Reptiles/Amphibians Flashcards
What does it mean that reptiles have a poikilothermic metabolism?
(They cannot regulate their temperature so they rely on their environment for maintaining body temperature)
Differentiate oviparous and ovoviviparous.
(Oviparous → lay eggs; ovoviviparous → create an egg that then hatches internally so they appear viviparous but are not truly)
Why can reptiles lay their eggs on land as opposed to amphibians needing to lay their eggs in water or a moist environment?
(Reptile eggs have an amnion and shell so the eggs are not prone to dessication like amphibian eggs)
(T/F) Reptiles are capable of growing throughout their entire life but typically grow most rapidly during their middle ages.
(F, grow most rapidly at a young age)
What is the term for the plates of bone located in the dermis below the scales of the order Crocodilia?
(Osteoderms or osteoscutes)
What type of diet is appropriate for animals in order Crocodilia?
(They are carnivores exclusively so meat)
What is ecdysis?
(Periodic renewal of skin by shedding)
Are animals of the order Testudine ovoviviparous, viviparous, or oviparous? (
Oviparous)
(T/F) Animals of the order Testudine exclusively lay their eggs on land.
(T)
Where in the world will you find animals of the order Sphenodontia aka tuataras?
(New Zealand)
(T/F) Tuataras prefer the highest temperatures of all the reptiles.
(F, prefer low environmental temperatures of 55-70 F)
(T/F) Reptiles typically do better when housed singly.
(T, reduces territorial aggression)
Reptiles require full spectrum ultraviolet light for what purpose?
(Proper vitamin D synthesis and calcium metabolism)
What is the typical complication associated with viral paramyxovirus in snakes?
(Secondary bacterial pneumonia)
How long should new snakes be quarantined to prevent the spread of viral paramyxovirus?
(At least 90 days)
What type of inclusions are seen on histopath of the kidney, pancreas, liver, brain, and/or other organs when a snake has inclusion body disease?
(Eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions)
What are the two sequelae of inclusion body disease?
(Encephalitis and flaccid paralysis)
What are the two usual causative agents of mouth rot aka infectious stomatitis aka bacterial ulcerative stomatitis?
(Aeromonas or Pseudomonas spp.)
What is the most important treatment for mouth rot?
(Correct underlying husbandry problems)
Are gram negative or gram positive organisms more likely implicated in bacterial pneumonia of reptiles?
(Gram negative → Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Proteus)
Why are pet baby turtles that are less than 4 inches in size banned by the FDA?
(Bc that’s the perfect size for gross ass kids to put one in their mouth and get salmonella)
Where are the nodular granulomas associated with mycobacteriosis found on/in the body of reptiles?
(The extremities, sometimes internal organs)
What is the most common cause of metabolic bone disease?
(Improper diet → you get secondary hyperparathyroidism and nutritional osteodystrophy aka rickets if the calcium:phosphorus is off)
You are presented with a box turtle with swelling of both the tympanic membranes so you debride and sample the crude, it comes back as positive for gram negative bacteria. What is the likely underlying cause for this otitis media?
(Hypovitaminosis A)
