Lizards Flashcards
(155 cards)
1
Q
What is herpetology
A
Study of reptiles
2
Q
What is an endotherm
A
A reptile whos metabolism produces its own heat
3
Q
what is ectotherm
A
a reptile who relies on their environment to maintain their body temperature
4
Q
What is a POTZ
A
Preferred Optimum Temperature Zone
5
Q
What are reptiles considered
A
heterothermic (their BT varies)
6
Q
What does heliothermic mean
A
Species that heats up from a radiant source: diurnal basking
7
Q
What does thigmothermic mean
A
sits on a preheated surface- nocturnal
8
Q
What makes a reptile special from an evolutionary point of view
A
Their Skin: Scales (keratinized)
Their Eggs
9
Q
What are the 4 classes of reptilia
A
Crocodylia
Squamata
Chelonian
Rhyncocephalia
10
Q
What animals compose crocodylia
A
alligators and crocodiles
11
Q
what animals compose squamata
A
snakes and lizards
12
Q
what animals compose chelonian
A
turtles and tortoises
13
Q
what animals compose rhyncocephalia
A
tuatara
14
Q
What are the 6 genus’ of Squamata
A
Agamids Iguanids Chameleons Skinks Geckos Varanids
15
Q
What animals compose the agamids genus
A
chinese water dragon, bearded dragon
16
Q
What animals compose the genus iguanids
A
Iguana, Basilisks, Horned Lizard, Anole
17
Q
What animals compose the genus geckos
A
day Geckos, Leopard Geckos, crested geckos
18
Q
What must husbandry mimick
A
Natural Habitat
19
Q
What is cites
A
is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals
20
Q
Are most exotics captive bred or wild caught?
A
captive bred, with selective breeding for color variation
21
Q
Where do most medical issues with exotics result from
A
inadequate husbandry
22
Q
what is the goal of husbandry
A
is to recreate Natural Habitat and must fulfill all psychological and physiological needs
23
Q
What do you need to know about an exotics natural history and habitat
A
Is it arboreal or terrestrial
How does it like to get heat Heliothermic or thigmothermic
Substrate on floor ?
Hide box
Heating create a Temperature gradient *POTZ
Humidity requirements
Lighting light dark cycle( Photoperiod) + UV lights
Water availability and quality-How to Provide it?
24
Q
How do you find out about husbandry from the client
A
Do a detailed history, and ask for photos of the set up
25
How do people transport reptiles to the clinic
in a pillowcase, a Styrofoam container with heat packs
26
whats necessary for the cage for an exotic
```
ESCAPE PROOF
EASY TO CLEAN
POTZ TEMPERATURE RANGE(10o)
HUMIDITY RANGE
VERTICALY Or HORIZONTALLY ORIENTED ( arboreal or terrestrial)
Over all size ??
```
27
what are different types of cage material you can use
Glass, Wood,
| Plastic, Fiberglass
28
how do you choose a cage material
Retain Heat ?
Visual Security?
Ventilation ?
29
Describe the pros and cons for a glass and plastic cage
waterproof but do not retain the heat well animal may feel insecure if most of the sides are not covered.
30
describe the pros and cons for a fibreglass cage
waterproof but, again, does not retain the heat well, good visual security
31
describe the pros and cons for a wood cage
is heat retaining provides a sense of security; however, should have a water-resistant finish –Hard to disinfect
32
How do you provide ventilation
Good ventilation is essential. To provide an adequate through- flow of air
there should be ventilation panels at both the top and bottom.
Good ventilation makes it harder to heat and keep humidity up
33
How do you adjust lighting for a photoperiod
use a timer
34
What is necessary for the UVB lighting
UVB only 6 months-
Some provide heat as well
Reptile must be w/n 12 inches of light source
Always have a guard around lights ( burns)
35
What does UVA light do
Behavioural changes
36
What are the 3 lighting factors
photoperiod
quality UVB+UVA
intensity
37
Why is UVA exposure necessary
exposure is essential for normal behavior including activity, feeding and mating( reptiles can see in UVA)
38
What is UVB exposure necessary
necessary for the production of the vitamin D3
39
what are the different types of lights
```
Incandescent, (provide heat as well)
Fluorescent, (UVB- 6 months only
Black light (constant UVB)
Infra red
Ceramic
```
40
Why is photoperiod changes necessary
Mimicking your seasonal photoperiod is beneficial and the use of a timer is a huge help for making this easier.
