pythons

A

early encephalopathy then death

(much more rapid progression)

95
Q

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

96
Q

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

97
Q

name the analgesia for reptiles

sedation and muscle relaxation;
inhibits ascending neural activity and noradrenalin release

A

alpha2 agonist

98
Q

name the analgesia for reptiles

non-competitive NMDA antagonist;
prevents spinal sensitisation to pain (wind up)

99
Q

reptiles have these instead of alveoli;
they are wider and flatter

100
Q

most snakes only have 1 functional lung, which one is it?

A

right lung

101
Q

how many chambers do reptile hearts have?

A

3 chambers
(2 atria, 1 ventricle)

102
Q

name the 3 shunts in the reptile heart

A
  1. cavum pulmonae
  2. cavum ateriosum
  3. cavum venosum
103
Q

how long can read eared sliders survive in a nitrogen environment?

104
Q

what should be used for mechanical ventilation of reptiles during anaesthesia

105
Q

how many breaths per minute should be given to a reptile under anaesthesia when ventilating

A

6 breaths per min

106
Q

what should the HR be for a reptile under anaesthesia

107
Q

how to monitor anaesthesia of a reptile?

A

pinch response
(tail, toe)

108
Q

name 4 reasons recovery from anaesthesia is challenging in reptiles

A
  1. hypoxia elevates RR
  2. hypercapnia elevates RR and depth
  3. unable to thermoregulate
  4. can be prolonged
109
Q

name 3 options for pithing a reptile for euthanasia (important)

A
  1. foramen magnum
  2. choana
  3. nares
110
Q

name 2 reasons why pithing is important when euthanising a reptile

A
  1. destruction of CNS
  2. brain can recieve noxious stimuli after CV shutdown
111
Q

start of RM06

where to approach for coelioscopy in chelonians

A

pre-femoral fossa

112
Q

name 2 advantages for pre-femoral fossa approach to coelioscopy in chelonia

A
  1. lung fields, kidneys and muscles avoided
  2. central fossa
113
Q

how should muscles and skin be closed following a coelioscopy in a reptile

A

single horizontal mattress suture

114
Q

where to approach for a coelioscopy in lizards

A

from left side in sublumbar region

(behind ribcage)

115
Q

where to enter for a coelioscopy in snakes

A

right hand side

116
Q

name 4 causes of straining in reptiles that could lead to prolapse

A
  1. foreign bodies
  2. parasites
  3. eggs
  4. bladder stones
117
Q

why should a paramedian approach (just off midline) be used for a coeliotomy in lizards?

A

large ventral abdominal vein

118
Q

what type of suture pattern should be used when closing reptiles

A

everting suture patterns!
(eg horizontal mattress)

119
Q

what is the apporach for coeliotomy in chameleons?

A

lateral approach

(only one not ventral approach)

120
Q

where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target heart?

A

22-33% SVL

121
Q

where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target lung field?

A

35-45% SVL

122
Q

where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target liver ?

A

45-55% SVL

123
Q

where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target stomach?

A

55-65% SVL

124
Q

where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target gonads?

A

60-80% SVL

125
Q

where to approach for coeliotomy of snake to target kidneys?

A

65-85% SVL

126
Q

this type of surgery is required to access coelomic cavity in chelonia;
diamond drill bit attached to Dremmel or sagittal saw

A

plastronotomy

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