Skin Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Pets

Question 1

• Why do ferrets overheat easily?

Answer 1

No skin sweat glands

Question 2

• Which species have sensitive vibrissae around their face and mouth?

Answer 2

Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters & rats

Question 3

• When do rabbits moult?

Answer 3

Spring & Autumn

Question 4

• What are the different coat types of guinea pigs?

Answer 4

Self (smooth), Abyssinian (whorls), Peruvian/Texel (coat 20cm+), Himalayan (colour point) & Naked/Skinny

Question 5

• Describe the chinchillas coat

Answer 5

Very dense, soft coat with up to 60 hairs/follicle

Question 6

• What is one important function of the rat’s tail?

Answer 6

Important in thermoregulation

Question 7

• Which species has a ventral scent gland?

Answer 7

Gerbils

Question 8

• Where are the sweat and sebaceous glands on hedgehogs?

Answer 8

In haired skin and feet

Question 9

• How does reptile’s skin differ from mammals & amphibians?

Answer 9

Dry skin with few glands, glandular tissue is confined to femoral and pre-cloacal pores in some lizards

Question 10

• What are the three layers of the epidermis?

Answer 10

Stratum germinatum, intermediate layer, stratum corneum

Question 11

• What are the two forms of keratin and what are their functions?

Answer 11

Α-keratin – forms the hinges between the scales

β-keratin – gives strength and hardness to the scales

Question 12

• What is contained within the reptile’s dermis?

Answer 12

Pigment cells, nerves & vessels

Question 13

• How does the epidermis of the amphibian differ?

Answer 13

Considerably thinner, stratum corneum may only be 1 cell layer thick or even absent

Question 14

• What are the two layers of the dermis of the amphibian?

Answer 14

Outer stratum spongiosum & inner stratum compactum

Question 15

• What is the pelvic patch?

Answer 15

Area of increased vascularity on the ventral pelvis

Question 16

• What are the functions of the glands in the epidermis?

Answer 16

Glands produce mucous or waxy substances which enhance cutaneous respiration and reduce evaporative water loss, glands may also produce toxins

Question 17

• Describe the structure of fish skin

Answer 17

Consists of epidermal cells and scales which are covered by a protective out mucus cuticle

Question 18

• What layers are found in the epidermis of the fish?

Answer 18

Stratum basale & stratum germinatum as well as mucus producing goblet cells

Question 19

• What layers are found in the dermis of the fish?

Answer 19

Superficial stratum spongiosum & deeper stratum compactum

Question 20

• What are the function of chromatophores?

Answer 20

Lie between the dermis and epidermis of reptiles, used in camouflage, display and thermoregulation

Question 21

• What are the other adaptions of the reptilian skin

Answer 21

Parietal eye, spectacles, heat-sensory pits, cloacal spurs, rattle, gastropeges, adhesive toe pads

Question 22

• What are gastropeges?

Answer 22

A single row of large ventral scales in snakes that aid locomotion

Question 23

• What is ecdysis?

Answer 23

Shedding of the skin

Question 24

• What are the four stages of ecdysis?

Answer 24

The cells of the intermediate layer replicate to form a new three-layer epidermis, lymph and enzymes diffuse between the old and new layers to form a cleavage zone, the old skin is then shed, the new skin hardens

Question 25

• What do snakes require during ecdysis?

Answer 25

Areas of increased humidity as well as a rough object to rub against in order to initiate final shedding

Question 26

• How does the chelonian shell form?

Answer 26

Forms from about 60 osteoderms covered by epidermal scutes or leathery skin

Question 27

• What is pyramiding?

Answer 27

A common abnormality in tortoises resulting from inadequate diet & husbandry

Question 28

• What are the potential dangers when handling certain mammals, reptiles and amphibians?

Answer 28

Chinchillas – fur-slip
Rats, gerbils & sugar gliders – tail-slip
Reptiles – crests, frills, horns, gular pouches and spines – all potentially used for defence
Amphibians – toxins – only 2-3 species produce enough toxin to be a danger to humans