41
How far away should fluorescent UVB bulbs be placed
10-12 inches away and adjacent to the basking heat source
42
how often do uvb lights need to be replaced
6-10 months
43
should uvb rays have a barrier between you and your reptile
No, Glass, acrylic and plastic block UVB while screens with grids under 1/2" can obstruct a good portion of UVB rays.
44
What percentage of fluorescent UVA UVB does the bulb need
5-10% UVB
45
What temperature gradient does the reptile need
8-10*
46
What is the general reptile recommendation
daytime 85-95F (100-105 hotspot) w nights 10 o lower
| Daytime (30-35 C)- hotspot (38-41 hotspot)
47
What is the temperature gradient for the uromastyx
--UROMASTYX– 105-110 F ( 40-43)
| Are the heat lovers
48
How do you provide heat for a reptile
From light source + heating pad underneath
49
What heating object burns reptiles often
Hot rocks
50
What is a heliothermic animal
diurnal
51
What is a thigmothermic animal
nocturnal
52
What are the acceptable heating methods
```
Central heating
Heating pads under tank
Heat tapes / cables
Radiant heat
Ceramic heaters/ infra red (no light)
Incandescent / Halogen bulbs- provide light as well as heat
```
53
Why don't you use hot rocks with a reptile
Hot rocks are not recommended as a heat source for lizards.
Their thick skin is without cutaneous sensation, leaving captive reptiles at risk of thermal burns.
Basking lizards sense heat on their back
Major risk of Thermal burns
54
What can happen if there is high humidity in a reptiles cage
more problems with bacterial growth, blistering on the skin
55
what can happen if there is low humidity in the cage
difficulty with sloughing, constipation, dysecdysis
56
How do you provide humidity to a reptile
spray bottle two or three times daily. dampened peat containers, real plants, or placing a water container on the heater, humidity box, misting device that simulates gentle rainfall
57
what are the humidity recommendations for an arid species
30-60
58
what are the humidity recommendations for a temperate species
60-80
59
what are the humidity recommendations for a tropical rainforest species
80-100
60
How does a herb obtain water
Many desert species lick dewdrops- so must use mist container
Some prefer only moving water
Not all use a water dish
Many reptiles enjoy soaking in water dish
61
What qualities are you looking for in the cage substrate
Non toxic, easily digestible, absorbable and easy to clean
Not support microbial growth
Newspaper and artificial turf good
Sand and gravel often result in gastrointestinal impaction
May provide environmental enrichment and allow natural behaviours
62
What are suitable substrates
```
Newspaper, carpet,
bark chips, +/- abrasive, support bacteria
pellets - rabbit pellets are digestible
mulch. +/-
In large enclosure can have “Bioactive”
i.e. forest floor mulch
```
63
What substrates should you avoid
You should avoid gravel, crushed corn cob, kitty litter, wood shavings and other substrates that can be ingested
64
What does playsand cause
Suppose to be digestive and provide calcium…but often causes impaction
Feed reptile away from substrate to avoid ingestion
65
Why do you use shredded aspen for snakes
Extremely absorbent because of its fine particle size, aspen has virtually no odour of its own
made from a hardwood tree that does not contain the irritating oils found in pine or cedar.
Hard to maintain humidity with this one
66
What accessories can you have in your cage
Hide boxes,-
food bowls,
Branches, rocks etc- Environmental ambience
67
How many hide boxes should you have
Should have at least 2
| One in hotter area, one in cooler area
68
Can you house multiple leopard geckos?
Multiple female leopard geckos can be housed together (if approximately the same size), but sexually mature males are territorial and will fight
69
What records should you be keeping with your reptiles
```
What and how they eat
Fecal and Urine output
Temperature and Humidity
Where does he hang out in the enclosure
Can detect illness early by noticing subtle changes
```
70
What are iguanidae
Mostly new world.
71
What animals compose iguanidae
anoles
iguanids
horned lizards
chuckwalla
72
What are agamids
old world iguanidae
73
Describe the common iguana
```
Herbivorous -
Males- have larger femoral pores, brighter colors
Males can be aggressive
Grow up to 2 meters
Large crest and dewlap
```
74
What type of dentition do iguanidaes have
pleurodont. Get replaced, grow on lingual side
75
Why would you not recommend iguana ownership?
they're huge and usually aggressive
76
what is special about the regal horned lizard
Can squirts blood from eye - as part of its defense mechanism
77
where is the chuckwalla found
north america-mexico
78
what do chuckwallas eat
herbivores
79
what does the green anole eat
insectivorous
80
describe agamids
Mostly old world and Australia
Similar to iguanids
are insectivorous ( + omivore)
acrodont dentition
81
What is an acrodont dentition
Agamid teeth are set along upper edge of jaw, = Acrodont dentition
82
what animals are part of the agamids
water dragons, bearded dragon, uromastix
83
Describe the bearded dragon
Australia and New Guinea;
arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and arid open woodlands.
