REPTILES Flashcards
Describe how to perform a PE on a reptilian patient
Begin by observing the animal in its enclosure before removing for general disposition, muscoskeletal, resp or GI problems.
What should be documented in a reptile PE?
Body weight and morphemetric measurements , HR, temp, RR
The weight in a reptile is a good indication of?
Hydration status
How do you obtain a temperature in a reptile?
Deep cloacal or surface temp
What does digital palpation of the coelomic cavity check for?
Eggs, cystic calculi, organ enlargement, masses, fluid and assessing gravidity
What does morphometric measurement help in?
Can help with body weight and in nutritional management
Number one thing to do before restraining a reptile ?
ID their weapons and make sure they are non-venomous.
What is the proper technique for restraining a snake?
Place your index finger and thumb around the mandible and support the body by placing a hand q 3 feet. Snakes >5 feet will require two handlers .
What is the proper technique for restraining a Lizard?
Grasp the head firmly with index finger and thumb. Hold front and back legs against the body.
For smaller lizards you can hold body in the palm of your hand.
True or False : It is appropriate to grab a lizard by the tail?
False not a good idea
What is the proper technique for restraining a Croc?
Mouth should be taped shut and hold them at the base of the tail..
What is the proper technique for restraining a juvenile chelonian?
Grasp at the lateral margins of the carapace just caudal to the head and beneath the rear flippers
Adults may require multiple handlers
Husbandry- What is the proper daytime temperature for temperate spp?
80-90*F
Husbandry- What is the proper temperature for temperate spp @ night?
70-75*F
Husbandry- What is the proper daytime temperature for desert dwellers?
85-95*
Husbandry- What is the proper evening temperature for desert dwellers?
70-75*F
Husbandry- Lighting: In nm what is the strength needed for UVA light for reptiles to do normal daily activities ?
320-400 nm
What is the other type of lighting reptiles need besides UVA and why do they need it?
UVB which is needed to produce vitamin D3 in their skin
UVB 290-320 nm
What is the distance a light source should be away?
18 “
True or False: Light sources should be positioned through the glass?
FALSE - they should not be positioned through the glass because the glass deflects UVB light.
What is the amount of time reptiles need light during summer and winter?
14 hours in summer
12 hours in winter
Excess moisture in reptiles may cause this ?
Dermatitis
Inadequate humidity in reptiles may cause these two things?
Desiccation and Dysecdysis
What percentage humidity is needed for sub tropical?
70-90%
What percentage humidity is needed for temperate?
60-80%
What percentage humidity is needed for desert species?
30-50%
True or False: water sources such as soak pans, spray bottles, bottle containers and live plants can increase humidity?
TRUE
Define ectotherm
An animal that depends on the environment/external sources for body heat
Stenothermal
Temperature is maintained in a narrow range, terrestrial animals, can control themselves more.
Eurythermal
Wider range of temp gradients typically aquatic
POTR or POTZ definition and what are sources of heat
Preferred optimal temperature range- this is unique to each species.
Radiant heat- bulbs and ceramic
In severely debilitated patients temperature should be kept at the _________ end of their POTR. This is established by____________.
Higher end of the POTR
Establish with radiant heat- bulbs and ceramics - USE CAUTION with surface heaters. Keep a thermometer in the cage.
What are the steps in the initial diagnostic work up of a reptile?
PE, CBC, Biochem, rads, fecal other
What is considered minimum database in a reptile?
HCT, TS, GLUCOSE, CBC , biochem, bacterial blood cultures
What is the blood volume that can be removed from a reptile?
0.5ml/100g of body weight
What is the blood volume of a reptile?
5-8%