Imp Reptile Stuff (taken from class and past TQs) (AH) Flashcards
A turtle comes in with an overgrown Ramphotheca, what most likely caused this?
Vitamin A deficiency
Where is a good place to look for parasites on a lizard or snake (not turtle)
External tympanum. Has good blood supply
What do you use to take blood in a reptile?
Lithium hepranized syringe
Gender determination in a snake?
M = probe inserted 8-12 scales past the hemipenial sheath. F= 3-4 scales.
Gender determination in a lizard?
M = larger pre cloacal pores, larger ornate head, hemipenal bulge in some (chameleons). Hemipenes can calcify in adult make monitors → radiographs.
How must a UVB light source be positioned for it to be effective?
Positioned 6-18” from the enclosure. Do not have it going through glass. Change bulb every 6mo regardless of if it appears to be working or not.
Why do reptiles need a UVB light source?
For cutaneous photolysis → 7-dehydro cholesterol = previtamin D3
How can you test kidney function in a reptile and what method is the most reliable?
Bun/creatinine – not reliable. Uric acid is a more reliable test of kidney function. Renal biopsy is the best indicator of renal function
What can high calcium be an indicator of in female reptiles?
Ovulation or it’s an indigo snake.
How do you treat NMBD?
Do not give Ca2+ injection. Treat by giving UVB light, a balanced diet and a lot of insects with Ca supplement (veggies or TUMS)
What views do you need to take in a turtle to Dx pneumonia?
Lateral, DV, AP. Keep lungs on top. Move head of radio, not the turtle.
Steps to treating a shell fracture?
Avoid the lungs → treat with saline, not betadine or chorahex. Fiberglass and epoxy. Do not seal closed.
What are the heat/humidity requirements of Amph vs. Rept?
Amph- Can’t tolerate high heat or low humidity. Temp: 65-84. Humidity: 7\60-90%. Reptile- Temp: 70-95. Humidity: 30-90%
All adult amphibians are what?
Carnivores. (Tadpoles eat anything)
What should you never give to a sick reptile?
LRS → acidemia.
Most common way to get fluid into a reptile in an emergency?
intrachoelomic- lungs are up high, so be careful. Draw back before you give.
Why should you never feed a dehydrated reptile?
A/D. It has too much purine → increased uric acid → gout
What occurs in re-feeding syndrome when too many calories are provided?
starved animals have low phos and K. Admin of glucose → K follows glucose into cells –> hypokalemia. Start with 50% calories over 24hrs
What medication do you never give to choelonia? What can you use instead?
Ivermectin = neurotoxin. (indigo, king snakes are also sensitive) use levamisole instead.
How do you treat entameoba ranarum?
Metronidazole
What percent can you take for blood sampling in an amphibian?
1.00%
What is dysecdysis?
poor shedding, not a Dz
Reptile fluid tx?
10-20ml/kg/day
How do you admin fluids to a reptile?
Preferred method is intracoelomic