Omnivore
84
What does the chinese water dragon look like
the iguana
85
what does the chinese water dragon eat
insectivorous
86
describe the chameleon
```
Specialized tongue for prey catching
Sits coiled up in oral cavity
Have turret like eyes that move independently
Opposable digits, prehensile tail
Chromatophores to change colors
Viviparous- live bearer
```
87
what does viviparous mean
live bearer
88
describe the anatomy of the chameleon
```
Laterally flattened bodies
Prehensile tail
Front feet have 2 large toes-
Zygodactylous 2 toes and 3 toes fused
Each eye can move independently
Tongue is as long as their body
Chromatophores in integument
```
89
Are chameleons characterized by sexual dimorphism
yes. Pardalis chameleon are characterized by brightly colored and larger males.
This female Pardalis chameleon is much smaller and duller than the male.
90
do chameleons make good pets
no, not for the novice herpitologist
91
describe the gecko
Many geckos and other lizards have tails that possess fracture planes - so it can break off easily autotomize (skinks + iguanas also)
A defense mechanism
Integument has chromataphores (as do anoles)
Color changes - due to light, heat, social influence, but not surrounding environmental color
Toe has fan like adhesive disks
92
what is special about geckos eyes
Geckos do not have eyelids- have a spectacle similar to a snake
93
is the leopard gecko a good first pet
yes
94
describe a crested gecko
```
From New Caledonia
arboreal
nocturnal,
Live 15–20 years
Thought to be extinct
Do not require live food
```
95
What is the ideal husbandry of the crested gecko
Arboreal vertical enclosure
Obtains water by licking dew drops off leaves mister
Ideal temperature range 78-82F (25-28C)
Humidity 60-80%-- mist often
Do not require UVB
Photoperiod – 12 hr
96
What are the only poisonous lizards
Gila Monster
Beaded Lizard
Have hollow teeth which allow venom to flow from sublingual glands
97
What causes dysecdydis
low humidity and poor nutrition
98
describe the ecdysis in most lizards
comes off in pieces, many lizards eat their sheds
99
describe the integument of lizards
no respiratory function unlike amphibians
100
what are the two chromatophore lizards
chameleons and anoles
101
what is special about the integument of geckos
they automotive (skinks and iguanas)
102
where do the acrodont teeth attach
to masticating surfaces. have no sockets are not replaced.
103
where do the plurodont teeth attach
attach to the lingual surface of mandible or maxilla, have no socket and are replaced.
104
Which lizards have acrodont teeth
aramids
105
which lizards have plurodont teeth
iguanas and monitors
106
What lizards have tail autotomy
Iguanidae, gekkonidae, scincidae
107
Describe tail autotomy
transverse cleavage plates. leaf tailed geckos can do this at will.
108
Describe the cardiovascular system of a lizard
2 atria + 1 ventricle
Functionally deoxygenated goes to lungs
Have large ventral abdominal vein
Have a renal portal system
109
Where do you do venipuncture in a lizard
medial (caudal) tail vein
110
Describe the respiratory system of lizards
External and internal nares (Choana)
Some lizards have salt secreting glands
No epiglottis
Most species do not have vocal chords (except geckos)
Lungs not as advanced as mammals
Faveoli instead of alveoli
Often lungs have an airsac like component
Some use airsac to puff up
No diaphragm- can not cough- coelomic cavity
111
Describe the digestive system of lizards
Herbivore, Carnivore, Insectivore, Omnivore
Tongue can be specialized- Chameleons- carnivores often have forked tongues
Jacobsons organ - Vormeronsal organ
Stomach, small intestine,
large intestine-> well developed- Iguana + chuckwalla--> microbial fermentation
Coproduem- cloaca- vent
112
What are the special adaptations of insectivores
Pancreas excrete chitinase to digest the chitin of insects
Most insectivores become omnivorous once adult-- (eg water dragron/ bearded dragon)
113
too much protein in a lizards diet causes what
kidney disease
114
describe a herbivore diet
```
-high fiber, low fat and low protein
Fresh dark leafy greens and variety of veggies (collard greens, dandelion, escarole, and mustard greens)
To high protein will cause renal dse
Do Not give dog/cat food
Ca: P 1.5:1 to 2:1
Do Not give excessive amount of fruits
Bananas can become addictive
```
115
what is an example of a good herbivore diet
A good diet is a mixture of dark leafy greens, raw green beans, pumpkin, alfalfa pellets and parsley in equal amounts with a small amount of fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, mangos, papaya or cantaloupe
Bananas can become addictive
116
describe a carnivore diet
Whole mice and rats, Chickens Quail Guinea pigs Rabbits Gerbils Fish
If feeding pinkies, fuzzies -- add Calcium
Make sure rodents are healthy and have no parasites
Feed killed prey
117
describe an insectivore diet
Crickets, mealworms, waxworms Superworms, Silkworms , Sweetworms Hissing roaches Night crawler, Fruit flies
Appropriate size of the insect- OFT- optimal foraging theory
Do not leave live crickets in enclosures with reptile
118
How do you increase nutrient value of insects
Importance of GUT LOADING
Dusting (shake and bake method)
119
what is a good gut loading strategies for crickets
Use Tropican baby bird formula powder
Give good balance of vitamins and minerals for your reptile when served within a cricket
Give slices of fresh sweet potato, yam, or carrot
DUSTING ( shake and bake)
120
How do you feed omnivores
Mix of herbivore,insectivore,carnivore reccomendation
121
describe the excretory system
Lizards are uricotelic- uric acids instead of urea
Renal portal system
Kidney disease or dehydration -> inc. UA
BUN evaluates hydration
Ureters drain into Urodeum
Many lizards have a bladder- not sterile, water re-absorption will occur here
122
What is kidney disease caused by
-caused by hypervitiminosis D--excess P +Protein in diet
123
How do you prevent bladder stones
Limit protein especially uric acid precursors such as purines that are high in asparagus, mushrooms, offal, anchovies and sardines
124
Describe the reproductive system of a lizard
Oviparous, ovoviparous, viviparous
Most lizards have 2 hemipenes
Sexual dimorphism in many adults
Iguana male- large femoral pores- see p 39 text
Eggs have soft leathery shell
Sex determination is chromosomal except
**chameleons which are temperature dependant like turtle and crocodiles and alligators
125
how do you determine the sex of a lizard
Anatomic- sexually dimorphic
Find Hemipenes
Cloacal probing-probe goes deeper in male
Manual eversion of hemipenes
Hydrostatic eversion of hemipenes
Radiographic – monitors calcified hemipenes
Surgery-Endoscopy- look for ovary or testes
126
Describe the eyes and ears of a lizard
Most lizards have movable eyelids and a nictitating membrane (not gecko)
Parietal eye- or third eye - photoreceptor connected to the pineal body
in the Tuatara (living fossil)- even has a vestigial lens
Vomeronasal or Jacobson's organ
Tympanum ventrocaudal to the eye
127
where is the parietal eye found
Parietal eye- or third eye – photoreceptor (vestigial lens tuatara)
128
what are common integumentary disorders
Rostral abrasions- bumping clear glass
Thermal burns – hot rocks
Dysecdysis - humidity
Ascending tail necrosis- dry gangrene
129
what are the common skeletal system disorders
metabolic bone diseases
130
What is a common nutritional disease in iguanas
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, iguana. The mandible often becomes decalcified in this condition, and bowing or shortening then occurs. Long bones may concurrently show signs of swelling.
131
What is a common symptom of metabolic disease in an iguana
lay flat, difficulty in supporting body weight
132
What is a common sign of fibrous osteodystrophy
enlarged thighs
133
What are the 3 ways metabolic bone disease can occur
light no UVB– no Vit D
Heat no POTZ- metabolism does not work
Nutrition Ca, Ca:P ratio
134
Describe pneumonia in reptiles
Usually a secondary bacterial infection subsequent to poor husbandry
135
what are the clinical signs of pneumonia in reptiles
dyspnea, oral secretions
136
how do you diagnose a reptile with pneumonia
X-rays, transtracheal wash
137
how do you treat pneumonia in a reptile
antibiotics
138
What are common digestive disorders in lizards
Anorexia
Infectious Stomatitis- mouth rot
Constipation, Obstruction,Impaction
Cloacal Prolapse
139
What are common reproductive disorders in lizards
Dystocia
Eggbound- Iguana
Paraphimosis- proplapsed hemipene
140
Describe surgery and anesthesia of a reptile
```
Low Oxygen stimulates breathing center
High CO2 has no effect
Use premeds and iso- as with mammals
Easy to intubate if big enough
Spontaneous ventilation is suppressed with high ox
IPPV commonly used- 2-4 bpm
use Pulse oximeter
Prolonged recovery times
```
141
what are common surgical procedures on a lizard
ovariosalphingectomy, salphingectomy
| Ovariectomy, orchiiectomy, enterotomy
142
How do you take a complete history and physical exam on a lizard
```
Information on Husbandry and nutrition
BCS (body condition score)- dorsal tail +pelvis
Hydration- eyes have a sunken appearance
Oral Exam :use rubber spatula-- look at
Choana- clear of exudate
Dentition- no erythema or exudate
Glottis- observe through several resp. cycles
Mucus membranes
Palpate firmness+ symmetry of mandible
```
143
How do you use the oculovagal reflex to your advantage with a lizard
use vet wrap around the eyes
144
What is important about observing the lizards stance and palpating its limbs
In a new area, such as a consulting room, a healthy lizard will stand so that it is supporting its bodyweight (for a quick getaway if an opening appears)
Inability to do this suggests a problem
145
What are common parasites of lizards
```
Mites and Ticks - tx animal + environment
Entamoeba
Cryptosporidium
Coccidia
Roundworms
Hookworms
pinworms
```
146
What are the possible zoonoses with lizards
Salmonella
| Psuedomonas, Aeromonas,
147
What are some steps to prevent disease transmission to people
Buy only captive bred reptiles.
• Wash your hands with a disinfectant after handling a reptile
• Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning the cage.
• Do not kiss a reptile
• Do not clean cage furnishings or prepare food items in your bathtub or kitchen sink.
• If bitten or scratched by a reptile, thoroughly clean the affected area with a disinfectant and hot water and consult your physician.
• Have reptiles examined by a veterinarian on a regular basis.
148
What are some reptile nursing techniques
force feeding, intravenous, intraossus catheter
149
What are some various diagnostic procedures in a lizard
Cloacal- colonic wash
Transtracheal wash
Venipuncture
150
where do you perform venipuncture in a reptile
caudal tail vein
| ventral abdominal vein
151
How do you handle iguanas
Handling:
Iguanas have sharp claws so it is advisable to be wary of this prior to lifting.
Do not grab around the neck or midsection from above.
Iguanas do not enjoy being held by the body with the legs dangling. Support the body with one hand ventral to the thorax and the other dorsal to the pelvis, catching the legs between the fingers.
Avoid excessive pressure on the limbs as fractures can occur quite easily.
152
How do you sex iguanas
Obvious sexual dimorphism exists in iguanas. Compared to a mature female green iguana, mature males have:
1. A more robust body build.
2. Larger head, neck, dewlap, and jowls.
3. More highly developed femoral pores.
4. Bilateral hemipenal bulges on the underside of the tail.
5. More vivid colouration during the mating season.
153
Describe feeding instructions for iguanas
Iguanas are herbivorous.
A Ca:P ratio of 2:1 is essential for effective bone growth and maintenance and so a diet of high Ca, low PO4 is recommended. This is extremely important. Metabolic bone disease is the most frequently diagnosed illness in iguanas and results from poor nutrition.
Good choices include Brassica leaves, dandelion, nasturtium, hibiscus, and mulberry leaves and flowers.
Small amounts of fruit, beansprouts, grass, hay, and alfalfa may also be offered.
154
What can occur in iguanas due to dehydration
Visceral or articular gout can occur due to dehydration. A constant supply of fresh water prevents this.
155
How should you house iguanas
Generally, iguanas should be provided with the largest space affordable and the cage should provide adequate ventilation.
A visual barrier of 6-18 inches high is important to provide cover for the animal and to deter escape.
The floor should be covered in an easily cleaned substrate such as newspaper or Astroturf.
An appropriate broad-spectrum UV light source should be provided. If an artificial source is not used, the iguana should be exposed to natural sunlight.
The heat source should be focal, e.g. ceramic bulbs, and separate to the light source.
The minimum enclosure temperature should be 23°C.
A feeding platform and water pan for drinking/bathing should also be provided.
